Guwahati: The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued a notice urging cow lovers to observe February 14 as “Cow Hug Day,” a day that is also known as Valentine’s Day around the globe. According to a government advisory group, hugging a cow will boost “individual and social happiness” and bring about “emotional depth.”
The board claimed that vedic traditions are “nearly on the edge of extinction due to the rise of west culture throughout time,” criticising the “dazzle of western civilisation.”
“In view of the immense benefit of the cow, hugging with cow will bring emotional richness hence will increase our individual & collective happiness. Therefore, all the cow lovers may also celebrate the February 14 as Cow Hug day keeping in mind the importance of mother cow and make life happy and full of positive energy,” the advisory said.
The animal is said to represent “cattle riches and biodiversity,” according to the welfare board, and is the “backbone of Indian culture and rural economy.”
It is referred to as “Kamdhenu” and “Gaumata” due to its nurturing qualities similar to those of mother, the source of all things who provides riches to humanity, it stated.
The board said that the recommendation was issued in accordance with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy’s directives, which are overseen by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy.
