Chennai swaps candlelight for craft nights

From bouquet-making workshops and craft sessions to Galentine’s evenings and movie-food mashups, city folks Valentine’s plans leaned more towards creativity, connection and shared experiences over predictable romantic plans.

A room filled with flowers, a table scattered with paints, and people quietly laughing as they tried something new... Ahead of Valentine’s weekend, instead of chasing candlelight dinners, couples in Chennai leaned into something simpler — spending time together, minus the expectations.

Making memories by making thingsAcross Chennai’s neighbourhoods, Valentine’s plans looked refreshingly different. At a bouquet making workshop, people gathered to assemble flowers, chat and slow down. “The world is filled with so much negativity, and this is a space where people can simply enjoy themselves,” said organiser Fahima. Some came with partners, others alone, but the mood remained easygoing. “I just love flowers, so when I heard there was a bouquet-making workshop happening, I dragged my fiancé here,” says Saanya, an IT professional. “You don’t need anyone else to give you flowers,” chipped in Salma, another participant.

At a themed craft event, people moved between stations making resin art, dream catchers and mandalas. “Usually Valentine’s events feel very structured, but here you could just move at your own pace,” says Harini Venkatesh. For many, the appeal lay in creating something tangible — a memory that lasted beyond the evening.

Dates, just not romantic ones!In an Alwarpet apartment, five friends gathered for their own version of Galentine’s, turning the evening into a wardrobe clean-up session with iced coffees, takeaway fries and conversations. “We realised we were either single or just tired of the pressure around Valentine’s Day,” shares Mruthika S, “So we decided we’d just be each other’s dates.” Palak, one of the friends, adds, “It didn’t feel like we were missing out. It felt like we could avoid jealousy and stay away from couple posts.”

Meanwhile, curated experiences brought strangers together. A screening paired The Princess And The Frog with dishes inspired by the film, encouraging audiences to experience storytelling through taste as well as visuals. “It didn’t feel like a regular movie night,” said Varshinee, a psychologist.

Contributed by: Aashna Reddy, Janani M, Heeba Bashir