Following wide spread outrage from various groups, NGOs and members of the civil society, organ isers of the controversial event “Tales of Kamasutra and Christmas Celebra tion” finally pulled the plug by cancelling the four-day camp after repeated police inquiries and complaints about the controversial pro motional poster that critics labelled as offensive and in sensitive. Speaking to O Heraldo, or ganiser Manjit Singh of the Osho Ludhiana Meditation Society, on Sunday said that the four-day event has been called off following repeat ed enquiries from the Goa Police. “I have cancelled my four day event. Police contacted me on Saturday and Sunday to enquire about the pro gramme. PANJIM: The Church in Goa has ex pressed its ‘deep anguish and pro found hurt’ over a controversial on line poster advertising a four-day event titled ‘Tales of Kamasutra & Christmas Celebration’ which irre sponsibly associates the sacred cel ebration of Christmas with ‘explicit’ and unrelated themes. Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao said, “It is with deep anguish and profound hurt that the Church in Goa addresses the recent advertise ment on social media, which irre sponsibly associates the sacred cel ebration of Christmas with explicit and unrelated themes. Christmas is a holy time for Christians across the world — a season of joy, peace, and the remembrance of God’s love made manifest in the birth of Jesus Christ.” “To distort this sacred occasion by linking it to themes that are en tirely unrelated and contrary to its spiritual essence is deeply offensive to the faith and sentiments of mil lions. Such portrayals not only disre spect the religious beliefs of an entire community but also erode the values of mutual respect and decency that our diverse society cherishes. I urge the creators and promoters of this advertisement to reflect on the pain it has caused, withdraw the content immediately, and ensure that future communications uphold the dignity of all faiths,” Cardinal Ferrao said.
People misunderstood the event, which was about med itation, and raised objections. There were no bookings as I had only just advertised it,” Singh said. He added that the police informed him about complaints received from members of the Christian community re garding the linking of “Kamasutra” and “Christmas” in the promotional poster. “This was meant to be a festive mood of celebration, nothing to do with religious matters. But I think we over reacted in mentioning Christmas in the advertisement,” he admitted. However, the Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) has filed an official complaint with the Director General of Police against the event’s organisers. The programme, reportedly organised by an outfit which calls itself as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Foundation and facilitated by Swami DhyanSum it of the Osho Ludhiana Meditation Society, was originally scheduled from December 25 to 28, 2025. In a written complaint, CAG president Cyril A Fernandes said: “The event is “illicit, obscene, and deeply offensive”. The organisers are promoting sexual activities under the guise of spirituality. Combining the sacred festival with themes of the Kamasutra was a “calculated attempt to den igrate a holy occasion.” The complaint further argues that the event’s title and messaging violate several provisions of the BharatiyaN yayaSanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 299, 302, 294, 296, 75 and 98, related to obscenity, trafficking, sexual so licitation, and outraging religious feelings. The CAG warned that such programmes could encourage ‘illicit sexual activities’, disturb harmony, and damage Goa’s reputation as a peaceful and family-friendly destination. Meanwhile, Goa Police confirmed that they had taken cognisance of the matter and instructed the organisers not to proceed. In a post on X, the police stated, “We have promptly taken cognisance of this matter and have directed organisers to not go ahead with the event. Organisers have also been di rected to remove the ads from social media. Police stations have been directed to maintain vigil over upcoming events in their jurisdiction.” The post was in response to a complaint by Arun Pandey, Founder & Director of ARZ NGO, who criticised the event for portraying Goa as a sex tourism destination. “I have lodged a written complaint with the Goa Crime Branch. Strict action must be taken,” Pandey said. Reacting to the incident, Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira condemned the planned programme, stating, “Enough is enough. Goa is not a sin destination. Hosting such an event creates communal hatred. I appeal to Goans to remain vigilant and report any such parties.” Franky Fernandes, an Australia-based Goan, also criti cised the event. He called the mixing of explicit themes “a deliberate in sult to the culture of Goans”. Fernandes alleged that when he dialled the number giv en in the poster, the organisers demanded an immediate deposit of Rs 10,000 to confirm bookings, raising concerns about the event’s nature and legitimacy. He expressed disappointment in what he termed “si lence” from senior police officers, saying such oversight during a sacred season is “deeply troubling.” Condemning the advertisement, NGO BailanchoSaad al leged that it promoted sex as part of a holy celebration at a cost of Rs 24,995. Founder Sabina Martins said she brought the matter to the attention of Goa State Commission for Women chair person RanjitaPai, who has sought further details and is examining the issue. While the organiser has formally cancelled the event and removed social media promotions, civil society groups continue to call for stricter scrutiny of similar programmes. Police stated that monitoring of upcoming events will be intensified across Goa. “We also urge the authorities concerned to make nec essary enquiries into this event. Let us remember that freedom of expression carries with it the responsibility to respect the sacred convictions of others. In this season of Grace, I urge all the Catholics not to associate with any event that doesn’t respect the values of our faith and ap peal to all people of goodwill to commit to fostering un derstanding, respect, and harmony among all people,” the Archbishop added
