The police in the United Kingdom have arrested eight men in connection with an Indian restaurant manager's murder who was killed while cycling back home from work on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

36-year-old Vignesh Pattabhiraman, who is an Indian citizen from Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, was pronounced dead at the Royal Berkshire Hospital after he was hit by a vehicle near Addington Road in a residential area of Reading. The vehicle, after hitting the man, was reported to have sped off.&nbsp;

A murder investigation was launched by Thames Valley police's major crime unit. Speaking about the incident, a police spokesperson said, “It is believed that the cyclist was also assaulted by an occupant of the vehicle, which then left the scene.”&nbsp;

The police arrested a 24-year-old man from Reading on Monday morning (Feb 19), after he was suspected to have committed the murder.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-student-killed-in-us-fifth-such-case-in-less-than-two-weeks-687732">Another Indian-origin student dies in United States in fifth such case this year</a>

Seven men, aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 31, 41 and 48, all from Reading, were also arrested by the police on suspicion of assisting the offender. All of them have been kept in police custody.

<h2>India-born restaurateur murdered on last day of work</h2>

India-born restaurateur Pattabhiraman used to work in a Hyatt hotel in Doha and a year ago had shifted to Britain where he took up the job of restaurant manager at Vel, which is an affordable authentic South Indian eatery. The restaurant is located in Reading and is popular with the Indian community. He was also living in Reading with his wife, Ramya, who is also an Indian national.&nbsp;

The day he was murdered was his last day at work as he had resigned and recently got another job at Hyatt Regency London — The Churchill in Marylebone.

“His wife is naturally devastated. They are a young couple who had moved to the UK for a better life and she lost her husband in the first year. His parents in Coimbatore want to come to the UK straight away and we request the UK government to issue them an emergency visa as soon as possible,” said a family friend, while speaking to The Times Of India.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US: 3 Indian students killed within a week

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A JustGiving page has been started to raise funds for his grieving family so that the cost of funeral expenses and repatriation of his body is covered.&nbsp;

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Raman, who are being supported by specially trained officers. We are continuing our investigation into the circumstances of his death.”

“Vignesh was a committed restaurant manager at Vel, where he poured his heart and soul into his work, earning recognition for his exceptionally warm nature, customer service and work ethics. His dream of reaching a senior management position in the hotel industry was within reach, with an exciting opportunity awaiting him at Hyatt Regency," stated The JustGiving page.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The police in the United Kingdom have arrested eight men in connection with an Indian restaurant manager's murder who was killed while cycling back home from work on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

The police in the United Kingdom have arrested eight men in connection with an Indian restaurant manager's murder who was killed while cycling back home from work on February 14, Valentine’s Day. 36-year-old Vignesh Pattabhiraman, who is an Indian citizen from Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, was pronounced dead at the Royal Berkshire Hospital after he was hit by a vehicle near Addington Road in a residential area of Reading. The vehicle, after hitting the man, was reported to have sped off. A murder investigation was launched by Thames Valley police's major crime unit. Speaking about the incident, a police spokesperson said, “It is believed that the cyclist was also assaulted by an occupant of the vehicle, which then left the scene.” The police arrested a 24-year-old man from Reading on Monday morning (Feb 19), after he was suspected to have committed the murder. Also Read: Another Indian-origin student dies in United States in fifth such case this year Seven men, aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 31, 41 and 48, all from Reading, were also arrested by the police on suspicion of assisting the offender. All of them have been kept in police custody. India-born restaurateur murdered on last day of work India-born restaurateur Pattabhiraman used to work in a Hyatt hotel in Doha and a year ago had shifted to Britain where he took up the job of restaurant manager at Vel, which is an affordable authentic South Indian eatery. The restaurant is located in Reading and is popular with the Indian community. He was also living in Reading with his wife, Ramya, who is also an Indian national. The day he was murdered was his last day at work as he had resigned and recently got another job at Hyatt Regency London — The Churchill in Marylebone. “His wife is naturally devastated. They are a young couple who had moved to the UK for a better life and she lost her husband in the first year. His parents in Coimbatore want to come to the UK straight away and we request the UK government to issue them an emergency visa as soon as possible,” said a family friend, while speaking to The Times Of India. Watch: US: 3 Indian students killed within a week A JustGiving page has been started to raise funds for his grieving family so that the cost of funeral expenses and repatriation of his body is covered. Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Raman, who are being supported by specially trained officers. We are continuing our investigation into the circumstances of his death.” “Vignesh was a committed restaurant manager at Vel, where he poured his heart and soul into his work, earning recognition for his exceptionally warm nature, customer service and work ethics. His dream of reaching a senior management position in the hotel industry was within reach, with an exciting opportunity awaiting him at Hyatt Regency," stated The JustGiving page. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian restaurateur killed on Valentine’s Day in UK, eight arrested so far

After revealing on Thursday that his partner accepted his marriage proposal on Valentine’s Day, Anthony Albanese became the first prime minister of Australia to become engaged while holding office.

New beginnings for Australia PM Anthony Albanaese, gets engaged with Jodie  Haydon

Valentine's Day 2024 Wishes:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidcmGMIbI3FFj5" /><meta charset="utf-8" />People celebrate Valentine's Day worldwide as a day of love, romance, and affection. It is a time for couples to express their love through gifts, romantic gestures, and heartfelt words.

Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14 every year, is also an opportunity to show appreciation for friends and family members. Whether people exchange cards, flowers, or chocolates, Valentine's Day reminds us to cherish the bonds we share with loved ones and celebrate the joy of love in all its forms.

It also has a rich history dating back centuries. It dates back to ancient Roman and Christian traditions. One popular legend suggests that Valentine's Day commemorates the martyrdom of St. Valentine, a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages for young soldiers.

St. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret. He believed in the power of love. Another story suggests that the emperors jailed St. Valentine for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where he fell in love with the jailer's daughter and sent her a love letter signed "From your Valentine."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-deadpool-3-wicked-and-more-every-movie-trailer-released-during-super-bowl-2024-689540">Deadpool 3, Wicked and more: Every movie trailer released during Super Bowl 2024</a>

<h2>Valentine's Day 2024: Wishes, Messages, WhatsApp Status, Quotes</h2>

<h3>Here's a list of wishes and quotes you can send your special someone on Valentine's Day 2024:</h3>

"On this Valentine's Day, my heart belongs to you completely. Happy Valentine's Day, my love!"

"You make every day feel like Valentine's Day with your love and kindness. Wishing you a day filled with joy and romance!"

"To the one who holds the key to my heart, Happy Valentine's Day! I cherish every moment we share."

"Sending you all my love on this special day. Happy Valentine's Day to the most amazing partner anyone could ask for!"

"Roses are red, violets are blue, on this Valentine's Day, I'm grateful for you. Happy Valentine's Day, my dear!"

"You are my sunshine on cloudy days and the reason for my smile. Happy Valentine's Day to the love of my life!"

"Wishing you a Valentine's Day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. You mean the world to me!"

"In your arms is where I belong, today and always. Happy Valentine's Day, my darling!"

"With each passing second, my love for you grows stronger. Happy Valentine's Day to my forever Valentine!"

"You make my heart skip a beat and my world brighter. Happy Valentine's Day to the one who completes me!"

(With inputs from agencies)

Valentine's Day 2024 Wishes: People celebrate Valentine's Day worldwide as a day of love, romance, and affection. It is a time for couples to express their love through gifts, romantic gestures, and heartfelt words.

Valentine's Day 2024 Wishes: People celebrate Valentine's Day worldwide as a day of love, romance, and affection. It is a time for couples to express their love through gifts, romantic gestures, and heartfelt words. Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14 every year, is also an opportunity to show appreciation for friends and family members. Whether people exchange cards, flowers, or chocolates, Valentine's Day reminds us to cherish the bonds we share with loved ones and celebrate the joy of love in all its forms. It also has a rich history dating back centuries. It dates back to ancient Roman and Christian traditions. One popular legend suggests that Valentine's Day commemorates the martyrdom of St. Valentine, a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages for young soldiers. St. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret. He believed in the power of love. Another story suggests that the emperors jailed St. Valentine for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where he fell in love with the jailer's daughter and sent her a love letter signed "From your Valentine." ALSO READ | Deadpool 3, Wicked and more: Every movie trailer released during Super Bowl 2024 Valentine's Day 2024: Wishes, Messages, WhatsApp Status, Quotes Here's a list of wishes and quotes you can send your special someone on Valentine's Day 2024: "On this Valentine's Day, my heart belongs to you completely. Happy Valentine's Day, my love!" "You make every day feel like Valentine's Day with your love and kindness. Wishing you a day filled with joy and romance!" "To the one who holds the key to my heart, Happy Valentine's Day! I cherish every moment we share." "Sending you all my love on this special day. Happy Valentine's Day to the most amazing partner anyone could ask for!" "Roses are red, violets are blue, on this Valentine's Day, I'm grateful for you. Happy Valentine's Day, my dear!" "You are my sunshine on cloudy days and the reason for my smile. Happy Valentine's Day to the love of my life!" "Wishing you a Valentine's Day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. You mean the world to me!" "In your arms is where I belong, today and always. Happy Valentine's Day, my darling!" "With each passing second, my love for you grows stronger. Happy Valentine's Day to my forever Valentine!" "You make my heart skip a beat and my world brighter. Happy Valentine's Day to the one who completes me!" (With inputs from agencies)

Happy Valentine’s Day 2024: Wishes, quotes, WhatsApp status, FB and Instagram story ideas

An asteroid, which is estimated to be as big as an Olympic swimming pool, may crash into Earth on Valentine’s Day in 2046, NASA scientists have predicted. There is one in 625 chance that the asteroid, which has been named 2023 DW, may hit the Earth on February 14, 2046, the European Space Agency stated.

The asteroid, which has a 50-metre diameter, has been placed by NASA at the number one spot on the “Risk List” of the objects present in space that have more than zero probability of impacting the Earth.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-beautiful-a-tiny-asteroid-lights-up-night-sky-after-hitting-earths-surface-watch-561609">'How beautiful': A tiny asteroid lights up night sky after hitting Earth's surface. Watch!</a>

2023 DW stands as the only asteroid present on the list which has a score of 1 on the Torino scale, which is used to measure the chances of the space object impacting the Earth. All other objects have 0 ratings.

Level 1 is indicative of the fact that the chances of an asteroid colliding with the earth are “extremely unlikely with no cause for public attention or public concern,” the Centre for Near Earth Object Studies stated.

“New telescopic observations very likely will lead to re-assignment to Level 0,” it added.

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Seen news of the potential impact of ~50m asteroid <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2023DW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2023DW</a>? 
 
Based on current observations, there's a 1/700 chance of impact in 2046 - follow-up observations will provide more info. 
 
But don't worry, its common for asteroids to initially appear more risky than they really are👇 <a href="https://t.co/Qwu5cgrqVs">pic.twitter.com/Qwu5cgrqVs</a>
— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) <a href="https://twitter.com/esaoperations/status/1633500270125621248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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NASA, which has been tracking the asteroid 2023 DW, said that it has “a very small chance of impacting Earth in 2046.”

“Often when new objects are first discovered, it takes several weeks of data to reduce the uncertainties and adequately predict their orbits years into the future,” tweeted NASA Asteroid Watch.&nbsp;

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We've been tracking a new asteroid named 2023 DW that has a very small chance of impacting Earth in 2046. Often when new objects are first discovered, it takes several weeks of data to reduce the uncertainties and adequately predict their orbits years into the future. (1/2) <a href="https://t.co/SaLC0AUSdP">pic.twitter.com/SaLC0AUSdP</a>
— NASA Asteroid Watch (@AsteroidWatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsteroidWatch/status/1633234541526523904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Its movement will be continuously monitored by orbit analysts, the agency further stated.

WATCH | Meteor lights up the sky over English Channel

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If the risk of 2023 DW impacting the Earth increases, NASA will bring its technology to use to protect the planet. NASA had earlier changed a small asteroid's orbit to redirect its trajectory as part of a mission called DART.

The researchers have also indicated that redirecting asteroids with such spacecraft collision “is a viable technique to potentially defend Earth if necessary”.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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An asteroid, which is estimated to be as big as an Olympic swimming pool, may crash into Earth on Valentine’s Day in 2046, NASA scientists have predicted. There is one in 625 chance that the asteroid, which has been named 2023 DW, may hit the Earth on February 14, 2046, the European Space Agency stated.

An asteroid, which is estimated to be as big as an Olympic swimming pool, may crash into Earth on Valentine’s Day in 2046, NASA scientists have predicted. There is one in 625 chance that the asteroid, which has been named 2023 DW, may hit the Earth on February 14, 2046, the European Space Agency stated. The asteroid, which has a 50-metre diameter, has been placed by NASA at the number one spot on the “Risk List” of the objects present in space that have more than zero probability of impacting the Earth. ALSO READ | 'How beautiful': A tiny asteroid lights up night sky after hitting Earth's surface. Watch! 2023 DW stands as the only asteroid present on the list which has a score of 1 on the Torino scale, which is used to measure the chances of the space object impacting the Earth. All other objects have 0 ratings. Level 1 is indicative of the fact that the chances of an asteroid colliding with the earth are “extremely unlikely with no cause for public attention or public concern,” the Centre for Near Earth Object Studies stated. “New telescopic observations very likely will lead to re-assignment to Level 0,” it added. Seen news of the potential impact of ~50m asteroid #2023DW? Based on current observations, there's a 1/700 chance of impact in 2046 - follow-up observations will provide more info. But don't worry, its common for asteroids to initially appear more risky than they really are👇 pic.twitter.com/Qwu5cgrqVs — ESA Operations (@esaoperations) March 8, 2023 × NASA, which has been tracking the asteroid 2023 DW, said that it has “a very small chance of impacting Earth in 2046.” “Often when new objects are first discovered, it takes several weeks of data to reduce the uncertainties and adequately predict their orbits years into the future,” tweeted NASA Asteroid Watch. We've been tracking a new asteroid named 2023 DW that has a very small chance of impacting Earth in 2046. Often when new objects are first discovered, it takes several weeks of data to reduce the uncertainties and adequately predict their orbits years into the future. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/SaLC0AUSdP — NASA Asteroid Watch (@AsteroidWatch) March 7, 2023 × Its movement will be continuously monitored by orbit analysts, the agency further stated. WATCH | Meteor lights up the sky over English Channel If the risk of 2023 DW impacting the Earth increases, NASA will bring its technology to use to protect the planet. NASA had earlier changed a small asteroid's orbit to redirect its trajectory as part of a mission called DART. The researchers have also indicated that redirecting asteroids with such spacecraft collision “is a viable technique to potentially defend Earth if necessary”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Doomsday in 2046? Asteroid as huge as an olympic swimming pool may hit Earth, says NASA

Zoos across the United States are carrying on the Valentine's Day custom of naming animals and critters after ex-lovers, some of whom may perish in nature's food chain.

Here are a few wildlife institutions that are running naming campaigns if you're looking for a symbolic method to get over a previous flame, want to help zoo ambassadors, or have a Valentine with a ghoulish sense of humour.&nbsp;

Name a Roach at the Bronx Zoo

For Valentine's Day, the Bronx Zoo is bringing back its Name a Roach programme.

The programme, which began in 2011, lets zoo visitors name a Madagascar hissing cockroach for $15, which includes a digital certificate.

A cockroach's name does not have to be confined to exes, either.

Customers are encouraged to name roaches after relatives and loved ones at the Bronx Zoo.

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Valentine’s Day is almost here and there’s really only one way to tell someone your love is eternal. Name a Bronx Zoo hissing cockroach for them. Go the extra mile and add a roach hat, roach socks, or romantic roach encounter to complete the package: <a href="https://t.co/S66H3cbGvB">https://t.co/S66H3cbGvB</a> <a href="https://t.co/E1X38037Cj">pic.twitter.com/E1X38037Cj</a>
— Bronx Zoo (@BronxZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/BronxZoo/status/1483456645619494915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Orders can be submitted online, and the receiver of the Valentine's Day present will be told on February 14 that an insect has been named after them.&nbsp;

If that isn't enough, the Bronx Zoo is now selling "Name a Roach" gift packages, which include virtual interactions with Madagascar hissing cockroaches and staff, as well as roach-themed commemorative memorabilia.

Roach Socks, a Roach Beanie, or both are available for Valentine's Day consumers.

Unhappy Valentine's Day from Brookfield Zoo's Name a Cockroach After Your Ex!

The annual Name a Cockroach After Your Ex campaign, which has been dubbed an "Un-Happy Valentine's Day" event for that "un-special (or special) someone in your life," is returning to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.

Holiday visitors can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach for $15.

Customers will receive a Certificate of Naming in their donation receipt after purchase, which they can display at home.

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This Valentine's Day, name a cockroach in honor of that un-special (or special) someone in your life! For a $15 donation to Brookfield Zoo, you can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach found inside our Hamill Family Play Zoo after your ex (or anyone). <a href="https://t.co/D922LjnNq5">pic.twitter.com/D922LjnNq5</a>
— Brookfield Zoo (@brookfield_zoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/brookfield_zoo/status/1482005309824589828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Buff Off at the Lehigh Valley Zoo

The Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, is conducting a Valentine's Day Bug Off event, during which zoo visitors can name bugs after their ex and see them fed to zoo ambassadors.

A $5 payment is required for each feeder cricket, which will go toward the Lehigh Valley Zoo's conservation and animal enrichment programmes.

Additional contributions are also appreciated.

In the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, the Lehigh Valley Zoo's Facebook page will post a weekly cricket feeding.

The movies will feature a range of zoo animal ambassadors chewing on crickets as workers provide wildlife knowledge.

(With inputs from agencies)

Zoos across the United States are carrying on the Valentine's Day custom of naming animals and critters after ex-lovers, some of whom may perish in nature's food chain.

Zoos across the United States are carrying on the Valentine's Day custom of naming animals and critters after ex-lovers, some of whom may perish in nature's food chain. Here are a few wildlife institutions that are running naming campaigns if you're looking for a symbolic method to get over a previous flame, want to help zoo ambassadors, or have a Valentine with a ghoulish sense of humour. Name a Roach at the Bronx Zoo For Valentine's Day, the Bronx Zoo is bringing back its Name a Roach programme. The programme, which began in 2011, lets zoo visitors name a Madagascar hissing cockroach for $15, which includes a digital certificate. A cockroach's name does not have to be confined to exes, either. Customers are encouraged to name roaches after relatives and loved ones at the Bronx Zoo. Valentine’s Day is almost here and there’s really only one way to tell someone your love is eternal. Name a Bronx Zoo hissing cockroach for them. Go the extra mile and add a roach hat, roach socks, or romantic roach encounter to complete the package: https://t.co/S66H3cbGvB pic.twitter.com/E1X38037Cj — Bronx Zoo (@BronxZoo) January 18, 2022 × Orders can be submitted online, and the receiver of the Valentine's Day present will be told on February 14 that an insect has been named after them. If that isn't enough, the Bronx Zoo is now selling "Name a Roach" gift packages, which include virtual interactions with Madagascar hissing cockroaches and staff, as well as roach-themed commemorative memorabilia. Roach Socks, a Roach Beanie, or both are available for Valentine's Day consumers. Unhappy Valentine's Day from Brookfield Zoo's Name a Cockroach After Your Ex! The annual Name a Cockroach After Your Ex campaign, which has been dubbed an "Un-Happy Valentine's Day" event for that "un-special (or special) someone in your life," is returning to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. Holiday visitors can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach for $15. Customers will receive a Certificate of Naming in their donation receipt after purchase, which they can display at home. This Valentine's Day, name a cockroach in honor of that un-special (or special) someone in your life! For a $15 donation to Brookfield Zoo, you can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach found inside our Hamill Family Play Zoo after your ex (or anyone). pic.twitter.com/D922LjnNq5 — Brookfield Zoo (@brookfield_zoo) January 14, 2022 × Buff Off at the Lehigh Valley Zoo The Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, is conducting a Valentine's Day Bug Off event, during which zoo visitors can name bugs after their ex and see them fed to zoo ambassadors. A $5 payment is required for each feeder cricket, which will go toward the Lehigh Valley Zoo's conservation and animal enrichment programmes. Additional contributions are also appreciated. In the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, the Lehigh Valley Zoo's Facebook page will post a weekly cricket feeding. The movies will feature a range of zoo animal ambassadors chewing on crickets as workers provide wildlife knowledge. (With inputs from agencies)

US zoos continue the Valentine’s Day tradition of naming cockroaches after exes 

Like so many other countries in the world, France has embraced what is generally perceived as an American concept - although Valentine's Day was originally English - and turned it into something of its own.

French people celebrate Valentine's Day too, although here it is known as la fête de Saint-Valentin or, simply, la Saint-Valentin.

Sales of the intimate accessories have exploded in France in recent months, amid COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions that have barred couples the usual romantic dinners and getaways and prevented singles from mingling in bars and night clubs.

The Passage du Desir chain of stores, which sells sex toys and other couple's accessories, has seen a 74 percent increase in sales of the products since the end of 2020, the company's founder Patrick Pruvot told Reuters on Wednesday (February 10).

"Traditionally, sex toys are a gift that does a lot better during Valentine's Day," Pruvot said. "This year, in addition, people can't spend their money on restaurants, maybe that plays into it, too."

In the three months running up to this year's Valentine's Day, sales at the Passage du Desir's seven outlets jumped 68% on previous months. A year earlier, sales rose by just 12% during the same period ahead of Feb. 14.

Other countries have seen a similar trend during COVID lockdowns. From Denmark to usually conservative Colombia, sales of sex toys leapt early in the pandemic, while British lingerie chain Ann Summer reported higher sales during the first confinement.

France prides itself as a nation of seducers. Seduction influences not just how the French relate to one another, but how they do business, define style, elect politicians and enjoy food and drink, wrote Elaine Sciolino in her book La Seduction.

For a long time, the French were slow to accept sex toys, a taboo that had been slowly wearing off before the pandemic left many couple with more time on their hands at home, Pruvot said.

"Maybe at a time when everything is forbidden, sexuality is one of our last bastions of freedom, that's how we could interpret it," Pruvot said.

According to a study done by French survey institution Ifop, 51 percent of French people have used a sex toy in 2020, the first the number reached a majority the population. The figure was at 48 percent in 2019, and a mere 9 percent in 2007.

Inside the store on Wednesday, 21-year-old Maryne Fraudin browsed the shelves to buy a kinky game for her boyfriend for the day of lovers. It was her first time buying such a present.

"We normally go to a restaurant, but now, that's going to be a bit complicated, so I thought it might please him to have a bit of attention apart from a restaurant meal that we can't have," she said.

For Parisian couple Anthony Jeka and Laura Vallarino, though, the lovers' game that they purchased is not their first bedroom accessory. The store regulars said thanks to COVID-19, they could pay more attention to each other in bed.

"What can we do if we can't go out, when we have to be home at 6 p.m., when we stay at home? And so yes, this makes sense, this explains the increase in sales," Jeka said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Like so many other countries in the world, France has embraced what is generally perceived as an American concept - although Valentine's Day was originally English - and turned it into something of its own.

Like so many other countries in the world, France has embraced what is generally perceived as an American concept - although Valentine's Day was originally English - and turned it into something of its own. French people celebrate Valentine's Day too, although here it is known as la fête de Saint-Valentin or, simply, la Saint-Valentin. Sales of the intimate accessories have exploded in France in recent months, amid COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions that have barred couples the usual romantic dinners and getaways and prevented singles from mingling in bars and night clubs. The Passage du Desir chain of stores, which sells sex toys and other couple's accessories, has seen a 74 percent increase in sales of the products since the end of 2020, the company's founder Patrick Pruvot told Reuters on Wednesday (February 10). "Traditionally, sex toys are a gift that does a lot better during Valentine's Day," Pruvot said. "This year, in addition, people can't spend their money on restaurants, maybe that plays into it, too." In the three months running up to this year's Valentine's Day, sales at the Passage du Desir's seven outlets jumped 68% on previous months. A year earlier, sales rose by just 12% during the same period ahead of Feb. 14. Other countries have seen a similar trend during COVID lockdowns. From Denmark to usually conservative Colombia, sales of sex toys leapt early in the pandemic, while British lingerie chain Ann Summer reported higher sales during the first confinement. France prides itself as a nation of seducers. Seduction influences not just how the French relate to one another, but how they do business, define style, elect politicians and enjoy food and drink, wrote Elaine Sciolino in her book La Seduction. For a long time, the French were slow to accept sex toys, a taboo that had been slowly wearing off before the pandemic left many couple with more time on their hands at home, Pruvot said. "Maybe at a time when everything is forbidden, sexuality is one of our last bastions of freedom, that's how we could interpret it," Pruvot said. According to a study done by French survey institution Ifop, 51 percent of French people have used a sex toy in 2020, the first the number reached a majority the population. The figure was at 48 percent in 2019, and a mere 9 percent in 2007. Inside the store on Wednesday, 21-year-old Maryne Fraudin browsed the shelves to buy a kinky game for her boyfriend for the day of lovers. It was her first time buying such a present. "We normally go to a restaurant, but now, that's going to be a bit complicated, so I thought it might please him to have a bit of attention apart from a restaurant meal that we can't have," she said. For Parisian couple Anthony Jeka and Laura Vallarino, though, the lovers' game that they purchased is not their first bedroom accessory. The store regulars said thanks to COVID-19, they could pay more attention to each other in bed. "What can we do if we can't go out, when we have to be home at 6 p.m., when we stay at home? And so yes, this makes sense, this explains the increase in sales," Jeka said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sex toys sales explode in France as Covid curtails Valentine’s celebrations

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Sex toys sales explode in France as Covid curtails Valentine’s celebrations