Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, during the Amar Ekushey Book Fair has turned gifting books into a norm, especially among the youth.

Friday saw a huge turnout at the book fair. Many were seen visiting with their loved ones wearing the attire of Falgun. Most of them were keen to buy books and spend a good time.

Ashraf Alam and his wife Selina Alam, all dressed in red and yellow, spoke to UNB about their preference in gifting each other.

"It’s common to gift something to the special person on this special day and we picked books for that purpose since we love to read," Ashraf said.

Sabbir, a student of Dhaka University, noted that certain books as gifts can convey the emotion of the other persons to the readers.

"I can express myself by gifting a book of Tagore's poems to my loved one without uttering a single word. Books can change your perception," he said.

Another student, Moumita, concurred, saying that this trend of gifting books on Valentine's Day should be encouraged.

"It (the book) doesn't need to be about love. You can gift books based on the interest of your dear ones and it'll surely make them happier than receiving expensive gifts," she said.

Mahmud Rafi, a DU student, said that books leave a lasting impression on the receiver.

The enthusiasm of the people was also reflected on the commercial aspect of Amar Ekushey Book Fair as sales were reportedly higher on this day.

A salesperson of Anyaprakash said business was brisk since morning.

"Sales have been high since morning as the day is a holiday and two significant days (Pahela Falgun and Valentine's Day) are being observed," she said.

People also gifted books to their family members.

Redwan and his 9-year-old girl Adrita were seen in the gathering near children's corner of the fair.

"I’m trying to pick the right books for her as a token of affection and also to grow make her interested in books,” he told UNB.