Gen-Z chooses family and friends as their Valentines in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: Instead of waiting for their soulmates, youth especially the Gen-Z celebrated Valentine's Day with the people they love - family or friends.
City bakeries, cafes and restaurants decorated with red balloons and ribbons remained abuzz with activities throughout the day. Dressed in the hues of red, couples clicked photographs and tried making their partners feel special with gifts, flowers and chocolates. Even jewellery shops did some brisk business.
However, for Nimisha Tewari it was a 'Gal'entine's Day. "Who needs a boyfriend when you have friends who care for you all the time. With this vision in mind, we organised an all-girls picnic. Besides a potluck, we arranged chocolates and cakes. After all it was a day to rejoice our bond," she said.
Similarly, Swara Tripathi (9), gave red roses to her grandmother. "My grandmother encourages me to excel in both my academics and co-curricular activities. I believe she is my first and I am her last valentine, so I decided to give her red roses and sweets this year," Tripathi said.
Hashmita (22) had arranged some handmade chocolates and cards for her loved ones. "My sister and grandfather always remain by my side. I thought instead of finding a valentine I should celebrate the existence of people I have in my life," Hashmita said.
Megha had set a cosy food corner on the banks of Gomti for her partner Haxia. "This was our second valentine's day together. I had arranged a big-fat meal surprise for my partner. We sat together and chattered for hours while relishing food," Megha said.
Couples like Vikas and Hanshika went to temple to celebrate the day. "We sought blessings of God in the morning and later enjoyed a long drive and some sumptuous food," Vikas said.