Decoding the comfort of cow hugging that India wants you to do this Valentine's Day

While the government aims to move away from western culture, cow hugging has been a trend in western countries as a self-care practice.

New Delhi, Feb 09: In a bid to save Vedic traditions, the government has urged people to celebrate "Cow Hug Day" on February 14 instead of Valentine's day.

A new appeal by the Animal Welfare Board of India, which falls under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, said the board wished to celebrate "Cow Hug Day" on 14 February this year.

The cow hugging day aims to spread "positive energy" and encourage "collective happiness."

Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 every year.

"We all know that the cow is the backbone of Indian culture and rural economy, sustains our life, represents cattle wealth and biodiversity," read the notice issued by the board under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

The board said a day like this was needed because "west culture (sic)" is leading to the near extinction of "Vedic traditions".

"In view of the immense benefit of the cow, hugging with cow will bring emotional richness and hence will increase our individual & collective happiness," it said.

"Therefore, all the cow lovers may also celebrate February 14 as Cow Hug day keeping in mind the importance of mother cow and making life happy and full of positive energy (sic)."

Cow hug, a new norm of wellness

While the government aims to move away from western culture, cow hugging has been a trend in western countries as a self-care practice.

In the Netherlands,"koe knuffelen is a practice centred on the inherent healing properties of a good human-to-animal snuggle, according to BBC travel.

A 2007 study in the scientific journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science shows that cows show deep relaxation when massaged in particular areas of their necks and upper backs so the affection benefits both the person and the cow.

The cow is sacred in Hinduism. It is worshipped as a manifestation of the divine mother. Prime Minister Modi has been associated with cow protection and the promotion of cow-related industries, such as dairy farming.

To protect cow, government has taken various inititives such as the setting up of cow shelters and the implementation of stricter penalties for cow slaughter. However, the issue of cow protection has also been a matter of debate in India.

Physical and mental healing: Cow hugging is likely to reduce stress and anxiety and promote overall well-being.

Increased positive energy: Hugging a cow can help to uplift their mood and improve their overall sense of well-being.

Improved spirituality: Cow hugging can deepen one's connection with the divine and improve one's spiritual growth.

Increased compassion: By embracing a cow, one develops a sense of empathy for all living beings.