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Shiv Sainiks protest Valentine's Day celebrations

     New Delhi/Varanasi/Mumbai: Vandalism and protests marked Valentine's Day celebrations in parts of India on Monday (February 14). Activists of the hardline Shiv Sena took to the streets in both New Delhi and in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, targeting shops selling cards and gifts and western restaurants where couples were found spending intimate moments. They also burnt cardboard cutouts depicting the "heart" and other symbols of love and shouted slogans condemning the celebrations that they said violated Indian culture and ethos. "I protest this strongly. People who say that this is the only day to express love are wrong. In India we can celebrate love and there are so many festivals where we can celebrate it," said Jai Bhagwan Goel, the president of the Delhi wing of the Shiv Sena. Saint Valentine's Day has become increasingly popular in India in recent years, led by retailers selling red balloons, velvet pillows and teddy bears to mark the festival. But the growing popularity of the day in officially secular, but mainly Hindu, India has in recent years sparked countrywide protests which have sometimes turned violent. A group of Shiv Sena activists damaged several card shops in Varanasi. Later on activists disrupted programmes at restaurants which were holding special carnivals. But undeterred youngsters celebrated the Valentine's Day in Mumbai, India's commercial capital with gusto, notwithstanding the fact that the western metropolis is the main stronghold of the Shiv Sena. Hardline groups say Valentine's Day celebrations are a symbol of "cultural corruption" but that has not dampened the enthusiasm of youngsters who throng stores to buy Saint Valentine's Day gifts and cards. Groups like the Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena are part of a growing tribe of cultural vigilantes in India opposed to increasing Westernisation.

     The Delhi unit of Shiv Sena has termed Valentine's Day as "Prostitution Day" and will hold a protest march near Delhi University to oppose the celebrations. Sena sources said that they have named the day as "Prostitution Day" because they see it as Western society's poisoning influence on India.
(Another Report)

Roses flood Delhi markets on Valentine's Day (Go To Top)

     New Delhi: Lovers thronged flower markets to select their choicest expressions of love as India celebrated Valentine's Day on Monday (February 14). An amazing number of people flocked markets to buy flowers for their loved ones. Rose being the flower of the day and red being the colour of the day, flower marts looked simply red. With people ready to dig deep into their pockets business boomed for the small and big time florists. "Today is a special day, it's Valentine's Day. Red and yellow roses sell the most and the sale is brisk. On regular days we sell each rose stick for rupees five but today it sells for over 15 rupees. Lot of girls reach here to buy flowers," said Rajan, a flower vendor. February 14, which honours a third-century martyr who is considered the patron saint of lovers around the world has gained popularity with the young people as western lifestyle gains acceptance in larger cities. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in and around several shops crowded with customers buying red balloons, cards and gifts to mark the occasion, amidst fears of protest by hardline Hindu groups who consider it a non-Indian concept.

Nepal must reinstate democracy, Natwar to envoy (Go To Top)

      New Delhi: External Affairs Minister K.Natwar Singh on Monday told Nepal's envoy to India, Karna Dhoj Adhikari that the Himalyan kingdom must reinstate multi-party democracy, restore freedom of the media and take immediate steps for the release of political leaders, journalists and human rights activists. According to a statement issued by External Affiars spokesman, Navtej Sarna, Singh also told Adhikari that efforts must be made to evolve a national consensus for addressing the country's problems. Singh said that India wanted a stable and peaceful Nepal in its neighbourhood, The meeting was held at the request of the Nepalese envoy.

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