Conservative Hindus in India Protest Valentine’s Day After Attack on Dachshund Poop: German Ballet Director Apologizes

In India, some conservative Hindus are demonstrating against Valentine’s Day in various places. They argued that the day was against Indian culture and called for a boycott, media outlets such as India Today reported on Tuesday. For Valentine’s Day, many Indian couples now give each other chocolates and roses, just like in Western countries.

Shortly before, India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Industry sparked a February 14 controversy. It had declared the day “Cow Hug Day” and called for people to hug a cow. The ministry justified the call with the fact that Indian culture is in danger from Western influences. The cow, considered sacred in the Hindu country, is important to Indian culture and the rural economy.

Everywhere in India you see cows – also on the streets in the cities. Killing them is illegal in several states. But hugging cows is not easy because of their horns – and several media outlets laughed at the ministry’s proposal. For example, a journalist from the television channel NDTV tried several times to hug cows in front of the camera – without success. Soon after, the ministry withdrew the “Cow Hug Day” idea. (sda/dpa)