Why do Indians hate Valentine's Day?

[prasad1]

Share:

Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Share Link

I'm always surprised to note my fellow countrymen's angst against Valentine's Day. It is just a day which is an ode to St Valentine, a guy who defended the rights of lovers to express their feelings. Naturally, he made enemies, because there are always more people against love than for it. A case of sour grapes, I'm sure.
So, let's check out what makes us Indians see red when the season marked by red heart balloons appears?

One of the foremost reasons for the all-round protests is that the festival is an imported one, not originally Indian. For God's sake! In a country obsessed with all things "phoren", why this sudden wave of patriotism when it comes to saying "I Love You"?

The second reason put forward is that why keep aside just one day for love, when 365 days are there in a year! Arre, how many men would say I love you or gift their women anything the remaining 364 days?

When it comes to hypocrisy, Indians are born leaders. They will indulge their wildest fantasies, but not admit to them. They will read Playboy magazines tucked under their pillows, but join dharnas against sex ruining our society!

Another reason cited is that it's too commercial, and too much money is wasted on this day. As if we Indians practice frugality on the never-ending festivals throughout the year.

Another "logic" put forward is that we have bigger problems to deal with, and we can't be bothered with a day dedicated to love! Puleeeze...if gifting chocolates, teddy bears and going on a date helps some people to get away from their otherwise drab lives, why grudge them?

Anyone who proclaims that their Hindu or Islamic religion does not allow practice of Valentine's Day, has to be a bigot. It's just a day you set aside to go for a movie or have dinner with that special someone, and no religion says love is bad. For the Sufis, love equalled spirituality.

There are people who think making a fast buck by selling red balloons and chocolates amounts to a sin. How different is this from making money by selling kites at Makar Sankranti? Both are about celebrating life, isn't it?

Many scorn Valentine's Day for being a scam. Well, if it's a scam, it is certainly one of the least harmful ones in a country ridden with scams of all types.

People who have never expressed love for their spouses or been the lucky recipients of romantic love form the majority of people protesting against Valentine's Day. It's like the perfect misfit!

When radical groups condemn Valentine's Day as "nothing but a Western onslaught on India's culture to attract youth for commercial purposes" , follow this up by stealing Valentine's Day cards from shops and burn them in a bonfire, besides harassing hand-holding couples, is it not a clear expression of rage against the soaring popularity of the day, as evident in restaurants promoting Valentine's Day dinners, stores selling flowers and chocolates, media organising love-letter competitions?

The only reason which seems to make some sense maybe the pressure on guys to express their love for their beloved in just the right way. As someone has shared: "I may express my profound love for her on all 364 days, but, on Valentine’s day, if I fail to go to meet her without being armed with at least a red rose, I stand the risk of being kicked out of her life!"

Valentine's Day is actually quite a light-hearted festival, but widespread efforts to repress it are anything but light-hearted. They represent intent to declare war on modernity in real terms.

Let me quote a poem to state my case: "Umar bhar hum yahi bhool karte rahe, Dhool chehre pe thi, aur aaina saaf karte rahe..."
Much Ado About Nothing | Mysticism Blog on Speakingtree.in

 

[renuka]

I am no fan of Valentine cos I do not like "mass hysteria"..it's a day the everyone goes mad and too many people try to act Lovey Dovey!LOL

But I do not hate Valentine's day cos I am no fan of other forms of "mass hysteria" too like some big time celebrations of other kinds.

For me I feel Love is a private expression that can not be measured by the number of roses or gifts or a Carbon Monoxide filled atmosphere(Candle Lights!LOL)

I would not like to sit in a restaurant full of people who feel they are in love!

I feel each couple should have their own special unplanned day to declare undying love when they feel like it.

Its better not to plan for love..the feeling of love should be spontaneous and original and better make sure the feelings surface on days where roses cost less!LOL

Anyway i find no reason to hate any day of anykind be it Valentine's day or anything cos most people in the world just want a day to celebrate something..so we have Mother's day..Valentine's day..Manangatti Day etc.

But what I am not too fond of in these days is GENDER BIAS.

Somehow its the guys who keep spending money on females..whether is Valentine or Mothers day.

So gals out there..if you love your man..dont make him spend too much on you!LOL

 

[krish44]

I'm always surprised to note my fellow countrymen's angst against Valentine's Day. It is just a day which is an ode to St Valentine, a guy who defended the rights of lovers to express their feelings. Naturally, he made enemies, because there are always more people against love than for it. A case of sour grapes, I'm sure.
So, let's check out what makes us Indians see red when the season marked by red heart balloons appears?

One of the foremost reasons for the all-round protests is that the festival is an imported one, not originally Indian. For God's sake! In a country obsessed with all things "phoren", why this sudden wave of patriotism when it comes to saying "I Love You"?

The second reason put forward is that why keep aside just one day for love, when 365 days are there in a year! Arre, how many men would say I love you or gift their women anything the remaining 364 days?

When it comes to hypocrisy, Indians are born leaders. They will indulge their wildest fantasies, but not admit to them. They will read Playboy magazines tucked under their pillows, but join dharnas against sex ruining our society!

Another reason cited is that it's too commercial, and too much money is wasted on this day. As if we Indians practice frugality on the never-ending festivals throughout the year.

Another "logic" put forward is that we have bigger problems to deal with, and we can't be bothered with a day dedicated to love! Puleeeze...if gifting chocolates, teddy bears and going on a date helps some people to get away from their otherwise drab lives, why grudge them?

Anyone who proclaims that their Hindu or Islamic religion does not allow practice of Valentine's Day, has to be a bigot. It's just a day you set aside to go for a movie or have dinner with that special someone, and no religion says love is bad. For the Sufis, love equalled spirituality.

There are people who think making a fast buck by selling red balloons and chocolates amounts to a sin. How different is this from making money by selling kites at Makar Sankranti? Both are about celebrating life, isn't it?

Many scorn Valentine's Day for being a scam. Well, if it's a scam, it is certainly one of the least harmful ones in a country ridden with scams of all types.

People who have never expressed love for their spouses or been the lucky recipients of romantic love form the majority of people protesting against Valentine's Day. It's like the perfect misfit!

When radical groups condemn Valentine's Day as "nothing but a Western onslaught on India's culture to attract youth for commercial purposes" , follow this up by stealing Valentine's Day cards from shops and burn them in a bonfire, besides harassing hand-holding couples, is it not a clear expression of rage against the soaring popularity of the day, as evident in restaurants promoting Valentine's Day dinners, stores selling flowers and chocolates, media organising love-letter competitions?

The only reason which seems to make some sense maybe the pressure on guys to express their love for their beloved in just the right way. As someone has shared: "I may express my profound love for her on all 364 days, but, on Valentine’s day, if I fail to go to meet her without being armed with at least a red rose, I stand the risk of being kicked out of her life!"
prasad
Valentine's Day is actually quite a light-hearted festival, but widespread efforts to repress it are anything but light-hearted. They represent intent to declare war on modernity in real terms.

Let me quote a poem to state my case: "Umar bhar hum yahi bhool karte rahe, Dhool chehre pe thi, aur aaina saaf karte rahe..."
Much Ado About Nothing | Mysticism Blog on Speakingtree.in[/Q
prasadji
aapki sabse badi bhool ,aapne yehaan post kiya valentne ke baare main
some one in next post is saying MANNANGATTI and pulling your ears and warning all TB girls about boys like you.LOL

 

[prasad1]

aapki sabse badi bhool ,aapne yehaan post kiya valentne ke baare main
some one in next post is saying MANNANGATTI and pulling your ears and warning all TB girls about boys like you.LOL

Krishji,
I have been on this site for last 3 years. I have post about Valentine day every year. Renukaji will respond to Valentine day post. It is all in light vain. I have grown thick skin and take criticism as it comes and some time give it back.
Eit ka jawab Patthar se.

Jindagi me kafi bhool kiye hai, ye be eak sahi.
As far as TB or any other girls go, at my age it is only window shopping. LOL

Zindagi ...Kaisi Hai Paheli, Haaye
Kabhi To Hansaaye Kabhi Ye Rulaaye
Zindagi...

[video=youtube;3vgDb4TQneA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3vgDb4TQneA[/video]

 

[krish44]

Krishji,
I have been on this site for last 3 years. I have post about Valentine day every year. Renukaji will respond to Valentine day post. It is all in light vain. I have grown thick skin and take criticism as it comes and some time give it back.
Eit ka jawab Patthar se.

Jindagi me kafi bhool kiye hai, ye be eak sahi.
As far as TB or any other girls go, at my age it is only window shopping. LOL

Zindagi ...Kaisi Hai Paheli, Haaye
Kabhi To Hansaaye Kabhi Ye Rulaaye
Zindagi...

[video=youtube;3vgDb4TQneA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3vgDb4TQneA[/video]

prasadji you have turned philosophical rajesh khanna style all over valentine day
iyyo yenna pannrathu indha manushanai. vayasadhuthu

 

[sangom]

I'm always surprised to note my fellow countrymen's angst against Valentine's Day. It is just a day which is an ode to St Valentine, a guy who defended the rights of lovers to express their feelings. Naturally, he made enemies, because there are always more people against love than for it. A case of sour grapes, I'm sure.
So, let's check out what makes us Indians see red when the season marked by red heart balloons appears?

< snipped >

Celebrating the so-called "days" is, to my mind, much like our annual festivals like pongal, divali, vinayaka chaturthi, rama navami, janmashtami, etc. But I feel there is a major difference. That is, we celebrate based on certain astronomical phenomena (sankranti/pongal) or some mythological event, whereas these modern "day" phenomenon has no such basis, in most cases. For example we don't celebrate a festival for Vatsyayana, Kamasutra nor even for that much extolled "Rasalila" except the somewhat lewd "Holi" whose origin was very much different from what goes on today in the name of Holi.

Coming to valentine's day, though its stated principles and objectives may be very nice, in actual practice, we see that it gives unfettered freedom for the adolescent youngsters to cross from the "love" which valentine might have espoused, to mostly sexual areas and thus the day becomes one for all kinds of bohemian pursuits by our youngsters. While for old, arm-chair-bound senior citizens like most members of this forum St. Valentine or the cause he espoused may not matter at all, there is a need to examine whether such a celebration is of any worth to our future generations and whether it goes well with our country's culture.

I find that this red hearts do not essentially depict or indicate anything very different from the sexual attraction between young people. This year, the paper reports said that valentine's cards from 'she to her' and from 'he to him' have also been selling briskly in Kerala cities. The question that arises, therefore, is what kind of value system does this Valentine's day foster among our people and are these necessary or preferable for our national well-being?

My opinion is that we should avoid celebrating all such "days" on the lines of Chattisgarh.

 

[ashwin_ash]

Krishji,
I have been on this site for last 3 years. I have post about Valentine day every year. Renukaji will respond to Valentine day post. It is all in light vain. I have grown thick skin and take criticism as it comes and some time give it back.
Eit ka jawab Patthar se.

Jindagi me kafi bhool kiye hai, ye be eak sahi.
As far as TB or any other girls go, at my age it is only window shopping. LOL

Zindagi ...Kaisi Hai Paheli, Haaye
Kabhi To Hansaaye Kabhi Ye Rulaaye
Zindagi...

Glad you've eschewed 'youthful' stuff like Valentine's day (I don't subscribe to that notion, but on principle), and realized what your ultimate destination is.

 

[shastibrata]

These "days" that the West celebrate like Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc., are because of a reason. Perhaps this is the only day that they truly remember the said individual and are socially constrained to do something for them. These notions are not only alien to our culture, they also lead us away from our own cultural ethos of the inclusive nature of our extended family in our day to day life. Same is the case with Valentine's Day. To set aside a special Day and call it a day of love - is the first step towards transgressing all bounds of decency that we have traditionally followed. Many of us have heard of the qualities of "acham, madam, naanam, payirpu" that are the hallmarks of a young maidens. There used to be a certain hesitation and forethought necessary before one embarks upon the road of romance in our traditional sense. By commodatizing romance and love in the name of Valentine's Day, we are actually losing something of value in our culture.

 

[Kuvalayavalli]

I am no fan of Valentine cos I do not like "mass hysteria"..it's a day the everyone goes mad and too many people try to act Lovey Dovey!LOL

But I do not hate Valentine's day cos I am no fan of other forms of "mass hysteria" too like some big time celebrations of other kinds.

For me I feel Love is a private expression that can not be measured by the number of roses or gifts or a Carbon Monoxide filled atmosphere(Candle Lights!LOL)

I would not like to sit in a restaurant full of people who feel they are in love!

I feel each couple should have their own special unplanned day to declare undying love when they feel like it.

Its better not to plan for love..the feeling of love should be spontaneous and original and better make sure the feelings surface on days where roses cost less!LOL

Anyway i find no reason to hate any day of anykind be it Valentine's day or anything cos most people in the world just want a day to celebrate something..so we have Mother's day..Valentine's day..Manangatti Day etc.

But what I am not too fond of in these days is GENDER BIAS.

Somehow its the guys who keep spending money on females..whether is Valentine or Mothers day.

So gals out there..if you love your man..dont make him spend too much on you!LOL

MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES. STRIKE WHEN THE IRON IS HOT.

A Boy Friend is an asset. A B/F is a blessing. A B/F is an ATM. Wise girls know it and they utilize/exploit to the fullest.

 

[Raji Ram]

Those who have the tendency to exploit will go in search of greener pasture, soon! :spy:

 

[krish44]

Those who have the tendency to exploit will go in search of greener pasture, soon! :spy:

those who exploit become victims of acid attacks in my city. it is a violent city

 

[vgane]

those who exploit become victims of acid attacks in my city. it is a violent city

North is feudal! The guy is supposed to act chivalrous! When he proposes she is supposed to accept or else face the consequences! I know lot of South Indian girls who have a BF only for protection!

 

[krish44]

North is feudal! The guy is supposed to act chivalrous! When he proposes she is supposed to accept or else face the consequences! I know lot of South Indian girls who have a BF only for protection!

some also do it to increase their market value and boast about their catches. this is not gender specific. both genders do this

 

[Nacchinarkiniyan]

These "days" that the West celebrate like Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc., are because of a reason. Perhaps this is the only day that they truly remember the said individual and are socially constrained to do something for them. These notions are not only alien to our culture, they also lead us away from our own cultural ethos of the inclusive nature of our extended family in our day to day life. Same is the case with Valentine's Day. To set aside a special Day and call it a day of love - is the first step towards transgressing all bounds of decency that we have traditionally followed. Many of us have heard of the qualities of "acham, madam, naanam, payirpu" that are the hallmarks of a young maidens. There used to be a certain hesitation and forethought necessary before one embarks upon the road of romance in our traditional sense. By commodatizing romance and love in the name of Valentine's Day, we are actually losing something of value in our culture.

I only wish we would also follow other days like father' day and Mother's day. Indians remember only dead parents not the living ones. When I die my son my perform shraddham. But when I am alive he does not have the time to remember me or his mother.

Is this our culture? Something to be proud of?

As some wag put it a dead parent is more powerful than a living one. He can put curses and the astrologer will talk about Pitru Sapam. But no astrologer will talk about treating the living parents well.

My American friends receive Gifts from their children on Fathers day. Bu Indian parents do not.

It is strange that Indians have no problem about the gross commercialization of every festival like Raksha Bandan and Dipavali. They have no problem with the promotion of unheard of festivals like Aakshai Trithaya by the jewelers.

 

[krish44]

I only wish we would also follow other days like father' day and Mother's day. Indians remember only dead parents not the living ones. When I die my son my perform shraddham. But when I am alive he does not have the time to remember me or his mother.

Is this our culture? Something to be proud of?

As some wag put it a dead parent is more powerful than a living one. He can put curses and the astrologer will talk about Pitru Sapam. But no astrologer will talk about treating the living parents well.

My American friends receive Gifts from their children on Fathers day. Bu Indian parents do not.

It is strange that Indians have no problem about the gross commercialization of every festival like Raksha Bandan and Dipavali. They have no problem with the promotion of unheard of festivals like Aakshai Trithaya by the jewelers.

N saheb,
Younger generation will remember older generation only if they do something they can be proud or ashamed of -it has to be exceptional.
Bringing the culture in and blaming children for not taking care of parents when they are alive is no longer acceptable - it is not good to hang on children for doles in old age .nothing prevents the old to take care of themselves thru sensible living . nor are demands for gifts for fathers or mothers day reasonabl
you are right,.dead parents receive a good deal from children as compared to the living. They are still are afraid of paap which will befall them in case they do not perform some rituals

 

[vaithehi]

Valentines day even though it is not Indian we can celebrate if it Epouses any worthy cause. Love is very personal and should known only to person who is intimate.

 

[vgane]

One of my female relatives presented sarees to all the female relatives on women's day..It is not that we are not celebrating these festivals...But we do it quietly..It has started in the metros and cities tho' in a small scale!

Somehow Valentine's day is being considered as free for all and it is do with something before marriage..So our tradition does not support it..Hence the urge to celebrate it as Parents day is gaining popularity starting from Chhatisgarh!

 

[krish44]

One of my female relatives presented sarees to all the female relatives on women's day..It is not that we are not celebrating these festivals...But we do it quietly..It has started in the metros and cities tho' in a small scale!

Somehow Valentine's day is being considered as free for all and it is do with something before marriage..So our tradition does not support it..Hence the urge to celebrate it as Parents day is gaining popularity starting from Chhatisgarh!

parents can be left alone by their children to enjoy their life instead of bugging them with parents day celebrations and the like. children should get the freedom to have friends of opposite sex and celebrate valentine or any other day with them without being harassed by moral police and parents. is this asking for too much?

 

[vgane]

parents can be left alone by their children to enjoy their life instead of bugging them with parents day celebrations and the like. children should get the freedom to have friends of opposite sex and celebrate valentine or any other day with them without being harassed by moral police and parents. is this asking for too much?

Even without all this the lovers are having a field day in the parks of Delhi ...I had gone with my family to a park on a week end (not Valentines day)...Found couples cuddling, in tight embrace...We had to make a hasty retreat!

Do they require another exclusive day to show affection!

 

[renuka]

Even without all this the lovers are having a field day in the parks of Delhi ...I had gone with my family to a park on a week end (not Valentines day)...Found couples cuddling, in tight embrace...We had to make a hasty retreat!

Do they require another exclusive day to show affection!

Ha Ha Ha...

I remember when I was 18 years old I used to drive around at night with my younger brother and look out for couples in the park and shine the car headlights on them! Couples will run for cover!

I was so bad back then...teasing couples.

 

[vgane]

Ha Ha Ha...

I remember when I was 18 years old I used to drive around at night with my younger brother and look out for couples in the park and shine the car headlights on them! Couples will run for cover!

I was so bad back then...teasing couples.

Way to go Doctor! So at one point you were anti valentine!

 

[renuka]

Way to go Doctor! So at one point you were anti valentine!

Dear Sir,

It was not just for Valentine's day..almost everyday couples used to come to parks and gardens.

I am sure the couples would have cursed me!LOL

 

[vgane]

Dear Sir,

It was not just for Valentine's day..almost everyday couples used to come to parks and gardens.

I am sure the couples would have cursed me!LOL

Normally the elderly couples are against this! Now brother-sister duo at this! You did the right thing Madam!

 

[prasad1]

I liked Nacchiji's post #14.
I do not share his experience, but I can understand it.
Some of us are fortunate that our children are lot more closer to us.

 

[renuka]

Normally the elderly couples are against this! Now brother-sister duo at this! You did the right thing Madam!

Sir,

You got this wrong..we were not trying to be Moral Police.

We were just having fun making others scared.

It was real fun to see couple running cos some would panic thinking may the real undercover police had come!

BTW sir..even in college once a friend and I decided to wear long flowing dress with weird make up and walk on the field at late night.

Some couples in the field were getting scared if it was a ghost!