Follow Us
Mona
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, the ‘bard’ William Shakespeare sure did write in his much-loved play Romeo and Juliet; today, the name assumes significance for the very ‘Rose Day’ kickstarts a week full of love, culminating in the Valentine’s Day on February 14.
Tricity mood
Call it the play of sentimental fools or a sheer marketing gimmick; February sure has cemented its place as the month of ‘love’! Tricity is gearing up for the festivities too, though it’s a slow start. “We got few deliveries scheduled for the day; hoping the number goes up,” says Mehtab, who is into the flower business for the last decade and more.
Another florist, Surjit Singh, in sector 32, is hopping on to his scooter with a huge red rose bouquet, heading for a delivery. “Rather than regular Rs 20, a stem of rose would be sold for Rs 30 tomorrow and it would only go up till the Valentine’s Day, depending on wholesale supplier’s rates.” In the last few years, a stem of rose has touched Rs 100 or so, but then with each passing year business is not as lucrative, as online players capture a major chunk of market, rues Surjit, who has been ensuring a steady supply of flowers for the last decade from Bengaluru and Himachal Pradesh.
Perfect hues
We catch some giggly girls in sector 15 trying to find perfect roses. Apparently, it’s them playing Cupid this time around, “These flowers are for my cousin on behalf of her boyfriend, who is in the Army and can’t send anything from his remote station,” Arushi, BSc Maths student reveals in a hush-hush tone.
A quick glance at gift shops reveals more. Shiny Taneja from Archies Cards & Gift Gallery, explains, “Back during the 90s, cards were a rage, especially around Valentine’s Day. This is not the case anymore”. While the gift gallery is stacked with mugs and figurines dotted with red roses and love quotes, takers are far less.
Prize time
But then, a slight slump in business doesn’t translate into market mood not being upbeat. Tricity’s much-loved Elante mall would be seen twinkling in fairy lights to set the romantic mood. But the ‘Cup of Happyness’ — an activity that’s planned for the Valentine’s Day at the main atrium aims at celebrating love that goes beyond.
One can participate in a game wherein a man can participate with mother, daughter, sister, teacher or any other woman to jump into the giant Cup of Happyness and hunt for as many heart-shaped love cushions in a minute! The winners stand to win many prizes. Chandigarh Baking Company at JW Marriott is set for a week-long Valentine’s Week Berry Festival.
Are you ready for the week of love?
Run up to V-Day
Words matter
The four letters in ‘rose’ also spell ‘Eros’ when arranged differently, referring to the Greek God of love. It is said to be Greek Goddess Venus’ favourite flower too. Red rose begins the week of love!
Secure at PU
Panjab University is all geared up for the ‘love’ week. Hostels, entry gates would have more security. “While we are not restricting any expression on the part of students, we would not allow anyone to disturb the academic atmosphere,” says Professor Ashwani Koul, Chief of University Security.
mona@tribunemail.com
2
3
8