Love in the air: Valentine’s Day being celebrated with enthusiasm today
The day has become especially popular among young people, with couples expressing affection through flowers, cards, chocolates, and heartfelt messages.
KATHMANDU: As the gentle warmth of spring begins to touch the air, Valentine’s Day — observed globally on Feb 14 — is being celebrated with enthusiasm across Nepal.
What was once seen largely as a Western tradition has, in recent years, established itself as a meaningful cultural and social occasion within Nepali society.
The day has become especially popular among young people, with couples expressing affection through flowers, cards, chocolates, and heartfelt messages.
City streets, parks, and cafes are filled with pairs carrying red roses, adding splashes of romance to urban life.
The growing influence of modern lifestyles and social media has further energized the celebration, creating a festive atmosphere in markets and online platforms alike.
Legacy Rooted in History
The origins of Valentine’s Day trace back to third-century Rome. According to historical belief, Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage for soldiers, fearing that love and family would weaken their dedication to war. Defying this decree, Saint Valentine secretly conducted marriages for soldiers, standing firmly in support of love and human connection.
For his defiance, Saint Valentine was executed on February 14 in 269 AD. His sacrifice and devotion to love and justice are widely believed to be the reason this day is commemorated worldwide as a celebration of love and affection.
Love Week Gains Popularity in Nepal
In Nepal, Valentine’s Day is no longer limited to just one day.
The celebration now extends into a week-long observance beginning on Feb 7, commonly referred to as “Love Week.” It starts with Rose Day and continues through Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Kiss Day, and Hug Day, culminating in Valentine’s Day.
With the widespread use of social media and digital communication, the ways people express love have become more modern and creative.
Beyond romantic partners, many Nepalis are also using the occasion to express appreciation and goodwill toward family members and friends, turning Valentine’s Day into a broader celebration of connection, care, and emotional bonding.
As Valentine’s Day continues to gain cultural relevance in Nepal, it reflects a society blending tradition with modern expressions of love — where affection is no longer confined to private moments but shared openly in public spaces and digital communities.
