The customary V-Tree Pooja at the Hindu College has been a debate these days. DU students have divided opinions over this custom.
The Virgin Tree at Hindu College has apparently been a symbol of love for its students. Students from all over DU, gather around the V-shaped tree on 14th February every year. They worship any female Bollywood actor as Damdami Bai (goddess). The tree is decorated with condoms. The custom is said to bring good luck to students in falling in love within next six months. For a change, last year, a male actor was worshipped as Love Guru.
Some students have offered to organise a public discussion to find out whether or not to make it ‘gender inclusive’. While there are other students who have called it as “objectification of women.”
“One of the first things you will find when you search Hindu College on the internet is its popularity for the annual V-Tree Puja. Some students think that the puja is an important tradition and part of legacy of the college and hence must be continued. If we allow an aggressive and unhealthy tradition on sexuality in a university, then we give acceptance to a culture that only allows the expression of a single idea of sexuality without caring who is excluded.” said a student.
While on the other hand, another student said, “the truth is that it is commemorated to spread awareness about the sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and sex education among the students.”
The debate is still on. We’re yet to see if this tradition continues or is banned.
