Hospitals flooded with requests for cesarean deliveries on Ram Mandir inauguration day

Many expectant mothers have requested for caesarean section deliveries on January 22, coinciding with the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, news reports doctors said. Dr Seema Dwivedi, from the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College in Kanpur, told Press Trust of India that they received written requests for 12 to 14 caesarean deliveries and are preparing for 35 such operations on that day. The family members of the expectant mothers, regardless of their due dates, consider January 22 as an "auspicious" day due to the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla's idol at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Doctors note that expectant mothers often consult priests for an auspicious date and time and make delivery requests accordingly. Dr Dwivedi however shared concerns about families pressuring doctors to overlook potential complications arising from scheduling deliveries on specific 'muhurta' (auspicious time) suggested by priests.

A psychologist said that people believe an auspicious birth time positively influences the baby's personality and spirituality can offer strength to cope with life stresses.


Similar requests for C-sections on January 22 have been reported across India, including at private nursing. Some hospitals have made special arrangements to accommodate these requests but some facing challenges in aligning deliveries on a single day without overburdening facilities or posing risks to mothers and infants.

While mothers hope for blessings and good fortune, medical professionals stress the importance of prioritizing health and safety over auspicious dates.

The consecration ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya will happen on January 22. But rituals will start from January 16. Around 4,000 saints have been invited from all sects. Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid ji from Kashi and Lakshmikant Dikshit ji will conduct the Pran Pratishtha Puja. Following the consecration, a 48-day cycle of mandala puja will be led by Vishwaprasann Teerth Ji.