Gulmarg Fashion Show Sparks Outrage, CM Abdullah Orders Probe

A fashion show held in Gulmarg on March 7, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of controversy in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing sharp criticism for its timing during the holy month of Ramadan. Organized by designers Shivan & Narresh to celebrate their 15th anniversary, the event featured models showcasing skiwear on the snow-laden slopes of the popular ski resort. Viral images and videos of the show, perceived as revealing and disrespectful, triggered widespread outrage among locals, religious leaders, and politicians, who labeled it “obscene” and a violation of Kashmir’s cultural and religious values.

Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the event as “outrageous,” questioning how such a display could be tolerated in a region steeped in Sufi traditions, especially during Ramadan. Social activists and netizens echoed this sentiment, accusing organizers of undermining moral and ethical standards. The backlash prompted swift action from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who, on March 9, called the public’s “shock and anger” understandable. He ordered a report from local authorities within 24 hours, promising “appropriate action” based on the findings.

Addressing the Legislative Assembly on March 10, Abdullah clarified that the government had no role in the private event, held at a hotel without public infrastructure or official permission. “The organizers didn’t use their sense,” he remarked, emphasizing that such an event was inappropriate during Ramadan or any time of year. He directed an investigation and hinted at police action if laws were breached. The controversy has highlighted the tension between tourism promotion and cultural sensitivities in Kashmir, with Abdullah striving to balance public sentiment and administrative accountability. As the probe unfolds, the incident remains a flashpoint in the region’s ongoing discourse on tradition versus modernity.