Listen to the news

The Indian government has asked citizens to celebrate Valentine's Day by hugging cows, AP reported.

The purpose of the request is to popularize Hindu traditions.

The Animal Welfare Board of the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries announced on Wednesday that hugging cows brings emotional richness and extremely great personal and collective happiness.

Devout Hindus revere the cow as a sacred animal.

According to them, Western holidays are against traditional Indian values.

In recent years, conservative Hindus have been canvassing shops in Indian cities, burning cards and gifts and acting defiantly towards couples in restaurants and parks.

According to extreme Hindus, Valentine's Day promotes promiscuous sex.

Conservative politicians see the fight against the holiday as an assertion of Hindu identity. 

Pope Francis congratulated lovers on Valentine's Day

Young and educated Indians celebrate Valentine's Day with parties and gift exchanges, writes BTA.

Political analyst Nilanjan Mukhopadai termed the cow-hugging demand as "absolute madness". 

India

cows

St. Valentine