Desi Dialogues

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Growing up as teenager in India during the 1980s, I was quite puzzled by the fact that Valentine's Day was not such a big event there.

After all, India is the home of the Kama Sutra, the most elaborate encyclopedia on love-making. Ancient temples, especially those in Khajuaraho, are carved with graphic passionate love-makers in marble or stone. As well, there are millions of characters in ancient tales, just like Romeo and Juliet, who embraced death with a promise to meet in heaven.

But this ancient tradition of love died. With the onset of English rule, Indians seemed to become cold to the thought of love in the open - declaring love publicly became taboo.

However, when India opened up to the West - and satellite television entered Indian homes with sitcoms such as The Bold and The Beautiful - love suddenly made a comeback, as it were.

Now on Valentine's Day, millions of dollars are spent on flowers or expensive gifts. I remember that last year, a Hallmark retailer in India told me that Valentine's Day was celebrated with such pomp and glory that it had become the second biggest money spinner after Diwali, the Hindu new year, which is still the biggest festival (in terms of the dollars spent).

In Toronto, the South Asian community has embraced Valentine's Day, as well. Several South Asian websites have listed shows or events that are scheduled for this special lovers' day. In fact, I was invited to one such event, a dinner and dance, but upon reading on the invitation "all children welcome" I wondered about how romantic it would really be!

But events such as Bollywood disco lessons or even salsa lessons are scheduled in Toronto during this week and next. These classes, for ladies only, are supposed to teach all kinds of sexy hot moves.

From downtown Toronto to Scarborough, small South Asian organizations are planning all kinds of parties - couples with children, without children, only teenagers, etc. - and there's a wide variety from which to choose.

Some cultures that want their children to marry within their community have also organized a Valentine's night in the hope that some of them may meet their life partners. And for all of those young people and those who are young at heart who aren't interested in settling down right now should stay away from events such as this.

As for others, have a great Valentines' Day.