Goa's controversial 'Kamasutra and Christmas' event sparks public outrage

A promotional event titled 'Tales of Kamasutra and Christmas Celebrations' in Goa faced backlash for its inappropriate theme, leading to police action.

Updated on: Nov 23, 2025, 16:56:19 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A promotional ad for a four-day programme in Goa, titled “Tales of Kamasutra and Christmas Celebrations,” sparked strong criticism and forced the police to step in on Sunday. The event was supposed to take place from December 25 to 28, but local groups objected sharply, saying the theme was inappropriate.

The event 'Tales of Kamasutra and Christmas Celebrations', organised in Goa, was cancelled after local groups objected to the theme. (X)

ALSO READ | 7 best places in India to celebrate New Year's Eve 2025: From parties in Goa to snow in Manali

Police acted after a Goa-based NGO filed a complaint about the event. A poster of the programme had been circulating online, prompting the police to respond publicly. In a post on X, the Goa Police announced that they had taken note of the issue and instructed the organisers to cancel the event. They also asked them to immediately remove all online advertisements linked to the programme.

ALSO READ | Goa cop apologises for abusing foreign DJ during late-night traffic stop: ‘He said b****’

According to the police, instructions have been issued to local police stations to keep a close watch on upcoming events in their areas to avoid similar controversies.

The event was being promoted under the name of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Foundation. The poster didn’t mention the venue but listed the facilitator as Swami Dhyan Sumit, who is associated with the Osho Ludhiana Meditation Society.

The controversy gained momentum after Arun Pandey, founder of the NGO ARZ (Anyaya Rahit Zindagi), filed a formal complaint with the Crime Branch. He criticised the event for portraying Goa as a destination for inappropriate activities under the guise of meditation and spirituality. “It is really unfortunate that in the name of OSHO, Christmas, Meditation......Goa is being advertised as Sex Destination! I have lodged a written complaint with Goa Crime Branch. Hoping that strict action will be taken against the advertisers & organisers,” Pandey wrote on X.

ALSO READ | Rapper Hanumankind revs up Goa as he returns to stage after knee surgery: ‘Was supposed to take it easy’

(With inputs from PTI)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.