Guwahati: The Animal Welfare Board of India, which falls under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has suggested February 14 should be celebrated as โCow Hug Dayโ to celebrate the animalโs importance to Indian culture and the rural economy.
The Board issued an appeal on February 6, stating that โwest cultureโ is leading to the near extinction of โVedic traditionsโ and that โhugging with cow will bring emotional richness hence will increase our individual & collective happinessโ.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Also Read: Assam: Three arrested for killing two minors in Bongaigaon
The day has been proposed in contrast to Valentineโs Day, which is observed in some parts of the world, and which has been met with criticism from certain outfits who say it goes against โIndian cultureโ.
Interestingly, cow hugging has been a trend in some Western countries for a while now.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
It may be mentioned in some countries like the Netherlands, โkoe knuffelenโ (Dutch for cow hugging) is seen as a self-care practice and is offered as a service by farm owners.
Also Read: Top 5 places to plan your Valentineโs Day vacation
Some reports state that cow cuddlers typically start by taking a tour of a farm before resting against one of the cows for two to three hours.