The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has called on people to celebrate February 14 as Cow Hugging Day, prompting a series of jokes online.
The day is celebrated as St. Valentine's Day in most parts of the world, including India.
“Hugging with [a] cow will bring emotional richness, hence will increase our individual & collective happiness,” the AWBI said in an official circular, which went viral on social media. “Therefore, all the cow lovers may also celebrate 14 February as Cow Hug Day, keeping in mind the importance of mother cow and making life happy and full of positive energy (sic).”
The appeal evoked hilarious comments from some netizens, while others have supported the initiative.
At first, many Twitter users, including journalists, thought it was fake news.
Cow Hug Day
© Twitter
Cow Hug Day
© Photo : Twitter
As soon as the communique was confirmed, people started tweeting using #CowHugDay and came up with many memes and gifs.
Cow Hug Day
© Photo : Twitter