The annual Valentine's Week is peaking with celebrations, which started on February 7 set to peak on February 14, the Valentine’s Day.
The annual Valentine's Week is peaking with celebrations, which started on February 7 set to peak on February 14, the Valentine’s Day.(Image: DC)
Visakhapatnam: The annual Valentine's Week is peaking with celebrations, which started on February 7 set to peak on February 14, the Valentine’s Day.
Visakhapatnam’s markets selling merchandise for Valentine’s Week are charging exorbitant prices for items like roses, special chocolates and novelty items.
Rose prices have surged to ₹30–₹50 per piece, depending on the colour and size. Street vendors and gift shop owners are taking full advantage of the seasonal demand.
P. Sharad, a roadside teddy bear vendor, told Deccan Chronicle, “I have doubled my minimum prices from ₹50 to ₹100. This is our prime season for income generation, with many customers looking for gifts."
The digital revolution has transformed gift-giving patterns. Online and quick-commerce services are offering products ranging from roses to novelty items, delivering them over even long distances and at short notice. Local restaurants, pubs and cafes are joining festivities by organising special events like "Valentine's Prom Night."
A huge benefit of internet platforms is people with one-sided love are sending presents to their loved ones keeping their identities hidden.
Traditional gift shops are witnessing changing consumer preferences. Joseph, owner of a gift gallery at Jagadamba complex, shared with Deccan Chronicle, "Greeting cards are practically obsolete now. People prefer offering personalised items, like customised key-chains, photo mugs and wallpapers. There are also online gift exchanges."
Valentine's Week is featuring special themed days – Rose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Hug Day and Kiss Day, with the final day being Valentine's Day on February 14.
The tradition has expanded beyond couples, with Gen Z celebrating friendship bonds through thoughtful gift exchanges as well. Different rose colours carry specific meanings: red for love, pink for gratitude, white for purity and yellow for friendship.
In an interesting contrast, an anti-Valentine's week has also been scheduled from February 15 to February 21. It features Slap Day, Kick Day, Perfume Day, Flirt Day, Confession Day, Missing Day and Break-Up Day; offering a humorous take on relationship dynamics and personal growth.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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