Valentine's Day in India

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Despite complaints from religious groups that it is an affront to Indian tradition and culture, and further westernizing the Indian populous, Valentine's Day has now become a widely recognized and celebrated day with Indian people.

Couples who plan to go on Valentine's Day dates in some parts of India risk having their romance disrupted by religious radicals trying to prevent men and women meeting each other in public places.

The right-wing Hindu organisation Bajrang Dal has said it will oppose Valentine's Day celebrations in Madhya Pradesh "tooth and nail", claiming the day reflects a western phenomenon which is destroying Indian culture.

Traditional Indian society does not approve of public displays of affection between men and women, including hand-holding and kissing.

Another Hindu organization, the Shiv Sena, has said it will take pictures of couples caught expressing their love in cinemas, cafes, and shopping malls and give the pictures to their parents.

However, the messages of the small number of protestors is being ignored by by many people, especially the younger generations. In Delhi, smart restaurants are fully booked for February 14th and card shops and florists are expecting to do record business.

The Indian Post Office is also cashing in. It has launched a set of floral-scented stamps for Valentine's Day and hopes this will encourage people to send letters and cards to each other, rather than relying on emails and text messages to express their love.

Valentine's Day is a relatively new concept in India but it has grown in significance in the past five years.

As India's economy booms, many desi women have found that financial independence brings with it freedom of choice when it comes to relationships.

Traditionally, the choice of whom a young girl marries, was usually made by her parents. Now though, many educated and professional women in India are following their own hearts, and the young men have also discovered that Valentine's Day offers an opportunity to lure the young women their way.

Businesses, as well as internet dating sites, are more than willing to cash in.

One of the longest established dating sites which cater to the Indians, Indian Friend Finder, says that February is the most popular month for new registrations to its website.