Celebrate February 14 as ‘Cow Hug Day’: Animal Welfare Board of India

The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued a unique appeal to cow lovers in the country to celebrate February 14 as ‘Cow Hug Day’ stating it will ‘bring emotional richness’ and ‘increased individuals and collective happiness.’

 A report published in The Indian Express quoted the board officials who confirmed the appeal was issued on the directives of Union Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Ministry.

“We all know that the cow is the backbone of the Indian culture and rural economy, sustains our life, represents cattle wealth and biodiversity. It is known as ‘kamdhenu’ and ‘gaumata’ because of its nourishing nature like a mother, the giver of all providing riches to humanity,” read the appeal.

The appeal, undersigned by Dr Sujit Kumar Dutta, stated that the vedic traditions are almost on the verge of extinction due to the progress of western culture, and proliferation of western civilization has made physical culture and heritage almost forgotten.

“Cow-hugging will bring emotional richness hence will increase our individual and collective happiness. Therefore, all the cow lovers may also celebrate February 14 as Cow Hug Day, keeping in mind the importance of the mother cow and making life happy and full of positive energy,” the appeal further read.

Meanwhile, the board secretary told The Indian Express that  Gujarat and various other states will also be observing February 14 as Cow Hug Day.