The first day of 2026 in Chandigarh was marked not just by celebrations but by the hopeful cries of new life. The city's premier government hospitals witnessed the arrival of 53 newborn babies, each tagged with the special "2026" label, symbolising a fresh start for the families and the city itself.
A Remarkably Balanced Beginning
Beyond the sheer joy, the day's statistics revealed a heartening trend. The New Year's Day deliveries across Chandigarh's major public healthcare institutions showed an almost perfect equilibrium between boys and girls. This balanced demographic start was noted as a positive sign for the city. The bulk of these arrivals were managed by the city's three big public hospitals, which are renowned for handling high-volume and complex cases with efficiency.
Hospital-Wise Breakdown of New Arrivals
The Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16 emerged as the busiest centre, welcoming 23 new citizens into the world. The gender split here was remarkably close, with 12 boys and 11 girls.
At the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 (GMCH-32), a total of 18 babies were born. This hospital saw a notable tilt towards girls, with 12 girls and six boys taking their first breath on New Year's Day.
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), which typically handles the region's most critical and referred cases, recorded a perfectly even split. It welcomed six boys and six girls, making for a total of 12 newborns.
A Day of Single Births and Destiny
Doctors reported that the day was one of "single joys," with no twins or triplets among the 53 births. Medical professionals emphasised that the number of deliveries was consistent with a typical day's workload. A doctor from GMCH-32 highlighted the nature of their work, stating, "We handle serious and complicated cases. There are no choices of new year or anything. These newborns were destined to happen on this day."
In contrast to the emergent nature of births in public hospitals, some parents in private institutions had planned for the date. Eager parents, considering astrological advice, chose January 1 for its auspiciousness. Shankar Jha, a city resident, shared his family's decision, saying, "I planned for a C-section as my due date was two days before. We decided to go for Jan 1 as our family pandit predicted it was an auspicious day."
The collective joy of 53 births painted a hopeful picture for Chandigarh as it stepped into 2026, with its newest residents offering a promise for the future.
