Valentine’s Day buzz missing in Ludhiana markets

Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, February 12

The craze for Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Western countries, seems to have come down in the city this time as far as footfall in markets is concerned. The markets, though beautifully decorated this time too, have low footfall of Valentine’s Day revelers.

There are several reasons for subdued activity in markets. The board examinations are approaching and youngsters are busy preparing for the exams. Shopkeepers maintain that gone are the days when youngsters would visit shops to buy teddy bears, roses, chocolate boxes and other such stuff. Now, options of gifts, too, have changed.

A shopkeeper at a leading store that deals in decorative products at Ghumar Mandi said there was not much craze for Valentine’s Day this time. “No one buys those traditional gifts such as heart-shaped balloons, teddy bears, junk jewellery, etc. Now, youngsters are much aware, understand choices of their friends and do shopping accordingly. The leading brands have huge discounts to offer, and youngsters prefer buying things online or from malls, which is more convenient to them,” said the shopkeeper.

Jasnoor, a school student, said it was her board exams and she couldn’t even think of going out with friends. “This is a key time of our careers and we are focusing on our studies. Valentine’s Days will come every year and friends can wait. Moreover, it is just any other day. If you love someone, it can be expressed anytime,” said Jasnoor, who will take her first exam on February 20.

The leading markets of Sarabha Nagar, Ghumar Mandi, Model Town and BRS Nagar usually remain abuzz with activity around Valentine’s Day when youngsters throng these places to spend time with their loved ones. They exchange gifts, go on “geri” route, sit in restaurants to spend time with each other. However, that feel seems missing in markets this time.