What Is Cow Hug Day? Centre Withdraws Appeal for Controversial ‘Cow Hug Day’ Celebration on Valentine’s Day in India

On the internet, a word called “Cow Hug Day” is trending and a lot of people are searching for this and getting keen to know about the same. However, the day is likely to celebrate on 14th Feb but the appeal has been withdrawn due to some trending media outrage. Well, you must be thinking that how invented this day because we all know the 14th Feb for some other festival when people show their love towards their loved ones. So, if you are searching for what is “Cow Hug Day”, why it is celebrated? then be here till the end.

It is not hidden from anyone that February 14 is celebrated every year as Valentine’s Day globally. People express their love and affection towards their partners, family, and friends. However, in India, there are some organizations that have sparked a new trend, so a new tradition emerged a couple of years ago, called “Cow Hug Day.” The idea behind this day was only to celebrate the love for cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. However, the celebration recently met with controversy and opposition from various groups, leading the Indian government to withdraw its appeal to celebrate the day.

Why Cow Hug Day?

So, it is currently trending on social media about when the day started and why it is celebrated. “Cow Hug Day” was first celebrated in 2019 and it was just an attempt to spread awareness about the protection and welfare of cows in the nation. The event was organized by various animal rights groups, encouraging people to hug cows and express their love for the animals. However, the celebration faced strong opposition from several groups, who saw it as an attempt to promote a western culture in India.

Controversy

Now, if we talk about the controversies then the dispute over “Cow Hug Day” was recently fueled by the increasing incidents of cow vigilantism in the nation. Although, Cow vigilantism refers to the acts of brutality and harassment committed by self-proclaimed cow protectors in the name of protecting cows. These groups have been accused of violence and intimidation against people, especially Muslims, who are involved in the beef trade or are suspected of consuming beef.

However, keeping the current scene in the nation the Indian government initially started supporting the celebration of “Cow Hug Day,” but later withdrew its appeal after facing much criticism from various groups. The government stated that the celebration of the day was not in line with the country’s cultural values and beliefs. In a statement, the government said, “Cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism and is respected and worshipped by millions of people in the country. However, the celebration of a ‘Cow Hug Day’ is not in line with our cultural values and beliefs, and we do not support it.”

Why “Cow Hug Day” Appeal Withdrawn?

Although, plenty of people seem not to be happy with the action. However, it was creating a buzz before and keeping the peace in the sight the withdrawal of the appeal by the Indian government has been welcomed by a bunch of groups, who see it as a positive step towards promoting peace and harmony in the country. The government has also emphasized the importance of respecting the country’s cultural values and beliefs and promoting unity and diversity in the country.

After all, the “Cow Hug Day” fuss highlights the sensitive nature of cultural and sacred beliefs in India. It also emphasizes the need for respecting each other’s beliefs and boosting unity and diversity in the nation. The Indian government’s withdrawal of its appeal to celebrate the day has been seen as a positive step towards promoting peace and harmony in the country.