Valentine's Day News, Valentines Day Ideas

HYDERABAD: The focus on ‘T’ has given some relief to Valentine’s Day enthusiasts as various dals and senas protesting against the ‘westernisation’ of culture seem to be otherwise busy with the ongoing political struggle in the state.

Pubs and gift shop owners, who have been at the receiving end of the anti-V brigade for the last few years, are breathing easy this time. They say the Telangana issue has taken the centre-stage, overshadowing February 14. On last Valentine’s Day, right wing activists had even forced some couples to marry besides burning V-Day cards and gifts.

Though wary of sudden protests and attacks, hotels have gone ahead and made elaborate V-Day plans. Star eateries have made lavish arrangements for the most delectable buffet fare, candlelight dinners and musical night shows. If Taj Krishna is celebrating a Pink Valentine with various events, ITC Kakatiya is throwing a ‘Valentine brunch’ or even a ‘Cupid buffet’.

Malls and other establishments meanwhile are throwing in special “couple’’ offers for the day. “We are expecting to do better business on Sunday as V-Day is also coinciding with Sunday and things look normal so far,” said the manager of a mall.

With V-Day trouble makers missing in action, gift shop owners said they have done good business this year, so far. “The sales are better than last year,’’ said T Ravi Kumar of Hallmark, Abids. Pub owners maintained that they don’t anticipate trouble this time around. Ram Harish Mani, general manager of F Bar said, “People have other important issues on their mind right now. Even if there is a hint of trouble, we will ensure tight security for our patrons,” he said.

Sanjay Batla of Bottles and Chimneys added that the ‘T’ factor was on everyone’s minds and, besides, he hoped that people had ‘grown up’ and so would not target the celebrations.

Nevertheless, some maintained that there may be no escaping trouble like every year irrespective of whatever be the situation in the city. But protests wouldn’t be the real dampener this year with the most essential V-Day item — roses— costing a lot more. Flower dealers said that prices of roses have gone up by 50 per cent because of the increase in demand.