Valentine’s Day remains a low-key affair, courtesy Sunday

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 14

Sunday seems to have played a spoilsport on Valentine’s Day as it remained a low-key affair in the city. Since educational institutions were closed, those who have plans for the day got no chance to meet their loved ones. 

Moreover, police personnel were deployed in good numbers in markets that presented a routine Sunday look till 4.30 pm.

The Tribune visited various markets of the city. Many shopkeepers were seen decorating their shops with heart-shaped balloons to woo young customers in the evening. Surinder Singh, one of the attendants at a shop, said there would be a lot of customers in the evening when youngsters gathered in the market.

He said youngsters had become smart. They avoid busy public places on such occasions. 

“They go to restaurants or on a long drive to spend time with each other. However, Sarabha Nagar has always remained an attraction for residents who visit the market to see the hustle and bustle on such important days,” he said.

Meanwhile, a policeman, who was deployed in the market, said they were ordered not to be a spoilsport. They were deployed in the market in good numbers to make sure there was no unruly scene or boys did not tease girls.

A college student said Sunday had spoiled her Valentine’s Day plans. “But since it is an important day and a friend of mine has got me a gift, I have asked my parents to let me go to a boutique to try a dress. It will give me a chance to meet my friend for 20-25 minutes. I have requested the person, who runs the boutique, not to tell my parents about my plan,” she said.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers selling pets near Model Town had kept many pups outside their shops.  These were decorated with colourful ribbons. 

The shopkeeper said youngsters gift pups to one another on Valentine’s Day.