Valentines Day developed in early modern England, and spread throughout the world. It is recognised as a significant cultural celebration of love and romance around the world.
But in the world’s largest democracy India, it attracts hatred. There have been limitations on the celebrations of Valentine’s day, as nativists argue that Valentine’s Day is an imported western celebration which ruins Indian culture.
Almost every year law and order comes under the hands of Bajrang Dal, Hindu Mahasabha, Rashtriya Swam Sewak Sangh, Shiv Sena, Hindu Yuva Vahini who attack couples, thrash stores selling Valentines day cards and gifts, shout slogans outside cafes,
vandalize restaurant tables, hindering the rights of individuals.
But this has less to do with preventing Indian culture from westernising, and more to do with the ruling political project of transforming secular and liberal India into their idea of Hindu state.
Talking about westernisation, Valentine’s day is not new to India. According to historians, there was a Hindu tradition of adoration for Kamadeva (the god of love). As a matter of fact, India could opt for Valentine’s day as Kamadeva Divas and not conduct ‘lathi pooja’ before 14th February, as done by the Shiv Sena, declaring that sticks would be useful to discipline couples engaged in public display of affection. This year’s Valentine’s day is here, and Subhash Chauhan, the state convener of Bajrang Dal says, ‘’Valentine’s day does not belong to this country, why do we need 14th February in India?”
India’s culture has always been a capacious one, expanding to include new and varied influences from Greek to British, from Mughals to Dutches. Also, love is not specified to any culture, country or religion. So, love and let others love.