INDIA: The Five Ms

Among India's many primitive sects, one of the strangest is the orgiastic Shakta. The five elements of Shakta worship are madya (liquor), mamsa (meat), matsya (fish), mudra (grain), and maithuna (sexual intercourse), and it has long been their custom to worship the Hindu goddess Shakti by seeking unity of body and soul in communal sex rites. Such is kanchalia dharam, the ceremony of the blouse.

In kanchalia dharam, the women place their upper garments in a large earthenware jar and, after all have feasted and drunk, each man draws out a garment...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!