It stated that “singles and couples both are welcome”
Police in Goa have shut down a Christmas retreat after posters promoting sessions on tantric sex, masturbation, and “cosmic orgasms” sparked widespread anger among religious groups.
The four-day event, titled Tales of Kamasutra & Christmas Celebration, was scheduled to begin on December 25.
Its poster combined Christmas motifs, such as baubles and candy canes, with explicit sessions including “tantra love making”, “cosmic orgasm” and the “mystery of tantric ejaculations”.
It stated that “singles and couples both are welcome” for a price of Rs 24,995 (£213.50) per person, and required participants to wear white and maroon robes throughout the retreat.
Following police intervention, organisers cancelled the event but said it had been “portrayed incorrectly as something indecent”.
The retreat was advertised as being hosted by the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Foundation and facilitated by the Osho Ludhiana Meditation Society.
The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) filed a formal complaint, accusing organisers of deliberately being insulting.
Cyril A Fernandes, CAG president, described the poster as “illicit, obscene, and deeply offensive” and a “calculated attempt to denigrate a holy occasion”.
He added that the material breached several provisions of India’s penal code, including sections on obscenity, sexual solicitation, trafficking, and outraging religious feelings.
Police confirmed they had “promptly taken cognisance” of the complaint, instructing organisers not to proceed with the programme and ordering the removal of all social media advertisements.
However, officers later found that bookings were still being accepted online and offline, warning that failure to comply would trigger further action.
The backlash intensified after church leaders condemned the advertisement.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao said:
“It is with deep anguish and profound hurt that the Church in Goa addresses the recent advertisement on social media, which irresponsibly associates the sacred celebration of Christmas with explicit and unrelated themes.
“Such portrayals not only disrespect the religious beliefs of an entire community but also erode the values of mutual respect and decency that our diverse society cherishes.”
Women’s groups also expressed concern about Goa’s reputation as a family-friendly destination.
The Goa Women’s Forum wrote to the state tourism director, warning that the retreat would “project Goa as a sex tourism destination”.
Local politicians and civil society figures added to the criticism.
Carlos Alvares Ferreira warned on Facebook that the programme risked creating “communal disharmony” and stressed that “Goa is not a sin destination”.
Australia-based Goan Franky Fernandes said he had been asked for a deposit of Rs 10,000 (£85.40) when contacting the organisers and described the mix of explicit themes with Christmas as a “deliberate insult”.
Faced with mounting protests and repeated police enquiries, organiser Manjit Singh confirmed the retreat had been cancelled.
He said: “Police contacted me on Saturday and Sunday to enquire about the programme.
“People misunderstood the event, which was about meditation, and raised objections.”
“There were no bookings as I had only just advertised it.”
Singh added that the retreat’s intention had been to create a “festive mood of celebration” and conceded that referencing Christmas in the poster was a mistake.
Swami Dhyan Sumit, who was due to facilitate the retreat, said it had been “portrayed incorrectly as something indecent” and insisted it was a meditation-focused tantra programme.
He added: “We are very sorry that the combination of these two words gave the wrong message and hurt the feelings of local people.”
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