As Valentine’s Day is approaching near, various shops in the State capital are leaving no stone unturned to attract the prospective buyers by dangling myriad forms of gaudy gifts before them. Four days ahead of the special day for the lovers the celebration is slated on Sunday—the spirit of the celebration is discernible in the principal markets of the city, a new trend in Dehradun though. Online retailers and shoppers are also offering special items at attractive prices for the youths for Valentine’s Day shopping.
However, despite the day gaining momentum in Dehradun and elsewhere, the youths are still a tad hesitant to come out in the celebratory mood, given the orthodoxy deep-seated in the society. But the shop-owners particularly in the city’s bustling markets are going all out to entice them into the celebratory extravaganza.
They say the response is tremendous with the generation next thronging in droves the gift galleries, accessories shops, restaurants and parks in the State capital.
“However, the number of the married couples gearing up for the celebration of the day is more than the youths who are yet to tie the nuptial knots. But the number of such youths is rising fast with the orthodoxy slowing yielding way to the trend of the time. They are swarming in the city markets in their hordes. Some are buying the Valentine gifts and cards while others are opting for the chocolates and the like to be gifted to those nearer their hearts. However, the maximum crowd would be seen on the day itself and the day preceding it. The day falling on Sunday, we hope to sell a great deal,” said an elated shop-owner in a mall located on Rajpur Road.
A 22- year- old Anuradha said that the Valentine’s Day is meant celebrate love, affection and togetherness. “The day might be celebrated with the near and dear ones in the family and also with friends who standby us through thick and thin,” adding that to flaunt the day as an exclusive one of romance is wrong.
Pacing up with the demand V -Day gifts, online gift selling websites have also started up their Valentine preparations by adding a collection of romantic love gifts and flowers into their vast catalogue of gifts.
Many are opting for the online shopping as it spares them the usual trouble of reaching up to the market places and gift stores. “Going to the stores is a sheer waste of time. Why should we choose it when there are easier options availableIJ But this is not all. The online shopping is also offering a beautiful collection of online Valentine flowers for the folks in love. We love to gift them to our special ones on a special day,” said a couple residing in the city.
Vikas working at Archies Gallery at Moti Bazar said, “The concept of Valentine’s Day seems to have cast a spell on the young lovers as well as the married couples. We have been having a steady stream of buyers for cards and gifts for the past few days. However, like the past many years, the number of the married women is the greatest. Some of them are also buying items for their mother-in-laws and children as the day epitomizes the celebration of love.”
A gallery salesman at Palten Bazar said, “We offer a variety of cards for the family members, be it father, mother, brother, sister, friends or lover. There is something for every relationship. The trends for cards and gifts have moved from bulky to lighter, from showy to decent and cute. Heart-shaped cakes and pastries are much in demand.”
Shilpi, a private university student who lives in hostel in Karanpur, said, “I have a surprise for my Valentine which I will reveal to him on Valentine Day itself.
Rupesh, a student of a private university, said he was curious to know what the day is all about. “I am not much inclined to celebrate the day. I used to shy away from it. But this year I am very curious as my friend Ashish has just entered into a friendship with a girl. I would love to see how they would celebrate the day together,” he added.
Ramesh, resident of Tehri, said “Though the festival originates from the West, it conveys the message of affection and love. We will love to visit an old-age home, to spend some time with the wretched, forlorn elderly people staying there to mark the day. We will gift them with flowers to make them look up at life with the warmth that the ingratitude of their near ones has robbed them of. This is what the day signifies for us,” he added.