Gulmarg: A major controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir over an “obscene” fashion show held at the famous ski resort of Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. The event, organized by designer duo Shivan & Narresh to mark their 15th anniversary, showcased winter fashion, including ski suits and après-ski dresses, but was met with strong opposition from religious and political leaders. Amid the outrage, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sought a report on the matter within 24 hours.
The fashion show, which took place on March 7, featured models walking on snow in designer winter wear. While the show was intended to promote high-end skiwear, the timing and nature of the event have been widely condemned. Videos and images from the event went viral on social media, sparking heated debates and drawing criticism from various quarters.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head of the Hurriyat Conference and a prominent religious leader in the valley, strongly denounced the event. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show is organised in Gulmarg. Pictures and videos from the event have gone viral, sparking shock and anger among people. How could this be tolerated in the valley known for its sufi, saint culture and deeply religious outlook?” He further demanded that those responsible be held accountable, stating, “Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir.”
In response to the controversy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his dismay and promised immediate action. His office released a statement acknowledging the public’s concerns:
“The shock and anger are totally understandable. The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities, especially during this holy month. My office has been in touch with the local authorities, and I have asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action will be taken accordingly.”
Following the intense backlash, videos of the fashion show were removed from social media. One of the now-deleted posts by a fashion magazine had described the event as a groundbreaking moment in high-fashion, stating, “Designer duo Shivan & Narresh took audacious fashion to newer heights (quite literally) by staging a show in the frozen alleys of Gulmarg, Kashmir today. Celebrating their 15th anniversary, the famed maximalists brought out their classics—the bikinis and capes obviously but also added some winter magic doused in eclectic prints and 3D ornamentation.”
However, this description only fueled public anger, with critics arguing that the show was disrespectful to the religious sentiments of the majority-Muslim region, especially during Ramadan, a month of fasting and devotion.
The incident has sparked a larger debate on balancing tourism promotion with cultural sensitivity. Gulmarg, a prime winter tourism destination, has hosted many national and international events, including the Khelo India Winter Games. However, this fashion show has highlighted the growing tensions between commercial events and local traditions.
Many local leaders and residents believe that while tourism is crucial for Kashmir’s economy, events that disregard local values can lead to unnecessary conflicts. The government’s response in the coming days will likely set a precedent for how such issues are handled in the future.
