The Animal Welfare Board of India has urged Indians to observe “Cow Hug Day” on February 14 ahead on Valentine’s Day.
In a formal communication, the board emphasised the value of cows to Indian culture and the rural economy, and urged people to observe Cow Hug Day to enrich people’s lives emotionally and make them happier.
“All the cow lovers may also celebrate February 14 as Cow Hug Day keeping in mind the importance of mother cow and making life happy and full of positive energy,” stated the notice by the Animal Welfare Board.
The notice also noted that the strong influence of western culture is putting Vedic traditions in danger of extinction. The board urged people to observe Cow Hug Day in order to protect and promote the nation’s heritage.
According to India Today report, Bikram Chandravanshi, the legal counsel for the Animal Welfare Board of India, the purpose of celebrating Cow Hug Day is to inspire kindness towards cows and Indian culture. The purpose is to raise awareness of the advantages of cows and to reclaim those who are gradually abandoning their customs under the influence of western culture.
In the meantime, Times Now reported that the Gautam Budh Nagar police in Uttar Pradesh have imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC from February 4 to February 28 in districts in the Noida and Greater Noida regions in honour of Valentine’s Day and Shiv Ratri.