When Aatrey, a 32-year-old investment banker based in Bengaluru, attended India's first kink convention in April this year, he embarked on an experience filled with uncertainty. The invite-only event, hosted by the Kinky Collective in Goa, brought together around 80-85 kink enthusiasts from across the nation. Aatrey, who had long been fascinated by foot fetishism, found the event to be a liberating space. Despite his previous challenges introducing this interest in his intimate relationships, the event allowed him to explore and indulge in foot play, providing a refreshing departure from the conventional expectations of penetration as the ultimate goal of intimacy.
Aatrey, who originally hails from Hyderabad, reflects on the rigid societal norms surrounding intimacy and acknowledges the diversity of desires among individuals. For him, sensual arousal and the worship of a woman's feet are the primary sources of satisfaction. The Kinky Collective, initiated in 2011 by like-minded kinksters aiming to dispel taboos and misconceptions, facilitated an environment where Aatrey felt sexually invigorated. During the event in Goa, he engaged in foot play, offered foot massages to women, and even experienced being walked on by a dominatrix.
Despite the geographical distance, Aatrey has actively sought out similar kink events in Bengaluru, marking a notable shift in his social and sexual engagement. He attests to the growing prevalence of kink-related gatherings in the city, providing a platform for kinksters and those curious about kink to explore diverse expressions of sexuality that go beyond penetrative intercourse. According to Aatrey, this shift has led him to attend more events in 2023 than in previous years, fostering a sense of community among individuals who share an interest in alternative expressions of sexual pleasure.