Lovers assaulted on Valentine's DayPhoto: Sebastian D'Souza/AFP
Activists of hardline Hindu party, Shiv
Sena, burn heart-shaped placards to protest
Valentine's Day. Shiv Sena strongly opposes
the holiday, calling it a cultural assault
on the Hindu way of life.Associated Press
New Delhi, India — Lovers across India defied conservative social mores by holding hands, stealing kisses and partying on Valentine's Day — but some were beaten up by Hindu extremists who say the tradition goes against Indian values.
India is the origin of the ancient Kama Sutra sex manual, which is actually a religious text of Tantric Hinduism. Moreover, tales of lovers are lionized in both religious and secular folklore.
But most Indians shy away from public expressions of romantic love, like hugging, kissing or even holding hands. Police sometimes interrupt couples cuddling up in public.
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