Satyajit Das:
As soon as February 14th arrives, red roses, chocolates, and messages of love spread everywhere. Some celebrate the day as an expression of love, while others think it does not go with our culture. But the question is—is Valentine's Day really a religious day, or is it just a global cultural festival? And how did it become popular in Bangladesh? Let's find out the truth from the pages of history.
Although it is a day of love, the story behind the history is that Valentine's Day is a Christian religious festival or a day of black magic. But in reality, its birth is linked to ancient Roman traditions.
The 3rd century Roman Emperor Claudius believed that unmarried soldiers made better warriors. So he banned soldiers from marrying. But a Christian priest, Saint Valentine, secretly performed weddings for lovers. After being caught, he was executed on February 14. He was later honored as a martyr for love.
However, Valentine's Day has deeper roots. The Romans celebrated a fertility festival called "Lupercalia" in February, which gradually became a festival of love.
International recognition: celebration or ban?
Valentine's Day is not a day recognized by the United Nations or any international organization. However, it is celebrated in more than 100 countries. In some countries, it is a public holiday, such as the Philippines, Argentina, and South Korea.
On the other hand, it is banned or discouraged in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, and Malaysia, as it is considered to be contrary to their culture.
When did Valentine's Day become popular in Bangladesh?
The popularity of Valentine's Day in Bangladesh began in the late 1990s.
1) In 1993, "Weekly Propaganda" magazine wrote about this for the first time.
2) Around 1997-98, discussions of Valentine's Day began on FM radio, television, and newspapers.
3) Since 2000, it has become popular among young people in Dhaka, especially among university students.
Now it is widely celebrated in urban areas of Bangladesh. What is more interesting is that since Pahela Falgun and Valentine's Day fall almost at the same time, it has also become known as the month of love.
Culture clash: Love or foreign influence?
Many people think that this is a blind imitation of Western culture. However, on the other hand, many argue that there is nothing wrong with having a day to express love. Nowadays, this day is not limited to lovers only, but is also seen as a symbol of friendship, family relationships and human love.
Ultimately, the decision to celebrate Valentine's Day is a personal one. One can celebrate it or not. However, it is important to have a proper knowledge of history and culture. Love is not limited to one day, but should be expressed every day.
