Flower sellers await Valentine's Day

ISLAMABAD (APP) - The Valentines Day which is celebrated every year on February 14, is turning out to be a blessing for flower sellers especially of Islamabad. They are eagerly waiting for the day sitting in their beautifully illuminated shops. They usually stock tons of flowers especially beautiful fragrant roses. Some will start storing flowers in deep freezers a week ahead to keep them fresh and avoid shortage. In Rawalpindi, most of the shopping for the day takes place in areas like Commercial Market and in Jinnah Super in Islamabad. They are grand sales for Valentines Day, even more than any other event like New Year and Eid. From the start of February, shopkeepers start decorating their shops and stalls with balloons, teddy bears, cards, romantic poetry books and colourful ornaments. They also keep chocolates and other items carved with the pictures of heart and messages for loved ones. Valentines Day is all about red flowers, exchange of greeting cards and chocolates. Although young lot celebrates this event enthusiastically but this day is not limited to a specific generation. It is celebrated by people of all ages. Red roses, being a symbol of love and passion, will be the first choice for the youth. A college student said, I want to make it a memorable occasion. On this day, I will be with my friends and have some lighter moments. A flower seller at F-6 Flower shop said, it is the biggest occasion for us from business point of view. The people who want to have shopping for somebody special, dont argue over price. They willingly give the price they are asked for. Some restaurants and bookstores also make arrangements to attract customers. Valentines Day has its origin in the west. But it has gradually gained followers in third world countries also. It has a large number of enthusiastic followers in urban areas of Pakistan also. The day is about intimacy, sharing, bonding and renewing relationships and friendships and letting other people know what you feel for them. At the same time it has also critics. It is a cultural issue over which debate will continue as to what the occasion really means for the people.