- 22 October, 2026
ANJUNA, October 22, 2026: A nightclub in Goa has apologised and removed a Halloween promotional flyer featuring a Catholic nun wearing a cross after the advertisement sparked protests and a police complaint over alleged disrespect towards religious sentiments.
Club Salud in Ozrant, Anjuna, had promoted a three-day event titled “Halloween Paradise”, scheduled from October 30 to November 1. The advertisement featured a nun against dark, occult-themed imagery and used phrases such as “dark magic” and “wicked energy”, prompting objections from local residents and activists.
Critics said the campaign used a sacred religious vocation as a commercial promotional prop, disregarding the values of prayer, sacrifice and service associated with religious life.
“Being a nun is a sacred vocation and she gives so much to society. Depicting her in such a way is derogatory and completely unacceptable,” said Jawish Moniz, a resident of Vagator.
Roysal D’Souza, a resident of Anjuna, also criticised the campaign, warning against dismissing the Christian community’s concerns on the assumption that its members would not strongly protest such portrayals.
Desmond Alvares, an activist from Assagao, lodged a complaint with Anjuna police and other authorities, seeking action against those responsible for creating and promoting the advertisement. He argued that religious life should not be reduced to fancy dress or a marketing device for entertainment events.
The Goa chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind also expressed solidarity with the Catholic community, objecting to the insensitive use of religious identities in commercial promotions.
Club removes advertisement, expresses regret
Following the backlash, Club Salud removed the disputed flyer from its social media platforms and issued a public apology.
The management said its aim was to bring people together through music, culture and shared experiences. It expressed regret that the advertisement had hurt religious or cultural communities, stating that causing offence had never been its intention.
The club also reiterated its respect for all religions, beliefs and sentiments.
However, Alvares reportedly maintained his complaint despite the apology, leaving the matter for the authorities to consider.
Renewed debate over religious sensitivity
The controversy has renewed debate over the use of religious symbols in commercial entertainment in Goa, where religious traditions remain an important part of community life.
Previous incidents have also triggered objections over the intersection of entertainment and religious sensitivities, including a Christmas-themed event criticised for incorporating explicit sexual themes in December 2025 and an electronic dance music festival in 2023 that drew criticism after an image of Lord Shiva appeared on screens amid alcohol consumption.
The incidents have raised questions about the limits of commercial expression and the responsibility of event organisers to respect religious beliefs.
As Goa prepares for the tourist season, the latest controversy has prompted calls for greater sensitivity in promotional campaigns, with critics arguing that commercial interests should not undermine social harmony.
Source: The Goan
Picture Courtesy : The Goan
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