As the Valentine’s Day (V-Day) is on the edge, the lovebirds in federal capital are ready to celebrate love and affection, particularly for their romantic partners. Originally a Christian celebration, Valentine’s Day took on its secular and romantic meaning during the poet Chaucer’s time. Cupid, the Roman god of love, is the special icon of Valentine’s Day as lovers ask him to cast his special arrow at their loved ones. Pakistan is a relatively conservative country. Unlike more liberal countries, people here do not indulge in public displays of affection. However, aping western culture has caught its appeal and the youngsters in Islamabad are already celebrating this day in their own special way on 14th of February. Islamabad that was once called the dead city has a growing number of picnic spots sprouting up over the years and Pakistan Today, does an exclusive report on Valentines Day in the federal capital.
The city is already adorned with shades of red, with Jinnah Super and the F 10 markaz making preparations for the day in full swing. The theme of many shops and outlets has been changed to red, with red hearts hanging on walls and doors. Many restaurants and bookstores have also made similar adjustments to their look and feel. Talking to Pakistan Today, Yasmin Wahab, a school teacher said, “As a teacher I feel that we must respect our values and traditions. While people certainly have the liberty to do what they please, they must also have an understanding of the perverse impact of the onslaught of western values in our society.”
Individuals from the federal capital are also thronging to places like Bhurban and Nathia Gali, that are deemed to be quite romantic. Restaurants and hotels in these locations are also offering special Valentines Day packages. The rear side of Rawal Dam, situated at Murree Road, leads to Rawal Lake, and Lotus Lake at the foothills of Shakarparian – both leading the way through a vista of falling leaves and are a famous spot for the youth of Islamabad to spend their time with their loved ones. Recently developed by CDA, Lake View Park is all set to become a very popular hangout, during Valentine’s Day. The place brings a new experience to all Islooites and couples from around the city visit it everyday. This lake had always been a popular place for couples, and the park brings a new touch to the lake.
With go karting and paint ball, the youth of the city would have a fairly good time indulging in their favourite activities. “No, I don’t believe that we should keep just one single day for expressing our love for our better half. Therefore for me personally, valentines day is just like any other day, I normally hang out with my friends and go to a restaurant or a recreational area,” said Tashia Nawab, a housewife.
Many restaurants and places in Islamabad are also offering special deals, and a few of these places might be actually worth the visit. Café Nirvana located in the G 6, is one such place that offer’s quality food and ambiance for its customers. Rendezvous in F 7 and Hot Spot are just a few other places that are frequented by the youth. After the CDA re-developed the Saidpur village it has begun to attract its fair share of tourists and visitors. The traditional aura of the place and restaurants like Des Pardes have become an instant hit with the Islooites, who are enchanted by the warmth that is emanated from the place. Couples can also be seen having a Tonga ride at the village. Besides these, Shakarparian Hills, Fatima Jinnah Park, Damn-e-Koh/ Pir Sohawa, Pakistan Monuments, Margalla Hills Tracks, Visit of Zoo, Lok Virsa, Saidpur Village, Shahdara point and Chattar Park is one of the favourite spots for lovebirds to celebrate the V-day.
Wow !
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