In Mizoram, Mizo youths not only gave red roses to their Valentines, they also gave their own blood to express their love to fellow human beings. This has become a trend in the state since recent times. The blood donation drive was organised by the Aizawl-based Association for Voluntary Blood Donation, at Aizawl Civil Hospital and Synod Hospital.
The state government-supported “Blood for Your Valentine” event, held every Valentine’s Day across various district headquarters in Mizoram, has attracted sizable crowds of couples and singles since it was started by a local television personality, Zikpuii Pachuau, in 2010, the number of blood donors at the event having increased more than six-fold till date.
Last year, 940 units of blood were collected at “Blood for your Valentine” venues across six of Mizoram’s eight districts where doctors and nurses from respective district hospitals as well as non-government hospitals oversaw the donation drive.
Candle light dinners and parties were held by lovers and married couples in hotels, restaurants, farmhouses and also in some picnic spots outside the city to mark the Day of Love.
