I was today years old when I actually learned about the relevance of the number 12. I mean do you know already? If not, scroll down to read!

Coming back to the main topic, I find being an Indian pretty confusing. We are so still under the colonial hangover yet trying to back to our roots too. We love to converse in English yet our English is never taken seriously outside India. We officially follow the Gregorian calendar but never fail to follow Saka Era or schedule auspicious ocassions according the various calendars being followed.
So I was really taken aback when my parents expressed their wish to celebrate our 12 th wedding anniversary with great pomp and show. I knew about a decade. Well that was in 2021, when the pandemic was its peak. What happened to 12 years? According to them, 12 years meant a "yug" and that's what they wanted to cherish with their loved ones. My parents hadn't thrown a big party since years and they needed an excuse for a get together. I, having no other choice, supported them in whatever way I could...like talking to the party planner, designing invites et al.
However yesterday I sat down thinking about the importance of the number 12. I mean I know 11 is considered holy and so are odd '1' numbers like 1001, 21, 101, etc etc. Upon researching, I found out that The symbolic significance of the number twelve is probably that of the restoration of dharma or the expiation of guilt. Purna Kumbha is celebrated every 12 years, Mantras, Japas and Pranayama are done in multiples of 12, it takes 12 years to break a habit or form a practice etc etc. Also, according to Hindu mythology, 12 years of earth days is equal to one day of Lord Brahma. How fascinating!
The number 108, which is considered one of the most sacred numbers in Hinduism; is a multiple of 12. And according to numerology, the number 12 is a reminder to work on your personal relationships and strive to be the best you can be. Focusing on positive things will help you to have the best time in your life. The number 12 is also associated with the angelic realm, so it may be a sign that you're receiving guidance from the angels.
Last, but not the least, the number 12 is strongly associated with the heavens—the 12 months, the 12 signs of the zodiac, and the 12 stations of the Moon and of the Sun.
Coming to the celebrations, the menu was even more elaborate than our wedding. 12 years back, there weren't prawns on the menu (only various variants of chicken, mutton and fish) . So this time around, there was this famous Bengali delicacy : Tiger prawns in coconut curry along with the hot dishes of mutton and chicken that Bengalis relish. Also there was Baked Bhetki too, which was a crowd heart winner. Of course that goes without saying that there was a pure vegetarian menu too as my in laws side don't even like to smell eggs. That may be a tiny example how complicated my life is 😂
The celebration was exactly how my parents wanted it to be. Now I have a bit of a rant here. So how important are gifts for parties? I mean of course I will never turn up anywhere empty handed. I love gifting and I put a lot of efforts and thoughts into it. However over the years I have realised that some people treat it more like a chore. Actually I am sure that hosts never expect gifts. The presence of the guests is more valuable. Then why do some people think they can get rid of their home's clutter by dumping off at a party? I am sure you can relate what I am trying to say here. Some people don't even care to check whether the stuff that had been lying around is in a givable condition or not. Sometimes I really feel like putting up a small post script on the invite that kindly don't bring gifts. I have enough stuff to deal with already (influencer life problems) but that really does not seem polite so I don't. However I do wish that people realize that a party isn't the place to get rid of someone's clutter.
That being said, I am incredibly grateful for all the thoughtful gifts I receive from my loved ones. Gifts are symbolic of blessings and hold special memories; so I really value them and hence my thoughts on those who treat them with disrespect.
Anyways, enough for now. These 12 years have been the biggest lessons ever of my life!
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads' Cookhouse.