RAWALPINDI: Unlike last year, people on Friday thronged commercial centres, turning the otherwise selective Valentine’s Day celebrations into a festival for everybody.

From sweetshops to grocery stores and from vendors to toy shops, the display of heart shaped items gave a festive look to Rawalpindi Saddar and its adjoining areas.

The price of roses was much higher keeping in view the demand as Fawad Ahmed, 35, a florist said he ran short of roses triggering increase in prices. “A single rose flower costs Rs100 today though usually we sell it for Rs15-20. It is the day of roses,” the happy flower seller said.

Friday is usually a quiet day in the populous Rawalpindi city as most of the shops get closed after Jumma prayers and roads present a deserted look. But on Valentine’s Day the atmosphere was opposite as motorists and visitors were seen buying gifts.

“Traders don’t leave a chance to sell their items. Today we are here for the shoppers and this is a handsome opportunity to cash,” Zafar Qadri, general secretary Cantonment Traders Association and owner of a leading grocery shop told Dawn.

Usually perceived as a day for expression of love, young couples roamed the streets with loud music reverberating commercial bazaars while little children waving heart-shaped balloons.

“Valentine’s Day is not our festival but it is celebrated everywhere in the world. Its theme is so charming that everybody wants to celebrate it,” Furqan Sikandar, a visitor replied when asked.

Similarly, on the social media particularly facebook, twitter and android applications like whatsapp, viber, tango and Instagram, friends exchanged and posted messages of love and peace to each other.