SAUDI ARABIA, IRAN, INDIA, 6 OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE VALENTINE’S DAY IS RESTRICTED OR NOT FORMALLY CELEBRATED
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Valentine’s Day, observed every February 14, began as a Christian feast honouring Saint Valentine. Over time, it has evolved into a global celebration of romance, gifts, and grand gestures.
Historical records, such as the eighth-century Gelasian Sacramentary, mention the Feast of Saint Valentine. By the 14th and 15th centuries, the day became closely associated with romantic love as ideas of courtly affection gained popularity.
Although February 14 is not a public holiday in most countries, it holds strong cultural and religious significance for many Christian communities. However, not every nation formally embraces the celebration; in some, religious beliefs and cultural norms have limited or even banned Valentine’s activities.
Here are nine countries where Valentine’s Day faces restrictions or is not widely recognized:
Russia
Russia does not formally observe February 14 in the same way as Western countries. Instead, March 8 is marked as International Women’s Day, when men give flowers and chocolates and women are celebrated. Rather than focusing on Saint Valentine, the day centres on recognising women and promoting gender equality.
Iran
Iranian authorities have repeatedly criticised Valentine’s Day as a Western cultural import. Businesses have faced warnings against selling Valentine’s gifts. Despite this, restaurants in Tehran often fill up on February 14, and some shops discreetly sell teddy bears and chocolates, reportedly taking precautions to avoid inspections.
Indonesia
While Indonesia is officially a secular state, in Aceh—the only province governed by Islamic law—Valentine’s celebrations and the sale of related gifts are banned. Religious leaders argue that the day promotes behavior that contradicts Islamic values. Nevertheless, the celebration remains visible in major cities like Jakarta.
Malaysia
Religious authorities in Malaysia have ruled that Valentine’s Day conflicts with Islamic teachings. Since 2005, a fatwa has discouraged Muslims from marking the day. In 2011, enforcement officers reportedly detained 80 Muslim couples during anti-Valentine operations in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, according to Wedded Wonderland.
Pakistan
Valentine’s Day has sparked tensions in parts of Pakistan. In 2014, clashes between university students in Peshawar over differing views on the celebration reportedly resulted in injuries. On February 7, 2018, the Islamabad High Court banned public Valentine’s celebrations, describing it as a Western tradition contrary to Islamic teachings.
India
India, which gained independence in 1947, has seen criticism of Valentine’s Day from certain political and cultural groups opposing Western influence. In 2015, Chandra Prakash Kaushik told The Times of India, “We are not against love, but if a couple is in love, then they must get married … if they are not certain, they should not belittle love by openly going around together.” While Valentine’s Day is popular in urban areas, it faces opposition from conservative groups.
Qatar
In Qatar, Valentine’s Day is not openly celebrated as in Western countries. Public displays are uncommon due to cultural traditions and religious values. Individuals may mark the day privately, but large-scale promotions, events, or commercial campaigns are typically limited.
Somalia
In Somalia, cultural norms and religious beliefs strongly influence how relationships and public celebrations are approached. As a result, February 14 holds little social or commercial significance and often passes without notable public attention.
Saudi Arabia
Public celebration of Valentine’s Day is heavily restricted in Saudi Arabia. Authorities have historically discouraged the sale of red roses and Valentine-themed items. A Wedded Wonderland report stated that in 2014, five Saudi citizens were sentenced to prison and lashes after being found dancing with women they were not married to. Love-themed gifts may be sold at other times but are reportedly restricted during the Valentine’s period.
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