Kolhapuris opt for Rs 500 Valentine’s Day Challenge

Valentine’s Day is here and couples are busy planning. While some are going traditional with flowers, others have interesting plans lined up. And if you don’t have the deep pockets that restaurants and coffee shops require these days, here’s how you can celebrate well within a budget of Rs 500. Kolhapuris show you how!
Go boating
The weather is just right for an evening on Rankala lake.A session of boating would cost around Rs 100 per head and one can make things interesting by throwing in a couple of wishing lanterns too. “I once surprised my fiancé with the wishing lantern right in the middle of the lake,” says Rahul Badhwar, who recently got engaged to his lady love of 10 years. One can also add snacks like boiled corn chaat and bhel costing not more than Rs 10-20 from local vendors.
Savings: Approximately Rs 180
Go on a chaat spree
Chaat is easily the most affordable street food available in the city, and is also a speciality of Kolhapur. A young couple, Kedar and Shubhada Mangle say, “We work in an industry that does not give us an off on Sundays. So after work, we plan to go on an eating spree on Valentine’s Day. The street chaat bhandars are an option where you don’t need reservations.” Ranging from a price of Rs 15-35, one can choose from pani puri, sev puri, aloo chat, and bhel, among others. You wouldn’t have to spend more than Rs 100-200.
Savings: Rs 300
Make a donation
Richa and Vishal Kapadia and their friends plan to celebrate V-Day by spreading love among the needy. They plan to spend the day playing games and treating some homeless kids with home-cooked food. “The idea is not just affordable, but also gives you returns that cannot be compared to any amount of money,” says Vishal. The total investment by each couple is less than Rs 200 and together, they are showing their love for 50 children. “The balgram we’re visiting is in Panhala and we’ve already taken permission. The kids know about it and are equally excited too,” adds Richa.
Savings: Rs 300
Make breakfast for your partner
Nothing is better than starting your Sunday morning with tea in bed. And this Valentine’s Day, Shilpa Borade will get a break from the kitchen, as her husband Raj Borade plans to take over. “Starting with tea in bed, I plan to use what’s available at home and make something special for her. I did consult my mom for recipes, but the key is in presentation,” says Raj. You could even cook a simple meal of instant noodles and fries if you don’t know cooking.
Savings: Rs 200
Get fit together
Loving each other also means taking care of each other’s health. Asha Jain has been wanting to take her husband along on her evening walks, but has not been able to because of their busy schedules. “People tend to make excuses to not exercise,” says Asha, who intends to take her spouse along on her morning walk. “It is absolutely free of cost,” she smiles.
Savings: Rs 500