It is Valentine’s Day today. But celebrations have turned a low key affair in the city compared to previous years. Couples, who are usually seen walking hand-in-hand and exchanging pleasantries and gifts at some tourist spots, were nowhere to be seen this time.

Normally couples on this day are seen at Mysuru Zoo, Mysore Palace and Karanji Lake, their favourite spots to spend quality time with each other. But, today being Tuesday, both the Zoo and Karanji Lake were closed for public.  

This year, the couples, majority from rural areas, were seen in large numbers at the Chamundi Hill, Nimishamba Temple and Ganjam (both at Srirangapatna) and Nanjangud. A few of the hotels and bakeries had also announced special offers  for couples.

The worst hit lot were vendors who had expected roaring business. They were disappointed as the sale of roses was not up to their expectations. Vendors who had brought roses from Ooty and other places were selling it for a paltry Rs. 15 and Rs. 35.  Prices of roses on Valentine’s Day usually shoot up to Rs. 100 to Rs. 150. Greetings and gift shops wore a dull look with not many boys and girls visiting them. City Police had provided security atop Chamundi Hills and other spots in the city to keep a vigil on activists of a few organisations who are against Valentine’s Day.