Now, UP minister urges people to worship cows on Valentine's Day
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Lucknow: An Uttar Pradesh Minister has asked people to worship cows on Valentine's Day. The state Animal Husbandry Minister Dharampal Singh said that the day must be celebrated by offering 'gud' and 'roti' to cows, taking their blessings, IANS reported.
He said, "Valentine's Day, known as love day, on February 14 should be celebrated by expressing love and faith towards cows by offering them 'gud and roti'. Besides, their blessing should be taken by touching their head and neck."
He said that Vedas say 'Gavo Vishwasya Matarah' and explained "cow is the mother of the world."
Singh said, "On this day, a resolution should also be taken to serve the mother cow regularly. Cow products are used in every fast, festival, worship and ritual in Indian society. The cow has been paramount not only because of emotional or religious reasons but also because of fulfilling the essential needs of human society. That is why it becomes more necessary that we also express our special love for the mother cow on February 14 on Valentine's Day and also make each other aware and motivated."
Singh's statement comes days after the Central Animal Welfare Board withdrew its circular issued earlier asking everyone to observe February 14 as "cow hug day". The circular had invited widespread criticism and got trolled on social media. The animal board withdrew the circular after receiving instructions from the Union government.
Right wing-Hindutva factions oppose Valentine's Day, claiming that it is an intrusion of Western culture into Indian culture.
Lastly, UP minister Singh claimed that people should use cow dung on the occasion of 'Holika Dahan' since it is environment-friendly and less polluting.
