Is Valentine's Day only meant for cooing couples ? Nah, say singles who don't mind their solitary status and plan to enjoy the day as much.

Gone are the days when people without a date used to experience pangs of depression on Feb 14 every year and at the sight of couples exchanging sweet nothings, cards, chocolates et al.

'I obviously can't spend time romancing on Valentines' Day since I'm not seeing anyone, but I can always take some time off for romanticism. So I plan to go and watch a lovely play,' said Bhavna Sharma, an advertising professional in her late 20s in Mumbai.

Echoing the same feeling, Leena Hiranandani, a chartered accountancy student, told IANS: 'I am not in a relationship, but I like the day since it's a day with good vibes and love all around. Instead of looking for a date, I would rather go out with friends who are single and enjoy myself.'

'True friendship often outlasts many romances. A true friend would often be the one helping you through if your relationship ends. So why not celebrate that love with friends? From giving each of your closest friends gifts and other tokens, there are tons of little things you can do,' said Pranit Verma, a college student.

'With all due respect to the ones who celebrate it, it's not of much importance to me,' opined Rohan Sharma, a post graduation student. 'I feel it's a blatant show of love which I don't like. If tomorrow I have someone in my life, even then I won't go out of my way to celebrate this day.'

The day that calls for the universal celebration of the expression of love in memory of St. Valentine is often criticized in India as going against Indian cultural norms. But cupid-struck urban couples nevertheless celebrate the day with zest.