Police shut Goa Christmas ‘tantric sex’ retreat after Church protests

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Police in Goa, India, have shut down a Christmas-themed retreat after it sparked outrage from local Catholic groups due to its focus on tantric sex practices. The four-day program, scheduled to begin on 25 December, was titled “Tales of Kamasutra & Christmas Celebration” and featured sessions on masturbation, tantric love-making, “cosmic orgasms,” and the “mystery of tantric ejaculations.”

The retreat had targeted both singles and couples and was priced at Rs 24,995 (£213.50) per person. The event poster, which went viral on social media, included Christmas motifs like baubles and candy canes while also outlining the sexual-themed workshops. Participants were instructed to wear white and maroon robes throughout the sessions.

Local Catholic groups in Goa protested against the event, calling it inappropriate and offensive to the Christian faith. The backlash prompted police intervention, leading to the organizers cancelling the retreat. Authorities stated that the program violated public decency norms and warned that such events could not be conducted without proper oversight.

The retreat was being hosted by the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Foundation and facilitated by the Osho Ludhiana Meditation Society. Organizers defended the event, saying it had been misrepresented in the media and that its intention was to promote meditation, self-awareness, and spiritual well-being, not indecency.

A spokesperson for the police said, “The retreat has been shut down following complaints and concerns from the community. We are committed to ensuring public morality and safety during festive seasons.” The Catholic Church also welcomed the police action, emphasizing that Goa’s religious and cultural sentiments must be respected during Christmas.

The controversy highlights the tension between alternative spiritual practices and traditional religious sensibilities in India, where the country’s diverse communities often clash over public events. Experts say this incident reflects the sensitivity around sexualized content linked to religious or cultural festivals, especially in areas with a significant Christian population.

Organizers have stated they may explore other ways to continue their programs, but with strict adherence to legal and cultural guidelines. Meanwhile, the local community has expressed relief that the event will not proceed in its current format, underlining the strong influence of religious groups in the region.

The cancellation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance organizers must strike between spiritual exploration and public norms in India, especially during widely celebrated festivals like Christmas.