Delhi soaked in red with young, old showing love

 Romance was in the air as malls, restaurants and popular hangout zones in the city soaked in red with the young and old displaying their affection for their loved ones in many ways on Valentine’s day on Thursday, unfazed by antics of those who oppose it.

Cupid-struck couples exchanged gifts, roses and thronged cinema halls and other popular hangouts. While florists worked through the night preparing heart-shaped bouquets for the day, gift shops and restaurants prepared special deals and packages.

Spas and salons are also offering pampering sessions for couples on discounted prices.
Red — the colour of love — was the theme at many restaurants and eating joints which have made special arrangements for youngsters, who were seen making a beeline for these outlets.

“We have a four-course food package keeping couples in mind. Food items have been named Scarlett and Butler, Casablanca, Te-amo, while drinks include Aphrodite Ghetto, Love Fool, Blushing Lady, Nectar, First Love, Dark Seduction specially named for this day,” chef Jiten Singh of Amour, the Patio restaurant in Hauz Khas village, said.
“Chocolates, strawberries and other such Aphrodisiac food items dominate the menu today,” he added.

As the demand for roses increased, the prices too skyrocketed as florists work through the night preparing special bouquets and offering special flower packages including cakes, chocolates and soft toys.

“Roses cost Rs 50 today, and on regular days it costs between Rs 20 to Rs 30. Lillies cost between Rs 100 to Rs 200,” Praveen, a florist in south Delhi said.

Websites offering bouquets and packages including chocolates, stuff toys, gift items, chocolate cakes for Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000.

Police had made elaborate arrangements to thwart any untoward incidents take place, including attempt of moral policing in the city by right-wing outfits.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which is opposed to Valentine’s Day celebrations, said it will not prevent anybody from celebrating it.

However, it said young people should behave properly.The right wing Hindu organisation also started a helpline 01123616372 to offer help to women in distress.