How Indians are celebrating Valentine's Day in the time of moral policing

Valentine’s Day in India is not the usual affair it is around the world. For many, the day does not mean much. After all, is this day more than a ploy to get us to buy cards, chocolates and flowers? But in India, it is not the commodification of love that bothers people. No. From broken hearts that make you shout “Pyaar dhoka hai (Love is a lie)” on the streets, to being afraid of sexually frustrated, moral policing, culture warriors who perform “lathi pujas (stick worship)”, Valentine’s Day in India is a complicated affair. Here’s what Indians are doing on the day of love:

Looking for things better than love

Dealing with sadness

The Bajrang Dal conundrum

Love is always political

But bad puns are really what Valentine’s Day is all about