Pine City rekindles Valentine spirit

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Feb 14: The pine city of Shillong wore a different look today as many local residents and tourists both young and old rekindled their romance on this auspicious Valentine’s Day.

Observed on 14 February each year, the idea of celebrating love on Saint Valentine’s Day origited in the Middle Ages is an opportunity to show affection for their loved ones with cards, flowers or chocolates.

Living with the inherent practices (though new), the commemoration of the day speaks it all right from the old to the young. Several restaurants, fast food joints, gift shops in Police Bazzar and across the city experienced a huge rush compared to normal day as many young couples of different age groups celebrated Valentine’s Day.

The Lady Hydari Park and Wards Lake in the city saw an increase of entry by people from the state and from outside as parents along with their children including couples of different age groups were seen enjoying the scenery and taking pleasure in a serene and romantic boat ride.

An elderly man accompanied by his niece, at Wards Lake, while speaking to this scribe said, “Every single day is Valentine’s Day and it should be about kindness.”

When The Sentinel asked a mother who was enjoying the afternoon with her daughter and husband on the meaning of Valentine’s Day, she said, “Valentine’s Day is all about love, it gives you the perfect opportunity to create more love in your family, not only between parent and child, but between siblings.”

Meanwhile, two young college students said that Valentine’s Day is not only about romance between couples but it’s also about showing love and kindness to parents and friends.

In another interaction, a college student said, “Valentine’s Day reminds us to tell all of our loved ones not only our sweethearts how glad we are that they’re in our lives.”

It may be noted that Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is annually celebrated on February 14. It origited as a Western Christian Liturgical feast day honouring one or more early saints med Valentinus, and is recognized as a significant cultural and commercial celebration in many regions around the world, although it is not a public holiday in any country.