Indian authorities have called to turn the “Western holiday” of Valentine’s Day into “Cow Hugging Day,” the Evening Standard reports. In a statement, the Animal Welfare Board noted that cow hugs “will bring emotional enrichment and therefore increase personal and collective happiness.” Through this initiative, the government hopes to promote Hindu values and deter the invasion of ” the glitz of Western civilization.”
The Council’s address notes: “Hugging cows will bring emotional richness and hence increase personal and collective happiness. Therefore, all cow lovers can celebrate February 14 as Cow Hugging Day, remembering the importance of the mother cow and making their lives happy and full of positive energy.”
The cow in India is considered a sacred animal and the mother of all creatures. Indians believe she is the source of goodness and her milk nourishes all beings.
Zealous Hindus suggest that the “Western holiday” of Valentine’s Day goes against traditional Indian values. By declaring February 14 “Cow Hugging Day,” the government hopes to curb the onset of “the glitz of Western civilization” and encourage the population to return to Hindu beliefs.