For the longest time, Valentine's Day — even Valentine's week (February 7-14) — saw lovestruck thousands queue up outside Archies shops all across town. There were chocolates, teddy bears and roses everywhere — on cards, cakes, jewellery and even perfume bottles. And painting the town red was taken very seriously — and literally.
But it's 2017 and Valentine's week in the NCR has a new address — Gurgaon.
Music lover? Why not go check out Himesh Reshammiya in Sector 29, or Arijit Singh at Leisure Valley Park, crooning some mushy numbers for you and your special one on the eve of Valentine's Day? Even Shibani Kashyap is doing a two-day gig at Kingdom of Dreams on February 13-14.
For the party animal in you, DLF Phase V beckons, with a DJ, tattoo parlours and a huge dancefloor.
For those who prefer a quiet, classy candlelight dinner, Hilton Garden Inn, Sector 50, is a great option, with an in-house band playing love songs throughout the evening.
Looking for something exotic? Head to Barrel Pub in Mega Mall, Golf Course Road, which will feature belly dancers as its V-Day special. (Tip for the men: Ensure the day goes well by constantly reminding yourself to focus on your partner and not the belly dancers).
What about the residents? What do they have planned?
"This Valentine's Day is special to me," said Varun Chakrapani, a resident of Sushant Lok. "I got married just a month back, so this is our first V-Day together as a couple. I am going to do something I've been planning for a long time now. It will be a surprise for her."
Mukesh Mehta, a resident of South City I, said he wanted to keep it classic, with a romantic dinner. "There are a lot of options in the city but I think my wife will really enjoy a nice dinner on Valentine's Day," he said.
Or if you want to avoid the crowds, you can just cuddle up at home. As The Beatles sang, "All you need is love..."
