Patna Sees Anti-Valentine Posters: ‘Jahan Milenge Babu-Shona…’ Warning Issued To Couples

• Posters warning couples against celebrating Valentine's Day have appeared across Patna ahead of February 14.
• The posters, attributed to a group called Hindu Shiv Bhavani Sena, threaten action against couples seen in parks or public places.
• The organisation claims Valentine's Day is against Indian culture and has warned of monitoring public spaces.
• The move has triggered sharp political reactions, with opposition parties condemning the warnings.

With Valentine's Day just days away, a wave of controversial posters has surfaced across Bihar's capital Patna, sparking concern and political debate. The posters, attributed to the Hindu Shiv Bhavani Sena, warn couples against celebrating the occasion publicly and threaten action if people are found expressing affection in parks, restaurants or other public spaces.

The posters have appeared in several parts of the city, turning what is typically a commercial and cultural celebration into a point of contention once again.

Posters issue warning to couples

The posters carry strong language and are aimed at couples planning to celebrate Valentine's Day. One prominent message reads:
"Wherever we find Babu and Sona, we will destroy every corner."
The term "Babu and Sona" is commonly used as a colloquial reference to romantic couples. The posters warn that if couples are found celebrating or expressing affection in public, members of the group will take action.

The posters also claim that Valentine's Day promotes obscenity and is against Indian cultural values. Some messages additionally refer to issues such as "love jihad" and religious conversion, which the organisation alleges are linked to such celebrations.

Organisation's stance and threats

According to statements attributed to the Hindu Shiv Bhavani Sena, the period from Chocolate Day to Valentine's Day is viewed by the group as contrary to Indian traditions. The group has reportedly warned that it will deploy members across the city to monitor public spaces.

The warnings include:

• Monitoring parks, restaurants and public areas on February 14
• Taking action against what the group calls "obscenity"
• Using sticks or batons if they encounter couples celebrating publicly
• The posters suggest that the organisation's teams will remain active throughout the day to prevent celebrations it considers inappropriate.
• Reference to Pulwama attack

Some posters also link the date of Valentine's Day to the anniversary of the Pulwama terror attack. They urge citizens to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives and suggest the day should be observed in remembrance rather than celebration.

This messaging has been used to strengthen the group's appeal against Valentine's Day celebrations in the city.

Political reactions and criticism

The appearance of the posters has triggered political backlash. Leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have strongly criticised the move, calling it an attempt to spread fear and moral policing.

RJD spokesperson Aijaz Ahmed said such actions promote hatred and social division. He accused certain organisations of trying to create conflict and undermine social harmony in the name of culture.

According to him, attempts to police personal relationships and public behaviour reflect intolerance rather than cultural protection.

Growing debate over moral policing

Incidents of groups opposing Valentine's Day celebrations have surfaced in several parts of India over the years, often sparking debate over personal freedom and cultural expression. Similar posters have reportedly appeared in parts of Madhya Pradesh as well.
The Patna posters have once again ignited discussions around:

• Freedom of expression in public spaces
• Cultural and moral policing
• The role of political and social organisations in regulating personal choices

As Valentine's Day approaches, authorities are likely to remain alert to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order in the city.