The “Cow Hug Day” was announced to counter “the blunder of Western civilization”. Under Prime Minister Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, respect for cattle has increasingly become a political issue
No more gifts and romantic effusions between lovers for Valentine’s Day: February 14th becomes the «Cow Hug Day», the day of the hug of the cow. The invitation to set aside “Western traditions” had come from a government department, the Animal Welfare Board of India which in a note defined cows as the “backbone” of Indian culture and the rural economy and argued that “hugging cows will bring emotional richness and increase individual and collective happiness». Then this morning the about-face in a new note: at the disposal of the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock on which the Animal Welfare Board depends the celebrations of «Cow Hug Day» have been cancelled.
The “Cow Hug Day” was intended to compensate for “the blunder of Western civilization” and defend the values of Hinduism.
With the liberalizations of the 1990s, young Indian couples, especially in large cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, began to celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving themselves balloons and chocolates, frequenting parks, cinemas and restaurants (it is estimated that they spent between 100 and $200 million in gifts and entertainment this holiday in 2020). But for nearly a decade, with the Hindu nationalist party in power, Westernized holidays and traditions like this one have attracted increasing criticism. Non recent years, the most intransigent, in the name of defending Hindu values, have attacked shops that sell Valentine’s Day cards and decorations and targeted couples holding hands. This time, however, it was a state entity that spoke out strongly against Valentine’s Day.
For some time in India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalists, the respecting the cow has become a political issue: most of the states of the Subcontinent prohibit their slaughter and the sale and consumption of beef are also prohibited in the capital. And the hunt for those who slaughter or eat beef, mostly Muslims, Christians and outcastes, has turned into repression of minorities in a country.
On social media, the initiative has aroused dismay and hilarity. “It’s unclear whether bovine consent is required, but you’ll find out, no doubt.” quips Priyamvada Gopal, professor of postcolonial studies at the University of Cambridge
Likely to be lonely on Valentine’s Day? The government of India advises you to hug a cow. You can ‘decolonise’ in the same swift movement.
Cow Hug Day, 14th February. Unclear whether bovine consent is required but you’ll find out, no doubt. pic.twitter.com/FsRjaaekpL
— Priyamvada Gopal (@PriyamvadaGopal) February 8, 2023
“I don’t know which cow to hold on to for Valentine’s Day,” Indian journalist Adrija Bose tweets in feigned perplexity.
Can?t decide which ?cow? to hug on 14 February.
— Adrija Bose (@adrijabose) February 9, 2023
And some could hardly believe it.
I first thought it’s FAKE NEWS, had archived tweets by news channels & verified handles. Turns out it’s true. Animal Welfare board of India wants (appeal) you to celebrate “Cow Hug Day” on Feb 14th Coz it brings ?emotional richness? & increase ?individual & collective happiness? pic.twitter.com/wPEooNaAMG
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) February 8, 2023
February 10, 2023 (change February 10, 2023 | 1:04 pm)
© Time.News