Sri Ram Sene activists appeal to shun Valentine's Day in Bhopal
Bhopal: Activists of Sri Rama Sene burnt greeting cards and appealed locals to boycott Valentine's Day celebration in Bhopal. They condemned the Valentine's
Day celebration by saying it is against Indian culture and values. The activists
warned the young courting couples that if they are seen celebrating the 'day of
love', they would be forced to tie the nuptial knots. Heralding this message,
they took out a rally raising anti-Valentine's Day slogans and brunt Valentine
greeting cards. "We are marking our protest by taking out this rally. And we are
giving warning to all the couples that that they should not celebrate Valentine's
Day. February 14 is against our culture and they should not spread vulgarity.
If they want to express love, then they can do that on 364 days of the year, we
won't object but February 14 is against our culture," said Pawan Singh Yadav,
a local functionary of Sri Rama Sene, Bhopal. Valentine's Day has become increasingly
popular in India in recent years, a trend led by retailers who do a roaring business
by selling V-Day cards, heart-shaped balloons, fluffy teddy bears and assorted
items to herald 'I Love You' messages including confectionary products.