Valentines Day: A Conservative Backlash in India

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They also associate it with rampant globalization and exploitation by western nations.

Indeed, every year at this time of year, members of India’s opposition party, the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stage rallies protesting the observation of Valentine’s Day. More strident groups, like the extremist pro-Hindu Shiv Sena and others, have attacked and burned down shops selling Valentine’s Day cards as well as destroyed florists who sent flowers on the holiday.

"This shameless festival has been celebrated by our young people," wrote Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray in the Saamna newspaper.

"But it is totally contrary to Indian culture. We should focus on good work, good thoughts, love and harmony in our society, and not let such Western culture spoil us.”

Another activist Vinayak Raut told Reuters: "[Valentine’s Day is] different from our Hindu culture and is corrupting the minds of young teenagers.”

Beyond what they see as a form of ”cultural pollution” by westerners, some Indians are appalled by the fact that Valentine’s Day seems to celebrate pre-marital sex and open expressions of physical attraction (which are taboo in an India that remains extremely conservative).

Gangadhar Kulkarni, another nationalist, told the media: "If people celebrate the day despite our warning, then we will definitely attack them.”

Another activist Pramod Muthalik warned: “Valentine's Day is definitely not Indian culture. We will not allow celebration of that day in any form.”

Some oppose Valentine’s Day simply because it is associated with Christian theology.