The spike in demand for sexual wellness products in India, post-pandemic, was the highlight of a survey conducted by Thatspersonal, a sexual wellness company, last year. According to its report, sale of sex toys rose by 65 per cent during lockdown.

But how representative are these figures and surveys of the general population?

Of course, there are no agencies to track the sale or use of sex toys like the way coronavirus cases are being by monitored by the health ministry. Neither do we have any peer-reviewed studies to suggest that vibrators have become as common an appliance as idli makers in Indian households.

Nonetheless, what the data does tell you for sure is if you are enlisting the service of a special friend to “take the self-guided tour”, “pet the cat”, “poach the egg”, “polish the banister” or any other euphemism of your choice, so to speak, you are not alone.

Sexual attitudes in this country are in a state of flux. According to a pan-India survey published by the Union health ministry in 2015-16, more than 90 per cent of Indians had their first sexual experience before they reach the age of 30.  In other words, if you now have sex in India after you cross 30, you belong to a minority.

“Public perception of sex and obscenity has transitioned from the days when Amir Khan’s (actor) kiss in Raja Hindustani (movie) was a national conversation to acceptance of pleasure as a fundamental right,” says Raj Armani, the Indian-American co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of IMbesharam, a leading adult online store.

A view also shared by Rahber Nazir, co-founder and CEO Kaamastra, an online adult store.

“Buying a sex toy is no longer scandalous in India,” says Nazir. “Customers are now looking for simpler and customised products that can cater to their needs,”
he says.