How Indians are celebrating Valentine's Day in the time of moral policing
Valentine’s Day in India is not the usual affair it is around the world. For many, the day does not mean much. After all, is this day more than a ploy to get us to buy cards, chocolates and flowers? But in India, it is not the commodification of love that bothers people. No. From broken hearts that make you shout “Pyaar dhoka hai (Love is a lie)” on the streets, to being afraid of sexually frustrated, moral policing, culture warriors who perform “lathi pujas (stick worship)”, Valentine’s Day in India is a complicated affair. Here’s what Indians are doing on the day of love:
Looking for things better than love
I don't know how your Valentine's day is going but my local Shwarma roll guy and I had a lovely WhatsApp conversation. I know ya'll are jealous.
— Karan Talwar (@SpiralOutKaran) February 14, 2018
Last minute festival shopping pic.twitter.com/M482osWqGG
— dorku (@Dorkstar) February 14, 2018
Dealing with sadness
Me: will you be my valentine? Crush: pic.twitter.com/fvl7anZf3s
— Tanzila ???? (@aaliznat) February 13, 2018
When your friend is going out with a girl and you are still single. #ValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/KlwgbeETXU
— :D ???????????? (@the_papa_puppet) February 14, 2018
Friends: What are your plans for this Valentines?Me: pic.twitter.com/tOA1o6FTe9
— Purva (@thatobesewoman) February 13, 2018
The Bajrang Dal conundrum
This ???? pic.twitter.com/308bFVHpOs
— Baba Bambaiyya (@BabaGlocal) February 14, 2018
If I don't get a Date this Valentine's, I am gonna join Bajrang Dal. ????
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) February 13, 2018
Who cares about Valentine's Day! Really looking forward to 'मातृ-पितृ पूजन दिवस' to celebrate with my Bajrang Dal boys! ????????
— Prerna Bakshi (@bprerna) February 9, 2018
How's your V-Day preparation coming along? Any Shiv Sena and Bajrang Dal members on my TL?
— Shan (@klpe) February 13, 2018
*Met ex after 6 years**Married or single???* she asked*Bajrang Dal* I replied ????????????
— Superstar Rajini???? (@RoflRajanikant) February 12, 2018
Love is always political
Happy Valentines Day ❤️❤️Viral hit of ‘Manikya Malaraya Poovi’ is the answer to RSS's Valentines Day protest and Again Indians have proved that they like to love more than hating someone. Enjoy this beautiful video. #ValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/QtWqqqm8zt
— Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) February 14, 2018
Happy #ValentinesDay to the Diyars of the II cell. Absolutely love your 24/7 obsession with me
— Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) February 14, 2018
When roses turn white, violets wear off their hue, Data becomes oil and digital dystopias come true. #ValentinesDay
— Apar (@aparatbar) February 14, 2018
This Valentine's day take time to celebrate the connection between the one you love, yourself, and your adhaar card. It's mandatory.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) February 14, 2018
But bad puns are really what Valentine’s Day is all about
Happy #ValentinesDay (via @enonimosu) pic.twitter.com/DPrFceAM12
— Praveen (@Pravmaga) February 14, 2018