Antara Tantra Festival in Lenk: the new rules (cross-border guide)
The Tantra Festival Switzerland changes its name to Antara Tantra Festival, introducing strict consent rules and safety manuals to Lenk.
Context
In a nutshell
- Tantra Festival Switzerland changes its name to Antara Tantra Festival
- The event takes place from 19 to 23 August 2026 in Lenk in the canton of Bern
- Introduced a seven-page manual and strict rules on consent
- Involved the director Manéli Farahmand of the Intercantonal Centre of Beliefs
Key facts
- What: Return of the tantra festival with new rules and new name
- When: From 19 to 23 August 2026
- Where: Lenk, canton Bern
- Who: Antara Tantra Festival (formerly Tantra Festival Switzerland)
- Organiser: Ananda Inglin
- Former organiser: Eugene Hedlund
- Cited body: Intercantonal Centre of Beliefs (CIC)
The Antara Tantra Festival, formerly known as Tantra Festival Switzerland, is taking place these days in the canton of Bern, precisely in Lenk, with dates between 19 and 23 August 2026. This year's edition comes after allegations of sexual abuse made in 2023 against one of the organizers, guru Eugene Hedlund, accused of having taken sexual advantage of various participants by exploiting his position of authority. Faced with this critical context, the event decided to change course, adopting a renewed name and an approach focused on new rules of conduct and the safety of participants.
The new program and activities
The official program of the event includes several activities and workshops, including ecstatic dance, sound healing and orgasmic yoga.
Operational details
# New safety measures and manuals
To prevent any kind of drift and mentor participants, the organization introduced specific operating procedures before and during the event in the canton of Bern. Each participant has previously received a seven-page manual dedicated to consent, a document that has been presented again on the spot and posted in the common areas of the structure. The text clearly specifies that consent must be given without any pressure, force, persuasion or manipulation, and reiterates that a yes can become a no at any time.
Webinars and workshops on limits
In addition to paper-based material, preparatory webinars were organized, including meetings focused on managing and understanding personal limits. Organizer Ananda Inglin emphasizes that each participant enjoys complete freedom to not take part in a specific activity or to leave the group at any time. Among the reported introductory workshops, participants follow sessions in which they learn to listen to their own body and observe their own physical reactions, for example through exercises in which two people slowly approach each other by monitoring their own reactions.
The perplexities of the Intercantonal Belief Center
Despite the introduction of strict protocols and a QR code reporting system for inappropriate behaviour, the approach continues to raise questions.
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Key points
Management of reports and future prospects
To ensure an immediate response to any critical issues raised during the festival in Lenk, the event provided a digital alert system. In the event of inappropriate behaviour or ambiguous situations, participants have the right to submit a report in real time simply by scanning a QR code made available on the premises. This measure is combined with information sessions and preparation webinars to strengthen transparency and protection of the individual within the seminar context.
The role of the former organizer
The Zurich newspaper that followed the event also interviewed former organiser Eugene Hedlund, who became the focus of controversy in 2023. Hedlund himself stated that he had contributed to the definition of the current security measures adopted for the current edition of the Antara Tantra Festival, trying to respond to the problems that emerged in previous editions.
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Source: tio.ch
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the dates and location of the festival?
- The Antara Tantra Festival takes place from 19 to 23 August 2026 in Lenk, canton Bern. This year's edition comes after allegations of sexual abuse made in 2023 against one of the previous organizers, Eugene Hedlund, and adopts new rules of conduct to ensure the safety of participants.
- How is the issue of consent handled during the event?
- The organization has introduced a seven-page manual dedicated to consent, presented on site and posted in common areas. The text specifies that consent must be given without any pressure, force or manipulation, and that a yes can become a no at any time. There are also preparation webinars, workshops on personal limits and a digital reporting system via QR code.
- What activities does the official program include?
- The official program includes several activities and workshops, including ecstatic dance, sound healing and orgasmic yoga. According to organizer Ananda Inglin, the event focuses on conscious relationships, emotional intelligence, and integrity, with consent considered as a fundamental structuring rule.