The unanticipated rise of online astrology-related services began almost a decade ago in India, and it continues to date with now big players taking an interest. In 2020, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, astrologers witnessed a huge spike in demand as people are keen to know their post-corona future.
From celebrities, politicians to homemakers, Indians of all strata have always turned to astrology for guidance in times of stress. The prolonged lockdown due to the pandemic furthered the beliefs of Indians in the pseudoscience. According to a report, one of the popular astrology websites witnessed a 42% rise in revenues during the lockdown period. Whether it is stock market investors or students seeking career advice, Indians turn to online astrology-related services for all their answers.
Indian Astrology Is Riding High On Digital Platforms
Astrology, or ‘Jyotish Vidya’ as it is called in India, has seen a sudden boost with the advent of modern technology. Many new-age entrepreneurs, including venture capitalists, are willing to invest in preserving this age-old art of predicting the future. Astrologers are using social media platforms to reach out to potential clients.
In the last decade, many new astrology startups have started with multi-million investments from both the country and internationally. The growing interest in astrology has motivated a few to leave their established careers and venture into this field. The established players like GaneshaSpeaks and Astrosage have stiffer competition from the new startups in this field.
Besides corporates, many online individual practitioners are making it big in this field with their celebrity clientele. They typically cover all aspects of astrology, from being AstroTarotloger, numerologist to Vaastu Consultant, past life regression therapists, energy healer, and spiritual guide to a life coach.
Online astrology saves a lot of time for users as they do not have to personally visit the astrologer or take a prior appointment for a consultation. The cost of online consultation can be anywhere between Rs 12 to Rs 400 per minute, which Indians are will to spend as they get the convenience of availing quality online astrology services in the comfort of their homes and absolute privacy. Moreover, the service is available seven days a week, which means that clients can seek advice at their convenience.
Amidst The Pandemic, Online-Astrology Has Seen A Surge In Demand
Although India’s obsession with talking parrots and crystal balls dates back to a long time amidst these uncertain times, many have turned to online astrology. Many online-astrology firms saw significant growth in 2020.
AstroTalk, one of the online astrology apps, has witnessed consistent month-on-month growth of about 10% since April 2020. Most of the consultation queries are about career and health besides the normal questions of love, relationship, and marriage.
Another astrology app, AstroSage, with more than 40 million downloads, stated that they had seen a 100% increase in the first quarter after the pandemic started. AstroYogi, another astrology app, has witnessed a 20% increase in terms of users. Many astrologers have left their offline consultation and are joining online services during the pandemic—the primary reason being that the customers do not want to meet in person due to the contagion. Furthermore, online platforms have given astrology companies a wider scope since more consultations can be handled at a time.
As per media reports, the Indian religious and spiritual market is estimated to be more than $40 billion, and out of this, $10 billion is for the horoscopes alone. The growth is also being attributed to the fact that suddenly the younger generation has also started taking an interest, especially those starting with their career. The uncertainty has made them a bit apprehensive about the future and shifting to online astrology services.
LinkAstro, an astrology app launched in August 2020, was initially scheduled for a November launch; however, the increasing interest in astrology in the Indian market was preponed. The app has witnessed over 4500 downloads within two months of launch.
Online Astrology-Related Services Will Always Thrive In India
While we are a modern nation with the best technological advancements, the belief in astrology remains in general. Marriages in our country still happen after matching birth charts, and most people look for auspicious date and time to perform important tasks. Astrology in India was always there and would continue to be there till eternity, even though we have moved to a more digital space.
