JOIN USModi and Obama may have set the pace even before this month began with their ‘bromance’ – a slang for brotherly love between friends. Every February, the Valentine’s Day celebrations keep the first half of the romantic month busy and the vendors, happy. The first of the blossoms of the gulmohar will be spotted, its crimson buds on time for the colour of the month. So, I find the rumblings amidst scorners of this celebration amusing! What is so evil about saying “I love you”?
Couples can exchange a card. But it doesn’t stop there! It’s not just for couples, as most tend to believe. An expression of love for a parent, a brother, a sister, a friend and grandparent is all done on this day. February 14 is for saying that you love the ones that make your life meaningful. There is nothing national or international, nothing theist or atheist about professing affection.
Love permeates into so many things. Like the love for music or the love for visual arts. Just imagine on Valentine’s Day, you take your girlfriend out to coffee and then head to the contemporary arts museum and together appreciate the colours and abstraction of the canvas, and life. That only restaurants get ready for Valentine’s Day is quite silly. We should have theatres too that gear up with a few romantic-comedies. People of all ages will gather with their partners to participate on the D-day.
This celebration ought to go on for a week. We can have local bands playing on M G Road and set up a site for orators to speak on topics they feel strongly about. The euphoria at such gatherings and the support from the one you love will throw open talents. The crowds can be transient, coming at will, giving it the vibe of a carnival of sorts. Love need not be stereotyped, but should expand its horizon to passion upon the things that are close to the heart.
The young people who are in love and those who wish to celebrate Valentine’s Day, please do. But I ask why just young people, all ages must participate adding a cultural slant to the celebrations. This would not be blind adaptation, but internationalising – the world is shrinking, remember!
Hinduism does not have a Valentine’s Day, but we have Holi, a festival to set aside differences, enjoy the colours, destroy evil and bad feelings and to welcome the spring. Likewise Kaman Pandigai in Tamil Nadu is celebrated worshipping Shiva. So really, Valentine’s Day just makes everyone happy, and there should be no cause for worry about anglicising our culture.
Finally. there is also the love we feel for the nation. So, write about the urgent concerns that need to be addressed or just drop a little money into funds for education and betterment. Let’s not be xenophobic, let’s just be the ones to enjoy a little love. This month of February is all about sharing and caring, let’s do it without boundaries.