Cows in India won’t be getting any extra love this Valentine’s Day. The government had wanted to change the romantic holiday to “Cow Hug Day” to promote Hindu values and give respect to the animal they regard as sacred, but it withdrew that appeal. People are polarized on the decision.
Supporters said hugging cows would be a happy tribute to an animal they deem sacred in their culture. They deem the animal so sacred, that many states in India have banned the slaughtering of cattle.
Devout Hindus argue it’s still a play on the Western holiday that goes against traditional Indian values. They frown upon Valentine’s Day and believe it promotes promiscuous behavior. In recent years, shops that sell Valentine’s Day items have been raided and burned, and hand-holding couples have been chased out of restaurants.
Any take on the holiday, even if it’s meant for those grazing in the pasture, is a no-go in India.
