The recession might explain a decrease in footfalls in the malls but there are other enticements that compel people to do the rounds of these places of activity and amusement. The future is indeed here and prophecy is pulling the crowd, as fortunetellers are making their presence felt. Be it a restaurant like Mirchi Kola, a multiplex such as Mariplex (Big Cinemas), Wonder Funky, a play land for kids; astrologers arrest attention like nothing else.

While you would find tarot card readers at most of the malls, the traditional jyotish uttering almost accurate predictions still persists at resorts. Says Raviraj Shastri who practices palmistry and face reading at Sanskruti Resort, "Astrology is being practiced by my family since generations. While the intention to solve problems of people remains constant, moving to a public place has indeed increased my clientele almost by 60 per cent."

“I have gone to an astrologer thrice in the last two months. It is out of curiosity. This is a trend in the young generation; earlier there were palmists sitting on the roadside but no one was interested; maybe that's the reason they are coming up in sophisticated places. The access is easier too and earlier tarot card too wasn't so popular. I have been to a tarot card reader at Mariplex. It's a good deal for them although it is at times a little uncomfortable in public," adds Jyostna Fernandes, an employee in WNS.

"I am here only on the weekends and practice elsewhere too. Although there are some frequent clients too its amidst public the conversations are quite personal I think most of the people are quite serious and follow our advice however some often take it lightly, may be it's curiosity for them. I think it's about helping people and it gratifies to do this," adds he.

For Kanjal Patel it is fun and entertainment. “I never miss going to the palmist when I visit Chokhi Dhani . I have consulted the palmist twice in the last two months. For a fun-loving person like me, it is timepass and I see no objections. For them, it is a good means of livelihood. This is much better than flipping through the pages of a newspaper to look for fortunetellers," she says.