Jamshedpur, Feb 14: Valentine’s Day celebration in the city was peaceful without any untoward incident on Sunday. Over 200 police personnel were deployed at different parts of the city, focus was especially along parks and malls where people gathered in large numbers.
While the youths celebrated Valentine’s Day, while activists of organisations like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad observed the day ‘Black Day’ in protest against Pulwama attack in Kashmir.
“We have paid tributes to the martyrs who lost their lives in Kashmir on this day. We have gathered along with youths to recognize the contribution made by our brave soldiers,” said Arun Kumar Singh, official, VHP, Jamshedpur. He said 14 February is like a black day for Indians and we need to boycott Valentine’s Day and remember brave soldiers.
Young couples, college and school students, and families were spotted enjoying boat rides and local cuisines at the riverside and parks in the city while enjoying the Valentine’s Day At the same time, the gift shops and florists had a good time as buyers thronged to purchase gifts, flowers and bouquets to present to their loved ones on the Valentine’s Day.
Most of the shops and shopping malls were decorated with red ribbons and heart shaped balloons. The weather also turned a little pleasant as people enjoyed bright sunshine.
Police had made elaborate arrangements to thwart any attempt of moral policing in the city by right wing outfits.
“We are not for moral policing. We will not allow anyone to take law in their hands. We have deployed adequate number of police to ensure that there is no violence and harassment of couples,” a senior police officer said.Last year, the Valentine’s Day celebrations were peaceful here with police taking adequate steps.
Extending the V-day mood over the weekend, several hotels in the city like Hotel Sonnet and The Alcor have a food spread that guarantees to spice up your date with not just significant others but also with family and friends.
“ With slow music in the background with typical Valentine ’s Day motifs of red hearts, roses and candlelights. The general myth that Valentine’s Day is just for couples, we want a food spread that can be celebrated with families and friends too,” said manager of a hotel.
Sister Jacinta of RP Patel Cheshire Home in Sundernagar said that there are lots of people in the city who celebrate their Valentine’s Day by visiting welfare home and taking to underprivileged kids, listening to their stories and making a donation of the sum they otherwise would have spent buying flowers and gifts for your loved ones. They celebrate love in its true sense.
“If we can play a part in showing them the right path while bringing smiles on their faces, that’s the best way we could spend our Valentine’s Day”, said one of the volunteers
