Capital celebrates V-Day despite protests

New Delhi, Feb 14 (UNI) Ignoring threats from Shiv Sena, many youngsters in the Capital celebrated St Valentine's Day today with gifts of red roses, heart-shaped cakes and chocolates.

Markets across the capital were swamped with Valentine's Day paraphernalia, providing shopkeepers and business record sales.

The Shiv Sena's warning to various companies, hotels, schools and colleges as well as the manufacturers of Archies cards to desist against hosting the celebrations did not deter the youngsters.

''What is wrong in celebrating love.... India culture will not be destroyed if we celebrate Valentines Day,'' said Mohit Khannan, an executive in an MNC, who was gift shopping for his girlfriend in Khan Market.

Condemning the celebrations, which passed off more or less peacefully, the Shiv Sena has said it opposed the concept of Valentines day as it was an example of increasing western influence on Indian culture.

Delhi Shiv Sena chief Jai Bhagwan Goel said,''there are already a number of festivals like Holi, Diwali, Eid and Rakshabandhan to celebrate the spirit of love. Where, then, is the need to celebrate a vulgar display of love as marked by a festival like Valentine's Day.'' In this context, Mr Goel had issued a warning to various companies Valentine's Day -- which has its origins in the Christian feast of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of romance -- has steadily gained popularity among the youth in India in the recent years.

UNI