Drinking, dining and dancing dominate the celebration agenda of the day.
Dim lights, soft romantic music and an abundance of flowers and chocolates- what more can you ask for? Maybe a sprinkling of true love and hope that cops don’t come raiding.
Over the time, there have emerged three broad groups who celebrate Valentine’s Day in different ways. They are: those who don’t believe in it, those who take it as an opportunity to express their deepest feelings and gratitude, and those who think it to be just another reason to party. This Valentine’s Day, we have a very valid question: “Is love really in the air?”
The three groups still exist but their members seem to be changing their allegiance like grains of desert sand rolling from one dune to another.
“Earlier people used to come to visit our shops a week or a fortnight before the Valentine’s Day, looking for the perfect present.
Now, they usually rush in a day or two in advance and just pick up something from the top of the shelf,” said Hiral, owner of a card and gift shop in city. Celebrations are increasingly being related to a party in a farmhouse in the obscurity of a highway. “I’ve plans to go to a party near Shilaj. It is an at-invitation-only affair, with only friends and friends of friends invited. We like it that way.
We can play our own music, eat what we like and no deadlines to worry about. Commercial parties have those hassles,” said Ankit, a young working professional. Drinks, dance and dinner seem to be on the menu of majority of the celebrations. Farmhouses promise to be as crowded as ever this time around.
However, two major deviations have become evident in the way the day is celebrated. Firstly, the day is no longer celebrated as moments of romantic love of a couple only. And secondly, there are, now, more than one special ones for a few whom they greet and present gifts.
Jaskirat Singh, an MBA student, said, “I don’t consider Valentine’s Day just for getting mushy and romantic. I take the time to buy presents or express my love in a much broader sense. Cousins, friends, parents - I love them all.”
Darshan Shah, another gift shop owner in city, also expressed the same sentiments. “Yes, a lot of people buy soft toys or gift cards for their best friends or parents during the occasion. It is no longer just about a romantic couple or a spouse,” he said. However, a trend that may raise many an eyebrow was revealed by Hiral.
“People come in and buy multiple gifts and cards. They have more than one person to give these gifts to. It isn’t uncommon for us to notice someone coming in and buying three separate gifts for three different lovers,” she said, adding this phenomenon has increased her business. “People’s choice of gifts is also evolving.
The 24 karat gold showpieces studded with Swarovski crystals have been a favourite this year and chocolate bouquets are a rage. However, soft toys still rule the roost with even women buying them for men,” Hiral added.
The quieter couples seem to have opted for a movie and a romantic dinner. Many of the city’s restaurants are offering a special Valentine theme menu and candle light dinners. “It is our red carpet rolled out to couples. We want to create the perfect ambience to make their dinner memorable,” said Devesh Soni, manager of a local restaurant.
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