‘Tales of Kamasutra’: Goa event cancelled, organisers told to remove ads; women groups demand total ban on sex tourism

MARGAO: Goa police on Sunday ordered the immediate cancellation of the controversial ‘Tales of Kamasutra & Christmas Celebration’ scheduled from Dec 25 to 28, following widespread public outrage and complaints from women’s organisations.In an official statement, Goa police said they “promptly took cognisance of this matter” and directed organisers not to proceed with the event. “Organisers have also been directed to remove the advertisements from social media,” Goa police said.Police stations across the state have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance over upcoming events in their jurisdiction.The event was reportedly organised by the ‘Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Foundation’.The organisers were charging participants Rs 25,000 for accommodation and food, drew fierce opposition from women’s groups, including the Goa Women’s Forum (GWF) and Bailancho Ekvott. Online advertisements for the event had generated numerous booking inquiries from interested parties worldwide.In a letter to tourism director Kedar Naik, the GWF demanded a full investigation into the foundation’s antecedents, warning that the event would damage Goa’s reputation as a family-friendly destination and promote sex tourism. Bailancho Ekvott termed it “an abuse of religious freedom and an assault on Catholic tradition”, calling it “a culture crisis for Goan Catholics”.On Sunday, Bailancho Saad, another women’s organisation, while condemning the event, warned that “the people of Goa, more so women, will not remain silent spectators if action is not taken”. It called for “a total halt on sex tourism which thrives on exploitation of all genders and promotes sex trafficking”.The controversy has revived 13-year-old memories when Swami Rajneesh, a self-proclaimed disciple of Osho, was forced to abandon plans for a 50-acre ‘Mystic Rose’ ashram at Barcem following stiff opposition from locals. The project, which envisaged the construction of cottages, eco-studios, and a guesthouse, was ultimately shelved amid concerns about secrecy and the influx of “all types of elements” into the village. Rajneesh subsequently shifted focus to Mexico.