‘Why bring Western garbage to India?’: VHP in Maharashtra voices disapproval of Valentine’s Day celebrations

However, Nair maintained that the VHP was only voicing its reservations and was not planning protests.

In Maharashtra, the VHP and the Bajrang Dal have reportedly circulated pamphlets and held community meetings urging people to mark February 14 as ‘Veer Jawan Day’ or ‘Matru-Pitru Pujan Diwas’.

A senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary, requesting anonymity, said, “The RSS believes Bharatiya sanskruti (Indian culture) should be preserved and promoted. Valentine’s Day represents Western culture, promoted for commercial reasons. Youths are getting drawn to it without realising its fallout. We believe in preserving the family value system.”

The protest against Valentine’s Day is not an isolated incident. The VHP and Bajrang Dal have also enforced moral policing during Navratri festivals. Last year, the VHP issued a strict advisory to event organisers, directing them not to allow non-Hindus to participate. In several states, Aadhaar cards were made mandatory for entry into garba events during the nine-day Navratri celebrations.

Last week, the VHP raised objections to the title of the film Ghooskhor Pandat, urging filmmakers to change it, saying it mocked Hindus. “We have noticed an increasing trend in the entertainment sector where film titles or characters are portrayed to ridicule or mock Hindu deities, saints, and religious leaders,” Nair said.