Bharat dreams of more than one sexual partner – Here are the top five fantasies of the married in India

• 19% of male respondents, and 18% of female respondents expressed fantasies about engaging with multiple partners to enhance their sex lives.
• 23% of males, and 20% of females expressed a desire to engage in a one-night stand with someone other than their current partner.
• 31% of males, and 24% of females have fantasies about engaging in virtual flirting.

Sex in India is a hush-hush word and therefore reflecting and talking about erotic mental images, acts etc. – otherwise known as sexual fantasies – is even more of a taboo. Now, a Gleeden report on the top five erotic fantasies of India has shown that though under the wraps, the fights of imagination across India are soaring.

In fact, Indian couples, especially residents of Tier-2 cities in India have shown a higher propensity towards fantasising about having multiple sexual partners.

“Breaking the monotony in the bedroom can be a fun and exciting way of exploring your sexuality and deepening your connection with your partner,” says Sybill Shidell, Country Manager, India.

Here are the top five fantasies of married people in India, according to a survey by Gleeden, an online dating community.

Take a walk on the wild side

The prevalence of arranged marriages in India, where individuals often do not have the opportunity to explore their own sexual identity before getting married, may contribute to a desire for sexual interactions with someone other than their current spouse.

19% of male respondents and 18% of female respondents expressed fantasies about engaging with multiple partners to enhance their sex lives. As mentioned earlier, residents of Tier-2 cities in India showed a higher inclination towards fantasising about having multiple sexual partners. Guwahati received 26% of the vote, Ludhiana received 19%, and Jaipur received 18%.

Respondents from Tier-1 cities were not far behind in fantasising about multiple relationships, with Kolkata leading at 21%, followed by Delhi at 19%, Mumbai at 24%, and Bangalore at 16%.

A night to remember

One-night stands have the lure of excitement and spontaneity providing a temporary escape from the routine of a long-term marriage. 23% of males, and 20% of females expressed a desire to engage in a one-night stand with someone other than their current partner.

The data also highlights specific cities with a higher interest in one-night stands: Kolkata at 31%, Delhi at 24%, Mumbai at 26%, and Bangalore at 22%.

Interestingly, Tier 2 cities showed even greater enthusiasm, with 33% of respondents from Guwahati, 22% from Patna, and 20% from Ahmedabad expressing openness to one-night stands.

Flirting is an art

In Indian culture, flirting is often frowned upon; however, many married individuals in India fantasise about flirting with someone other than their spouse. Flirting is seen as a way to feel desired, attractive, and boost one's confidence.

26% of males and 22% of females imagine themselves engaging in flirting outside their current relationship. The data also reveals specific cities with a notable interest in flirting: Kolkata at 29%, Delhi at 31%, Mumbai at 27%, and Bangalore at 26%.

Again, Tier 2 cities show a higher inclination towards flirting, with 33% of respondents from Guwahati, 28% from Patna, and 23% from Ludhiana expressing a desire for it.

Virtual fun

In India, the married often find solace in the realm of virtual flirting as it allows them to explore their fantasies without physically crossing the boundaries of their marriage.

31% of males, and 24% of females have fantasies about engaging in virtual flirting with someone other than their partner. Surprisingly, Tier 2 cities surpass Tier 1 cities in their interest, with percentages such as 29% from Kolkata, 34% from Delhi, 31% from Mumbai, and 30% from Jaipur. Notably, Guwahati stands out with 48% of respondents expressing an inclination towards virtual flirting, while Patna follows with 18%.

A stranger in the fantasies

The final fantasy on the list involves having sex with one's current partner while fantasising about a well-known individual. This desire is shared by both men and women in India, offering an opportunity to explore sexual fantasies and desires.

26% of males and 22% of females imagine themselves engaging in this fantasy. Notably, in Tier 1 cities, percentages such as 28% from Kolkata, 29% from Mumbai, and 26% from Bangalore express an interest in this fantasy. Interestingly, Tier 2 cities also show a significant inclination, with 30% from Jaipur, 35% from Guwahati, and 25% from Indore expressing a desire for this experience.