Why V-Day is a hit with India’s ecommerce startups, despite all the controversy

Photo credit: Pixabay

Ever been to India with your girlfriend and tried to kiss her in public? If you have, you probably received a dozen dirty stares. Or a prying cop may have taken you to the nearest police station, to extract some money.

Worst still, you might have received a lecture on public decency or been asked to declare your girlfriend as your ‘sister’ by right wing political activists. During anti-valentine drives the activists force girlfriends to tie rakhi (a sacred thread) to their boyfriends and declare them as ‘brothers’ in front of the local community.

Even though public displays of affection in India are frowned upon, ecommerce startups are leaving no stone unturned to sell you that sexy lingerie, or book you a hotel room so you can get intimate in private.

Over 65 percent of India’s population (which totals about 930 million) is under 35 years of age. Valentine’s Day is now a major crowd puller for ecommerce startups to attract new users.

Come, ladies, bid for men

Delhi-based online room aggregator StayUncle is hosting an “auction of men” solely for ladies at a startup coworking space Switch in the heart of New Delhi on Valentine’s Day.

“Few starving but incredibly handsome entrepreneurs, some self-made millionaires, musicians from the good old 80s for the ladies with gusto, upcoming pilots and some more,” a Facebook post by StayUncle says.

“All you need to do is appear on Valentine’s Day, fill your pocket, and ferociously fight for a one hour date with your Shiva,” StayUncle is advertising on social media.

Billed as India’s first male auction, it will offer one hour of exclusive time for the lady with her desired man. The proceeds will go to charity.

Online jibe at India’s Valentine haters

StayUncle’s bigger rival OyoRooms is running a social media campaign called #NoRoomForHate. The campaign is targeted towards India’s right wing activists who have been known to beat up couples holding hands and cozying up to each other in parks across India.

Couples’ fear of these political gangs on Valentine’s Day impacts business, because it prevents them from feeling comfortable even with booking hotel rooms.

Sequoia Capital- and Softbank-backed Oyo Rooms describes traits of a Valentine hater:

He cannot make a girl like him
He gets upset when a couple holds hands
He thinks falling in love is a crime
A couple dancing infuriates him.

Get free repairs of shoes, cars

GetCarXpert is offering free assistance just a day before Valentine’s Day to get your wheels tuned up so a car breakdown doesn’t ruin your romantic date.

State converts V-Day into ‘Parents Day’

Adult toys a hit online in India

India vs public display of affection