NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Hardline Hindu activists protested against celebrations of St
Valentine's Day in the Indian capital on Wednesday, calling them immoral and a corruption of the country's ancient civilisation.

[...]

About 150 members of the pro-Hindu political party Shiv Sena gathered in New Delhi, shouting "Down with Western culture!" and "Death to Valentine's Day!" as they waved saffron-coloured flags.

"Valentine's Day promotes obscene cards and nudity and encourages our youngsters to be publicly affectionate in parks and other places -- this is against our ancient civilisation," said Jai Bhagwan Goyal, head of Shiv Sena in the capital.

"This western creation is corrupting our young people and making them have immoral thoughts ... we are already seeing that there are more evil crimes like rape happening in India."

Tens of Shiv Sena protesters burnt Valentine's cards in Jaipur and tried to enter the city's main park to harass courting couples, but were stopped by police.

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Satellite television, the internet, films and travel have led traditionally conservative middle-class Indians to adopt more liberal attitudes towards sex.

But public hugging and kissing, even in urban areas, still invite angry stares, lewd comments and even beatings.