Valentine’s Day is celebrated to exhibit one's love for someone. The euphoria is particularly more among youths. In a new initiative Shreeji Gaushala in Gujarat has come up with a novel way to celebrate ‘Cow Hugging Day’ on 14th February.
According to Mital Khetani of Shreeji Gaushala, "the Gaushala located on the outskirts of Rajkot city currently houses 1,865 cows. They are mostly stray cows or those abandoned by their owners, when they become non-productive. The cowshed mostly relies on donations to meet the needs of these noble animals, which has the status of ‘Mother’ in Hindu mythology. Our coordinator Ramesh Thakkar came up with this idea to celebrate 'Cow Hugging Day' on Valentine's Day.” They organised several events on the occasion and made arrangements for people to come and hug cows. Apart from this the entire flock of 1,865 cows were kept open for the public. They could go inside, hug them, spend time and also take pictures. As a goodwill gesture the organisers provided freshly cooked snacks to all visitors. There was no restriction on visiting time. They have received tremendous response from the public.
Ramesh Thakkar, co-ordination committee member says, "youths want to exhibit their love on Valentine's Day. This is a small effort to connect people, especially youths with cows. When you hug the cow you would be touched by the love you get in return. This will connect you with cows for a lifetime. We had read that in the US there is a particular place where people can go and hug cows. People there pay USD 75 an hour to cuddle a cow. This sparked an idea to do this project here. We will also educate people on cow derived products and businesses which are highly lucrative. If people connect with cows there will be less chances of cows going for slaughtering or cows roaming homeless and foodless."
As per Parag Tejura, leading businessman and Gausevak (engaged in providing voluntary services to cows), "usually people think Gaushala is a dirty, smelling place. However, when they visited this place they realised that cows are maintained in a clean environment. In fact, dubbed “koe knuffelen” in Dutch (literally “cow hugging”), the practice is centred on the inherent healing properties of a good human-to-animal snuggle. When you do it you realize that the selfless cows are willing to be hugged, even eager. Sometimes, they'll flop down on their sides and place their heads in their laps.”
Gausevak Ramesh Thakkar who is the promoter of leading hospitals in the region believes that hospitals and patients are increasing due to use of chemicals in farming. Cow based organic farming can increase the health levels of people. Mental and spiritual health is also very important in addition to physical health. Cow hugging can immensely help in the well-being of mental and spiritual wellness. In fact, many who came to hug cows on Valentine’s Day, continue to visit the Gaushala to hug again and again.
