February, the month of love or that of clichés as some may call, is back. Few more days into it and the reds and hearts will take over the ‘dillwali dilli”. Flowers and cakes will be ordered, greeting cards (with the same typical lines but in different fonts) be brought and restaurants reservations be made. But isn’t this old? What was once exciting became familiar and now is nothing but a repetitive custom. What fun in taking your partner out when they know, by experience, the entire trail? In a city as happening as ours, why bore your date, when you can together have fun the non-mainstream way this Valentines’ day? To simplify efforts, we have compiled the list of events that help you break the dull Valentines’ Day routine. Pick one and you are good to go!
- Jashn-e-Rekhta, the Urdu Festival
Love has no language, say those who never delved in the charm of Urdu. Few words from its vocabulary put together, effortlessly exceeds the charm of over ten romantic songs combined. With such an aura to its name, Urdu knows the Valentines’ Day trick just right. And as if by the will of cupid, the closing ceremony of the much awaited, Jashn-e-Rekhta is scheduled on 14th February, two days after its inauguration on 12th. Walk in with your special someone to this dreamy amalgamation of discussions, plays, poetry and music, all enveloped with romance. A star studded guest list and a mood so delightful; your day of love is sorted!
- Where: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
- Entry: Free. Register online for a hassle free entry.
- Check out the complete schedule for the day here: http://jashnerekhta.org/#schedule
- Lower Your Expectations, stand- up comedy
There is no better way to celebrate than laughing and if the celebration is of love, so be it; Stage Forty Twoo brings a comical night for couples who understand the theory. Besides, what better gift than making him/ her laugh! Take your partner out for this crazy line up of Abish Mathew, Nishant Tanwar and Vikram Sathaye on 14th Febraury at 8pm. They are sure to make your Valentines’ Day a happy one, quite literally.
- Where: FICCI Auditorium, Tansen Marg.
- Entry: Book your tickets here: https://insider.in/event/lower-your-expectations-delhi-ncr-feb14
- Surajkund Mela
You have sure seen movies together but any folk performances? Dined at every exotic restaurant but ever savored your country’s own ethnic delicacies? Gleamed in the city sparkle but ever tried indulging in the colors of tradition and heritage? If you have not been nodding to these questions, the ‘Surajkund International Crafts Mela’ is your apt Valentines’ Day destination. With the right proportion of adventure and entertainment, it gives you every reason to skip the malls and walk hands in hands with your partner, this time, to a mela.
- Where: Faridabad (a complementary long drive with this event).
- Entry: Buy tickets online for a hassle free entry.
- Shameless Is Good, talk show
Life is a chaos and love, the much needed calm. So on a day when love seeks celebration, why not sort the complicatedness a bit? Speaker Reety Wadhwa is on her Indian tour and chooses to stop by the city of dillwallas on Valentines’ Day. And if you are a couple who craves for success, both independent and learning, treating yourself with a motivational dose seems the right plan for the day.
- Where: Alliance Francaise, Lodhi Estate.
- Entry: Online booking available here: https://in.explara.com/e/shameless-is-good-india-new–delhi
- U/A by NH7
Farhan Akhtar is in town on Valentines’ Day. Enough said. Oh wait, there’s Biswa and Tanmay Bhatt too. And now that you think it can’t get better, it does a little more; performance by Boyce Avenue, the pop rock band from the States. U/A 2016 checks everything from your ‘Valentines’ to- do list’. Music, comedy, fun and the love of your life, how perfect! *wipes tears*
- Where: National Stadium.
- Entry: Online booking available here: https://insider.in/event/ua-2016-delhi
Not to forget, none of the above event mandates couple entry. So singles, ask yourself out for a date maybe?