Valentine's Day 2026 वैलेंटाइन डे

Why Valentine's Day is celebrated

Valentine's Day is a day to express love and care. Couples exchange roses, cards, chocolates and gifts, and many people also use the day to thank friends and family. In Indian cities, it has become a popular occasion for young people, and restaurants, florists and gift shops see heavy demand. It is not a religious festival and not a public holiday in India.

History and story of Valentine's Day

The day takes its name from Saint Valentine, a Christian priest in Rome who is said to have been put to death around the 3rd century. Several legends grew around him, including one that he secretly married young couples against the orders of the emperor. Historians say very little is known for certain about his life.

The link between this day and romantic love appears much later, in the writings of the 14th century English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote of birds choosing their mates on Saint Valentine's day. Handwritten love notes became common in Europe over the following centuries, and printed cards spread in the 19th century.

How Valentine's Day is celebrated

In India, the week before 14 February is often marked as Valentine's Week, with Rose Day, Propose Day, Chocolate Day and other themed days. Couples go out for meals, exchange gifts and share messages on social media. Some groups in India oppose the day as a Western import, while many families see it simply as a chance to show affection.