No 'cow hug day' as Animal welfare board withdraws appeal to ditch 'western' Valentine’s Day celebrations

It was for the first time that the Animal welfare board had appealed to cow lovers in the country to celebrate 'Cow Hug Day'.

New Delhi, Feb 10: Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) on Friday said it has withdrawn the appeal to celebrate February 14 as 'Cow Hug Day' following directions from the government.

February 14 is observed as Valentine's Day across the world.

"As directed by the competent authority and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the appeal issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India for celebration of Cow Hug Day on 14th February, 2022 stands withdrawn," the board's Secretary S K Dutta said in a notice.

Earlier, the AWBI had issued a notice appealing to people to celebrate 'Cow Hug Day' on February 14 to spread "positive energy" and encourage 'collective happiness'. The notice said hugging cows will bring "emotional richness" and increase "individual and collective happiness".

It also mentioned that Vedic traditions are almost on the "verge of extinction" due to the "progress of West culture" and that the "dazzle of western civilisation has made our physical culture and heritage almost forgotten".

It was for the first time that the AWBI had appealed to cow lovers in the country to celebrate 'Cow Hug Day'.

For the unversed, Cow hugging refers to the act of embracing or cuddling with cows. This practice has become popular in some parts of the world as a way to promote animal welfare and connect with nature. Cow hugging is seen by some as a form of therapy, as it can be relaxing and calming to spend time with these gentle animals.

Meanwhile, Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated annually on February 14th, primarily in Western cultures. The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, a Roman martyr, who was said to have been imprisoned for performing marriages for Christian couples.

However, in modern times, this V-Day has become a holiday associated with romantic love and affection. Couples exchange gifts, cards, and flowers, and often celebrate with candlelit dinners or other romantic gestures. The holiday is also an opportunity for friends and family to express their love and appreciation for one another.