Date:13/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/13/stories/2006021318410300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Gearing up to attract the young

Staff Reporter

Bangalore has plenty to offer to the romantics for St. Valentine's Day which falls on Tuesday

A BIG ATTRACTION: Young people sharing a quiet moment at a mall in Bangalore, where Valentine's Day shopping was going on briskly on Sunday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: St. Valentine's Day is just round the corner and for Bangalore's yuppy youth, this is just another reason to take a romantic turn. The buzz is around gift shops, restaurants, chocolate boutiques, the trendy shopping malls and all those hang-out joints across town. Offering discounts, the commercial establishments have also geared up to attract the young.

At a prominent mall, youngsters thronged the usual hang-outs and the shops for greeting cards. Most were keen on buying something for their loved ones for the big day. On offer besides the usual goodies were tickets for a "Valentine bash" conducted by Disco and Video Jockeys.

Giving the feel of Valentine's Day, many shops and malls had a festive look with decorations of heart-shaped balloons and cut-outs. These balloons, both big and small, were found outside as well as inside the shopping establishments. The most favourite spot for those coming alone were the greeting galleries. One such gallery on Brigade Road was packed with people, looking for the right kind of card to send to their beloveds.

Crowds thronged the apparel outlets which offered dress materials at discount prices for the big day. One outlet had different types of red saris. Also on display were different types of jewellery, wristwatches, "vanity" bags, and fancy material. Creating the right atmosphere outside a mall was a show called "Dil Se Bolo" by a private cell phone operator. Many couples, including just married ones, actively participated. Jewellery shops were also abuzz offering discounted branded jewellery. On offer were heart-shaped pendants, earrings and finger rings, all designed for the special occasion. Flower shops were a big attraction as well. Being a major rose growing belt, Bangalore had plenty to offer on the floral arena. An estimated 2,600 florist shops have sprung up in the city in recent years. Preparing for the Valentine's Day, the shops were spruced up.