Should Delhi University Allow Weddings on Campus?

New Delhi — A bride in a red lehenga walks past the iconic corridors of Hindu College while drums play softly in the background. No, this isn’t a Bollywood scene. It’s a real wedding — on a Delhi University campus, complete with mandap, family, and that one cousin running late with the kalire. The question making waves: Should DU officially allow wedding celebrations on its lush, green grounds? Locals and alumni have opinions, and you might be surprised at how split they are.

Shaadi in the Quad: DU’s Unofficial Ceremonial Secret

This isn’t the first time someone’s tied the knot on campus. In fact, weddings at Delhi University — especially in North Campus colleges like Hindu, St. Stephen’s, and Miranda House — have quietly unfolded for years, often after-hours or on holidays. The security guards might nod quietly, the spaces might be decorated subtly, and the whole charm lies in the institution’s emotional value to the couple. After all, many DU romances begin under the arches of Arts Faculty or along the ridge behind North Campus. But now, as more couples consider revisiting their college to make their shaadi truly “homegrown,” the question is whether DU should formally permit and even rent out spaces for nuptial events.

Why This University Romance is Now a Public Debate

For students still attending DU, this trend sparks mixed emotions. On one hand, they love the thought of their college being more than just an academic hub. “It’s cute, man, but yeh toh public property hai — not a banquet hall,” says Anshul, a third-year student outside Kirori Mal College. Teachers and admin staff hold similar reservations about noise, crowding, and misuse of campus property. On North Campus weekends — already jammed thanks to Kamla Nagar shopping, GTB Nagar Metro crowd spillover, and UPSC study groups — a wedding baraat could further choke foot and traffic routes.

Nearby shopkeepers are less concerned. “Shaadi ho ya theatre festival, humein toh faayda hota hai,” notes a chai vendor near Ramjas College, pointing to increased footfall and sales. What’s clear is that the notion of campus weddings is no longer a rare novelty, but a reflection of how deeply Delhiites tie emotion to physical spaces — especially ones linked to their youth and first independent experiences.

The Emotional Classroom to Mandap Pipeline

Delhi University’s relationship with romance goes way back. From the jam-packed lawns of Delhi School of Economics to the sleepy benches of Hansraj and the chai addas around Patel Chest, it’s long been a hotbed of youthful affection. Many famous DU alumni — from civil servants to film producers — met their life partners in college. Naturally, the idea of beginning married life where it all started feels poetic to many. In earlier decades, such weddings were unheard of due to stricter campus rules and societal norms, but today’s generation is more flexible, and regulations are often creatively “interpreted.”

Universities abroad have already stepped into this space — the University of Oxford and Harvard, for instance, offer alumni wedding packages during vacation months. If DU follows suit, it could become a win-win, both emotionally and economically, provided logistics and security are addressed properly.

Thinking of a Campus Wedding? Read This First

Always seek written permission: A verbal nod from a staff member won’t do. Send a formal proposal to the college’s administration and be transparent about guest list and timings.
Keep it low-impact: Avoid loud music, large crowds, or elaborate setups. Light florals, tight guest lists, and minimal disruption are key to maintaining goodwill.
Time it right: Long weekends, semester breaks, or post-exam weeks are best. Avoid clashing with academic activities, protests, or fest season traffic.

📍 Spot Check: Gate No. 1 of Delhi University’s Arts Faculty, Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station, Kamla Nagar Market — all are often buzzing with pre-wedding shoots and nostalgic college-goer reunions.

The Final Word

Weddings at DU are more than just Instagrammable affairs; they’re love stories coming full circle. But without structure, they risk turning hallowed halls into chaotic photo backdrops. If managed well, selective campus weddings could offer alumni a heartfelt way to reconnect with their roots while giving institutions a reason to preserve and protect their unique heritage. Should DU embrace this with open arms or keep campus traditions academically sacred? That depends on what matters more — memories or maintenance.