Cow Hug Day for individual and Indian happiness

An EFL and ESL English Lesson

Lesson Collection
A photo of a person feeding a cow.

Date: 14th February 2023

Level: B1 Intermediate

Grammar: Combining adjectives

Topics: Holidays, Religion, Animals

Printables: 10-Page Lesson, Single-Page Lesson

Lesson

Text

Cow Hug Day for individual and Indian happiness

The Indian government made an unusual and rare request to celebrate Valentine's Day differently this year. They asked that the occasion be named “Cow Hug Day”. Although the decision was in celebration of India’s traditional and religious values, it was quickly cancelled due to negative public reaction.

The nation of India is represented by almost 80% Hindus, despite having no official and state religion. Hinduism respects cows and many parts of India have banned killing cows. The government made a statement saying that cows are the “backbone” of India’s cultural and farming economy, and “fill our lives with positive energy”.

The idea of February 14th being Cow Hug Day came from the government authority that advises on animal safety and anti-cruelty laws. Hugging cows on this special day they said would increase individual and national happiness. The political statement also noted that Western and non-Hindu values and culture should not be promoted in India.

Valentine’s Day typically celebrates couples, not cattle. By trying to exchange one for the other, the government received bad political and social media reactions. Shortly after, they issued a message to confirm the plan had been cancelled. For now, Indians young and old are not prevented from sharing romantic and heartfelt gifts, and Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday of romance.

Information sources (external links): abcnews.go.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com

top

Warm-up activities and vocabulary

Activities:

Finish the sentence — “My favourite occasion for giving gifts is...”

As a group, draw a line with traditional written on the left end and modern written on the right end. Write above the line the title holidays. Think of some examples of traditional and modern holidays and mark yourself somewhere on the line based on what you prefer. Share your examples and reasons.

Think of three adjectives that describe gifts. Share as a group and list the best.

Vocabulary:

1. Scan the text and find a word or phrase that means:

  • not good (paragraph 1)(n...)
  • country (paragraph 2)(n...)
  • good (paragraph 2)(p...)
  • personal (paragraph 3)(i...)
  • cows (paragraph 4)(c...)
Answers
  • negative, nation, positive, individual, cattle

2. What does the italicised word below mean — stay, send, or leave?

  • Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday
Answer
  • stay

3. Which word below doesn’t belong?

  • culture — traditional — message — values
Answer
  • message

top

Reading comprehension questions

For each question number choose an answer from A to J.

  1. What do the Indian government want to replace Valentine’s Day with?
  2. What would the new day celebrate?
  3. Who represent the largest population of India?
  4. What has parts of India done to protect cows?
  5. Why are cows respected in India?
  6. Who specifically suggested Cow Hug Day?
  7. The government said cows can increase what?
  8. Valentine’s Day typically celebrates who?
  9. When did the government cancel Cow Hug Day?
  10. Valentine’s Day is a day of what?
  1. After they received bad public reactions.
  2. Cow Hug Day.
  3. Hindus.
  4. The animal safety authority.
  5. Couples.
  6. Banned the killing of cows.
  7. Individual and national happiness.
  8. Romance.
  9. India’s traditional and religious values.
  10. They have been the support of the Indian economy.
Answers
  • 1B, 2I, 3C, 4F, 5J, 6D, 7G, 8E, 9A, 10H

interactive  |  top

Phrases, synonyms, and antonyms match-up

Match the words on the left to their endings to make phrases from the text.

  1. celebrate
  2. positive
  3. animal
  4. for
  5. state
  6. fill our
  7. religious
  8. banned
  9. government
  10. shortly
  1. safety
  2. religion
  3. now
  4. killing
  5. Valentine’s Day
  6. values
  7. after
  8. energy
  9. authority
  10. lives
Answers
  • 1E, 2H, 3A, 4C, 5B, 6J, 7F, 8D, 9I, 10G

Match the words on the left from the text to their synonyms.

  1. nation
  2. confirm
  3. occasion
  4. individual
  5. authority
  1. single
  2. country
  3. event
  4. explain
  5. power
Answers
  • 1B, 2D, 3C, 4A, 5E

Match the words on the left from the text to their antonyms.

  1. hug
  2. celebrate
  3. happiness
  1. sadness
  2. push
  3. forget
Answers
  • 1B, 2C, 3A

interactive  |  top

Grammar pairs cloze: combining adjectives

For each question number choose either A or B as an answer.

  1. A. rare / B. old
  2. A. happiness / B. religious
  3. A. political / B. state
  4. A. romantic / B. cultural
  5. A. safety / B. individual
  1. A. religious / B. national
  2. A. Western / B. Indian
  3. A. political / B. traditional
  4. A. rare / B. young
  5. A. romantic / B. national

The Indian government made an unusual and 1._______________ request to celebrate Valentine's Day differently this year.

They asked that the occasion be named “Cow Hug Day”.

Although the decision was in celebration of India’s traditional and 2._______________ values, it was quickly cancelled due to negative public reaction.

The nation of India is represented by almost 80% Hindus, despite having no official and 3._______________ religion.

Hinduism respects cows and many parts of India have banned killing cows.

The government made a statement saying that cows are the “backbone” of India’s 4._______________ and farming economy, and “fill our lives with positive energy”.

The idea of February 14th being Cow Hug Day came from the government authority that advises on animal 5._______________ and anti-cruelty laws.

Hugging cows on this special day they said would increase individual and 6._______________ happiness.

The political statement also noted that 7._______________ and non-Hindu values and culture should not be promoted in India.

Valentine’s Day typically celebrates couples, not cattle.

By trying to exchange one for the other, the government received bad 8.______________ and social media reactions.

Shortly after, they issued a message to confirm the plan had been cancelled.

For now, Indians 9._______________ and old are not prevented from sharing 10._______________ and heartfelt gifts, and Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday of romance.

Answers
  1. 1A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5A, 6B, 7A, 8A, 9B, 10A

interactive  |  top

Vocabulary gap-fill cloze

For each question number choose an answer from A to J.

  1. occasion
  2. respects
  3. exchange
  4. religious
  5. authority
  1. celebrate
  2. romance
  3. energy
  4. promoted
  5. happiness

The Indian government made an unusual and rare request to 1._______________ Valentine's Day differently this year.

They asked that the 2._______________ be named “Cow Hug Day”.

Although the decision was in celebration of India’s traditional and 3._______________ values, it was quickly cancelled due to negative public reaction.

The nation of India is represented by almost 80% Hindus, despite having no official and state religion.

Hinduism 4._______________ cows and many parts of India have banned killing cows.

The government made a statement saying that cows are the “backbone” of India’s cultural and farming economy, and “fill our lives with positive 5._______________”.

The idea of February 14th being Cow Hug Day came from the government 6._______________ that advises on animal safety and anti-cruelty laws.

Hugging cows on this special day they said would increase individual and national 7._______________.

The political statement also noted that Western and non-Hindu values and culture should not be 8._______________ in India.

Valentine’s Day typically celebrates couples, not cattle.

By trying to 9._______________ one for the other, the government received bad political and social media reactions.

Shortly after, they issued a message to confirm the plan had been cancelled.

For now, Indians young and old are not prevented from sharing romantic and heartfelt gifts, and Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday of 10._______________.

Answers
  1. 1F, 2A, 3D, 4B, 5H, 6E, 7J, 8I, 9C, 10G

interactive  |  top

Writing cloze

For each question number spell the missing word correctly.

  1. e a b c e r l e t
  2. e i c d n o i s
  3. n r a i d t i o l a t
  4. i e l g r i n o
  5. d s e a i s v
  1. v n i d i l d i a u
  2. o r o m d p t e
  3. y p y i c t l a l
  4. a l i o l t i c p
  5. o r c a m n i t

The Indian government made an unusual and rare request to 1._______________ Valentine's Day differently this year.

They asked that the occasion be named “Cow Hug Day”.

Although the 2._______________ was in celebration of India’s 3._______________ and religious values, it was quickly cancelled due to negative public reaction.

The nation of India is represented by almost 80% Hindus, despite having no official and state 4._______________.

Hinduism respects cows and many parts of India have banned killing cows.

The government made a statement saying that cows are the “backbone” of India’s cultural and farming economy, and “fill our lives with positive energy”.

The idea of February 14th being Cow Hug Day came from the government authority that 5._______________ on animal safety and anti-cruelty laws.

Hugging cows on this special day they said would increase 6._______________ and national happiness.

The political statement also noted that Western and non-Hindu values and culture should not be 7._______________ in India.

Valentine’s Day 8._______________ celebrates couples, not cattle.

By trying to exchange one for the other, the government received bad 9._______________ and social media reactions.

Shortly after, they issued a message to confirm the plan had been cancelled.

For now, Indians young and old are not prevented from sharing 10._______________ and heartfelt gifts, and Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday of romance.

Answers
  1. celebrate
  2. decision
  3. traditional
  4. religion
  5. advised
  6. individual
  7. promote
  8. typically
  9. political
  10. romantic

interactive  |  top

Fill-in vowels

Add the missing vowels a e i o u.

Th_ _nd__n g_v_rnm_nt m_d_ _n _n_s__l _nd r_r_ r_q__st t_ c_l_br_t_ V_l_nt_n_'s D_y d_ff_r_ntly th_s y__r.

Th_y _sk_d th_t th_ _cc_s__n b_ n_m_d “C_w H_g D_y”.

_lth__gh th_ d_c_s__n w_s _n c_l_br_t__n _f _nd__’s tr_d_t__n_l _nd r_l_g___s v_l__s, _t w_s q__ckly c_nc_ll_d d__ t_ n_g_t_v_ p_bl_c r__ct__n.

Th_ n_t__n _f _nd__ _s r_pr_s_nt_d by _lm_st 80% H_nd_s, d_sp_t_ h_v_ng n_ _ff_c__l _nd st_t_ r_l_g__n.

H_nd__sm r_sp_cts c_ws _nd m_ny p_rts _f _nd__ h_v_ b_nn_d k_ll_ng c_ws.

Th_ g_v_rnm_nt m_d_ _ st_t_m_nt s_y_ng th_t c_ws _r_ th_ “b_ckb_n_” _f _nd__’s c_lt_r_l _nd f_rm_ng _c_n_my, _nd “f_ll __r l_v_s w_th p_s_t_v_ _n_rgy”.

Th_ _d__ _f F_br__ry 14th b__ng C_w H_g D_y c_m_ fr_m th_ g_v_rnm_nt __th_r_ty th_t _dv_s_s _n _n_m_l s_f_ty _nd _nt_-cr__lty l_ws.

H_gg_ng c_ws _n th_s sp_c__l d_y th_y s__d w__ld _ncr__s_ _nd_v_d__l _nd n_t__n_l h_pp_n_ss.

Th_ p_l_t_c_l st_t_m_nt _ls_ n_t_d th_t W_st_rn _nd n_n-H_nd_ v_l__s _nd c_lt_r_ sh__ld n_t b_ pr_m_t_d _n _nd__.

V_l_nt_n_’s D_y typ_c_lly c_l_br_t_s c__pl_s, n_t c_ttl_.

By try_ng t_ _xch_ng_ _n_ f_r th_ _th_r, th_ g_v_rnm_nt r_c__v_d b_d p_l_t_c_l _nd s_c__l m_d__ r__ct__ns.

Sh_rtly _ft_r, th_y _ss__d _ m_ss_g_ t_ c_nf_rm th_ pl_n h_d b__n c_nc_ll_d.

F_r n_w, _nd__ns y__ng _nd _ld _r_ n_t pr_v_nt_d fr_m sh_r_ng r_m_nt_c _nd h__rtf_lt g_fts, _nd V_l_nt_n_’s D_y w_ll r_m__n _ h_l_d_y _f r_m_nc_.

top

Cool-down discussion, game, and keywords

Discussion questions:

  • If you could choose a national or international “something day”, what would it be?
  • What animals are associated with your religion?
  • When you think of the word holiday, what words do you think of?
  • What are the good and bad things about zoos?
  • What values of your country are good for the world?

CEFR B1 10 keywords revision list (from the missing vocabulary exercise):

authority celebrate energy exchange happiness occasion promote religious respect romance

How many words can you make from the letters in romance?

top

Interactive exercises

Reading comprehension interactive questions

Select the correct answers from the dropdown menus

Cow Hug Day for individual and Indian happiness

The Indian government made an unusual and rare request to celebrate Valentine's Day differently this year. They asked that the occasion be named “Cow Hug Day”. Although the decision was in celebration of India’s traditional and religious values, it was quickly cancelled due to negative public reaction.

The nation of India is represented by almost 80% Hindus, despite having no official and state religion. Hinduism respects cows and many parts of India have banned killing cows. The government made a statement saying that cows are the “backbone” of India’s cultural and farming economy, and “fill our lives with positive energy”.

The idea of February 14th being Cow Hug Day came from the government authority that advises on animal safety and anti-cruelty laws. Hugging cows on this special day they said would increase individual and national happiness. The political statement also noted that Western and non-Hindu values and culture should not be promoted in India.

Valentine’s Day typically celebrates couples, not cattle. By trying to exchange one for the other, the government received bad political and social media reactions. Shortly after, they issued a message to confirm the plan had been cancelled. For now, Indians young and old are not prevented from sharing romantic and heartfelt gifts, and Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday of romance.

What do the Indian government want to replace Valentine’s Day with?
What would the new day celebrate?
Who represent the largest population of India?
What has parts of India done to protect cows?
Why are cows respected in India?
Who specifically suggested Cow Hug Day?
The government said cows can increase what?
Valentine’s Day typically celebrates who?
When did the government cancel Cow Hug Day?
Valentine’s Day is a day of what?

lesson  |  top

Phrases, synonyms, and antonyms interactive match-up

Select the correct matches from the dropdown menus

Phrases
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Synonyms
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Antonyms
16.
17.
18.

lesson  |  top

Grammar pairs interactive cloze: combining adjectives

Choose the correct options from the pairs

The Indian government made an unusual and
1.
request to celebrate Valentine's Day differently this year. They asked that the occasion be named “Cow Hug Day”. Although the decision was in celebration of India’s traditional and
2.
values, it was quickly cancelled due to negative public reaction.
The nation of India is represented by almost 80% Hindus, despite having no official and
3.
religion. Hinduism respects cows and many parts of India have banned killing cows. The government made a statement saying that cows are the “backbone” of India’s
4.
and farming economy, and “fill our lives with positive energy”.
The idea of February 14th being Cow Hug Day came from the government authority that advises on animal
5.
and anti-cruelty laws. Hugging cows on this special day they said would increase individual and
6.
happiness. The political statement also noted that
7.
and non-Hindu values and culture should not be promoted in India.
Valentine’s Day typically celebrates couples, not cattle. By trying to exchange one for the other, the government received bad
8.
and social media reactions. Shortly after, they issued a message to confirm the plan had been cancelled. For now, Indians
9.
and old are not prevented from sharing
10.
and heartfelt gifts, and Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday of romance.

lesson  |  top

Vocabulary gap-fill interactive cloze

Select the correct answers from the dropdown menus

The Indian government made an unusual and rare request to
1.
Valentine's Day differently this year. They asked that the
2.
be named “Cow Hug Day”. Although the decision was in celebration of India’s traditional and
3.
values, it was quickly cancelled due to negative public reaction.
The nation of India is represented by almost 80% Hindus, despite having no official and state religion. Hinduism
4.
cows and many parts of India have banned killing cows. The government made a statement saying that cows are the “backbone” of India’s cultural and farming economy, and “fill our lives with positive
5.
.
The idea of February 14th being Cow Hug Day came from the government
6.
that advises on animal safety and anti-cruelty laws. Hugging cows on this special day they said would increase individual and national
7.
. The political statement also noted that Western and non-Hindu values and culture should not be
8.
in India.
Valentine’s Day typically celebrates couples, not cattle. By trying to
9.
one for the other, the government received bad political and social media reactions. Shortly after, they issued a message to confirm the plan had been cancelled. For now, Indians young and old are not prevented from sharing romantic and heartfelt gifts, and Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday of
10.
.

lesson  |  top

Interactive writing cloze

Type the words correctly in the boxes

The Indian government made an unusual and rare request to
1.
Valentine's Day differently this year. They asked that the occasion be named “Cow Hug Day”. Although the
2.
was in celebration of India’s
3.
and religious values, it was quickly cancelled due to negative public reaction.
The nation of India is represented by almost 80% Hindus, despite having no official and state
4.
. Hinduism respects cows and many parts of India have banned killing cows. The government made a statement saying that cows are the “backbone” of India’s cultural and farming economy, and “fill our lives with positive energy”.
The idea of February 14th being Cow Hug Day came from the government authority that
5.
on animal safety and anti-cruelty laws. Hugging cows on this special day they said would increase
6.
and national happiness. The political statement also noted that Western and non-Hindu values and culture should not be
7.
in India.
Valentine’s Day
8.
celebrates couples, not cattle. By trying to exchange one for the other, the government received bad
9.
and social media reactions. Shortly after, they issued a message to confirm the plan had been cancelled. For now, Indians young and old are not prevented from sharing
10.
and heartfelt gifts, and Valentine’s Day will remain a holiday of romance.

lesson  |  top

Thanks for using this lesson!

Did you enjoy this lesson? Click these links to share this lesson on Facebook or share on Twitter.

Printable Worksheets

More

Topic Selections

More

Grammar Guides

More

Warm-up Activities

More

Discussion Questions

More