Despite opposition, lovers paint town red on V'day

Lucknow, Feb 14 (UNI) Notwithstanding tight security arrangements and Opposition by anti-Valentine's Day organisations, love seemed to be in the air in the 'City of Nawabs' today.

Unmindful of the Opposition, love birds were seen pledging everlasting love for each other across the city.

The couples were spotted holding hands and hugging each other in several malls and multiplexes.

They were seen flocking to several outlets since yesterday to buy gifts for their Valentine. Some were seen cuddling red roses, others were holding greeting cards and teddy bears for their love.

Diamond jewellery, gold plated sets, paintings, cassettes were sold like hot cakes.

A florist in Hazratganj area of the state capital informed, ''like always, there was a heavy demand for flowers. We had heavy bookings for red, pink, yellow and white roses. This time, we made huge heart-shaped bouquets on customers' demand.'' How could the couples in the 'city of love' Agra be left behind on Valentine's Day? While some expressed their love in parks and gardens, others took refuge in packed malls.

Reports said over 24 Shiv Sainiks staging anti-Valentine Day protests were arrested in the Taj City.

Meanwhile, a mob led by Shiv Sena, Bajranj Dal and Students Islamic Organisation of India activists staged demonstrations against Valentine Day celebration in the state capital.

In Bareilly, love birds had to face interference of the Shiv Sena activists in Agrasen Nagar and Cantonment areas, reports said.

Ranting anti-Valentine's Day slogans, a mob led by Shiv Sena and Bajranj Dal workers staged demonstrations across Kanpur.

In Allahabad, Shiv Sena activists played a spoilsport to Valentine's Day celebrations in Civil Lines and Colonelganj areas.

A report from Gorakhpur stated that almost 17,000 Bal Sanskar Kendra across India and abroad observed the day as 'parents worship day on appeal of saint Asharam Bapu.

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