Feb 13, 2018, 11:08PM IST

Source: Delhi Times

It's not just another tree in the verdant premises of Hindu College. For generations of students, the Virgin Tree has been synonymous with romance, first love, and a unique puja that takes place on February 14 each year. The tree has witnessed countless love stories that began under it, and many believe they lost their single status thanks to 'Damdami Mai ki puja' on Valentine's Day. For the annual puja, the tree is decorated with balloons and posters of Damdami Mai, who is an actress picked by hostel students each year. No one can tell exactly when the tradition of the Virgin Tree puja started, but the Virgin Tree has existed with its matchmaking powers at least since the '70s, as students believed they would find 'the one' under it. Over the years, a puja and a deity were added, and after objections from women students over 'objectifying women as Damdami Mai', a male actor joined her, who, this year, has been christened the 'Love Guru'. Alumni have many stories to share about their memories of the tree. While some were scandalised to witness the puja for the first time, others believe the Virgin Tree should be 'made the college's logo'. But with time, the tree becomes an integral part of any Hinduiite because it is also a place to chill. It's one place where students from the entire university, not just Hindu, have celebrated the last days of their single life.