Ahmedabad: Victory of love over fear on Valentine's Day

Love was in the air as Amdavadis celebrated Valentine's Day, the festival of love, with zest on Wednesday. Unfazed by fear of violence by activists of Bajrang Dal and other right-wing organisations, couples were seen spending moments of togetherness in gardens, the Sabarmati Riverfront, cafes, and other popular hangout places.

There was tension at the Riverfront for some time as stick-wielding activists of Bajrang Dal chased away some couples in the morning, before they were detained by the police. Apart from this, there were no other reports of any untoward incident.

Amdavadis marked the day by exchanging roses, greeting cards and gifts with their partners, loved ones, family members and friends.

The city also witnessed a number of parties and get togethers that were specially organised to celebrate the day.

Malls and shopping centres were all decked up with heart-shaped balloons in a bid to cash in on the Valentine's Day fever. A sharp rise in footfalls was reported from malls during the day.

Star hotels, clubs and leading restaurants organised theme dinners and other events to mark the occasion. Many hotels laid out special menu as a part of the festivities. Valentine's Day was also celebrated with equal enthusiasm in Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and other parts of the state.

HUGE FOOTFALL

• Malls and shopping centres were all decked up with heart-shaped balloons in a bid to cash in on the Valentine’s Day fever.
   
• A sharp rise in footfalls was reported from malls during the day.