Couples melt into Cupid’s pot as protesters shrink

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 14

Couples celebrated Valentine’s Day without any objection from any social or religious organisation in the city.  

“Our party is not opposing the Valentine's Day celebrations. Senior party leaders have asserted that it is not their party line,” said Harish Singla, vice-president, Shiv Sena Punjab. 

However, incidents of opposing the Valentine’s Day celebrations were witnessed in the past. But this year, things seemed to be different on February 14.

Earlier, a few Hindu groups used to raise objections and stop couples from sitting together in the open on this occasion. Incidents of beating up couples were also reported from the city in the past. 

The royal city celebrated the festival of love with great fervour.

Flower shops had also sprung up in view of the huge demand for flowers owing to the Valentine’s Day. Some of them had put up tents alongside busy roads. They were seen selling flowers and bouquets. 

Coffee houses in the city were crowded with young couples.

Hotels, markets, bakeries and other shops were lit up beautifully. A large number of youngsters were seen buying gifts for their special ones. According to gift shop owners, there was a huge demand for personalised greeting cards, frames, coffee mugs, and bed sheets having pictures of couples.

Some popular bars had prepared a special menu. Some of these served “Valentine Beer”.

Manpreet Singh, an owner of one of the Archie's galleries, said, “Talking pillow, wish bottles and LED balloons were hugely in demand, besides teddies and bouquets.”

A couple at Chotti Baradari said, "This year, no one has objected to the celebrations of Valentine’s Day. We are happy.”