Pragmatic Mumbaikars have redefined traditional norms and made Shradh a favourable phase to hunt for a new house and at times, even finalise the deal

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Pragmatic Mumbaikars have redefined traditional norms and made Shradh a favourable phase to hunt for a new house and at times, even finalise the deal

A flexible approach towards most aspects of life is what distinguishes Mumbaikars from other Indians. From working across a wide variety of loactions and across all hours of the day or night to surviving on instant noodles and microwave food that can be heated, eaten in the same container and then just as quickly disposed off, there is hardly any task where ‘adjustments’ are not made. As a matter of fact, the average Mumbaikars practical approach to life is exemplified in just about every aspect of it. Speed dating and social networking websites have replaced traditional matchmaking forums and the hassle of finding accommodation has made living in together a reality that no longer raises eyebrows. In such a scenario, it was only a matter of time before the approach towards one of key necessities of survival in the city – buying a home – became just as pragmatic. From a stage when the ‘Pitrupaksh’ or ‘Shradh’ phase was considered a strict no-no where real estate matters were concerned (Most builders used to send their staff on holiday and often take one themselves), today it is normal to see couples not just house hunting but also booking homes during this period. Traditionally declared as the phase for paying respects to ancestors, it was understood that no ‘new’ acquisition would be made during this period. However, call it a cosmopolitan outlook or sheer necessity, Mumbaikars have realised that it’s difficult to put off a home search for 15 days in a city that hardly ever sleeps. Many developers have experienced this trend firsthand in their projects and wholeheartedly approve of it. After all, as many of them point out, one does not hesitate to celebrate the birth of a child if it is born during this phase, so why put off a flat purchase? Since this phase keeps away ‘traditional’ home seekers, the cosmopolitan-minded ones find it easier to conduct site visits during the Pitrupaksh period. The sales team is not overburdened with visitors, so those buyers who do land up get preferential treatment. Options are explained and details provided patiently, without glancing furtively at the next customer in line! Many home seekers are in their mid-to-late twenties or early thirties, so getting their own home takes priority. Since most such couples are already staying on their own in rented premises, the concept of taking clearance from elders no longer applies. Ironically, contrary to what doomsayers used to predict, most home buyers during this phase have ended up getting a pretty good deal. Years have passed by with no negative consequences of their decision whatsoever. Even those who are ‘afraid’ to conclude a purchase deal during Pitrupaksh have found ways to get around the obstacles. All they do is start the process around Ganeshotsav so that they can continue shortlisting projects during Pitrupaksh. If an ideal house is located, they just hand over a token amount and ‘book’ it without any paperwork. The actual document signing is then done during Dussera, so in any case it is business as usual with hardly any decline in terms of transaction activity or inquiries. However, what is really driving transactions in Mumbai even during this so called ‘inauspicious’ period, is that the elder generation also now has a much more liberal outlook. As flat buyers keep getting younger, their parents are also at an age where pragmatism overrules tradition. In many cases, when the younger couple voices concerns, it is the parents who advise them to seize opportunities whenever they arise rather than getting bogged down over dogma. This is more visible in families from the business community, where it is pointed out that since they do not suspend work or reject a profitable opportunity during Pitrupaksh, there is no need to avoid a housing deal either. No businessman refuses a big order and no employee refuses a promotion given during Pitrupaksh so why hesitate in booking a house for your family? The attitude towards ones departed ancestors has also changed considerably. Fears of incurring their wrath have been replaced with the thought that buying a home during this period actually gives the younger couple a chance to seek their blessings. Many builders also offer special rates for those who book flats during this period, as an additional incentive. Perhaps it is this factor that has in a way tilted the scales in favour of pragmatism over tradition!