Celebrate Feb 14 as Cow Hug Day, urges Animal Welfare Board

New Delhi: The Animal Welfare Board of India on Monday urged citizens to observe February 14 as “Cow Hug Day”, describing the animal as the backbone of Indian culture.

The board did not specifically mention Valentine’s Day, which is also celebrated on the same day. But social media users seemed to believe that this is not a coincidence.

For several years now, Valentine’s Day celebrations have faced opposition from religious conservatives in India. Attacks on couples by vigilante groups are often reported on the day.

The Animal Welfare Board of India, which is under the Union Minis-