Pankaj Mahor | Photo Credit: Instagram

Delhi University students are divided over the customary "worship" of a "virgin tree" on February 14 every year at Hindu College. While some are in favour of continuing the tradition, many have objected by saying it is 'misogynistic' and 'patriarchal'.

The tree has been a symbol of love for many students who worship it on Valentine's Day every year with the belief of landing a girlfriend within six months.

Students from the college and boys from the hostel surround the "Virgin tree" and worship a hypothetical Bollywood actor - 'Damdami Mai' (goddess and the most desirable actress of Bollywood chosen by senior students). They also decorate the trees with balloons and posters of a film actress.

“It is a very old tradition and over the years it has become an identity and culture of our college. It was started in the1953. All students, especially newcomers want to witness this Puja.,” said a DU student.

However, a few students are seeking a ban on the tradition as they say it represents male desperation, aggression and misogynistic attitude towards women.

"The truth is that it is commemorated to spread awareness about the sexually transmitted disease, HIV and sex education among the students," said Ankita Biswas, a student of Hindu college.

Some female students held a public discussion to raise objections on the V-tree ceremony saying it objectifies women.

One student from the political science department, Siddhant, said the objection is nothing but an attempt to politicise the whole issue.

“Every year we celebrate this Puja. We wait for this event for the whole year. Students, who are affiliated with the left student wings are against it. They want to ban us from celebrating it, but they themselves say whatever they want to in the name of freedom of speech and expression no matter how obscene that would be,” he said.

However, a student member of the Internal complaint Committee (against sexual harassment) of Hindu College claimed the Aarti song has lewd lyrics that describes female physique in an objectionable manner

Another student of the Sanskrit department, Shyam, shared similar concerns by asserting that it is incorrect to continue with such a practice in the name of tradition.