Valentine Day: Not Bangladeshi culture

Few cultural organizations and a section of the youths observed so-called Valentine Day on February 14 although it is against the culture and tradition we have been upholding for years. We cannot agree that the males will grasp the hands of the females, and then begin dancing and singing. The rupture goes on till they become tired," said an eyewitness on condition of anonymity.

The west named it Valentine Day after the name of church Valentine, who fell in love of a young girl. People and media of the western countries celebrate this day dancing, singing, hugging and drinking. They kiss one another, which the people of Bangladesh cannot. Still, a large number of the youngsters celebrated this day cheerfully, and chirping. Some private television channels telecast special programmes while few cultural organizations held rallies, organised concert and arranged cultural shows on the Dhaka University campus and Gulshan area participated by couples, would-be-couples and students.

There was no existence of Valentine Day during the time of the Muslims' rule in Bengal till their defeat in the Battle of Palassey in 1757 AD, even during the time of the Sens and the Pals, nor during the British rule in India. This day was not heard in the first 30 years of Bangladesh. Its arrival has occurred perhaps for commercial reason. It is said that the sale of flowers in different flowers' markets of the city increase on this occasion.

A resident of Rampura told this correspondent that he was coming from Nilkhet book market on Tuesday night through the DU area. What he saw was totally against the customs, traditions and ethics the people of Bangladesh hold in hearts. The youngsters were gossiping in groups, embracing one another and offering kisses. He heaved a sigh and said again, "We are about to banish our own culture for the alien one." Valentine Day means love day. God created one male and one female and from them twin spread multitude of men and women. Feelings for each other are natural. It is, off course, a matter of heart and mind. To express it, there is no need of making public announcement. There are some legendary love stories to remember for centuries. One of them is the tale of Shiri-Forhad.

Shiri was the princess of Kohistan, a very tiny kingdom between Iran and Turan. On the other hand, Forhad was a sculptor in ancient Persia. Forhad began to love Shiri the day he got a painted picture of her face. On the other hand, Shiri fell in love the day she saw him in person in the capital city of Persia.

But they never disclosed it to other. Even they could not meet each other more than few occasions. Shiri and Forhad finally met a tragic death because of the conspiracy of the Persian emperor Khashru. Howbeit, their love story is everlasting, not to forget.

"To me, love is a sacred thing. It brings two hearts close to one another. By holding rallies, concerts and cultural functions, its price can't be estimated. We should refrain from performing western culture because that damages our image,' said a housewife of Mohammadpur area.

"A section of the youngsters are becoming more and more prone to the westerns, which gives an alarming sound. In order to save ours own, a cultural revolution has become inevitable. Under no circumstances, valentine day, observance of 31st December and spring festival could be absorbed into our long nurtured culture," said a retired Additional Secretary, Government of Bangladesh.