Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeks a report on a fashion show held at the tourist hotspot of Gulmarg in north Kashmir. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

A fashion show during Islamic holy month of Ramzan at tourist hotspot of Gulmarg in north Kashmir on Sunday (March 9, 2025) sparked a controversy, with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking a report for “an appropriate action”. 

Officials said the fashion show, participated by male and female models, was organised to mark the 15th anniversary of the designer label, Shivan & Narresh, in the backdrop of snow-laden slopes of Gulmarg on Friday. The label’s skiwear collection was also put on display by models. In the past two days, the videos of the show went viral online with many netizens in Kashmir expressing objections. 

Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed the fashion show during Ramzan as “outrageous”. “In the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is organised in Gulmarg, pictures and videos from which have gone viral sparking shock and anger among people. How could it be tolerated in the valley known for its sufi, culture of saints, and the deeply religious outlook of its people? Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir,” the Mirwaiz said.

J&K CM Abdullah, replying to Mirwaiz’s statement, said the shock and anger were totally understandable. “The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities and that too during this holy month. My office has been in touch with the local authorities and I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report,” CM Abdullah said.

Ruling National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi too expressed shock. “This is what cultural invasion in the disguise of tourism looks like. They show an utter disregard for Kashmiri sentiments. The Tourism department officials involved should be immediately taken to task, as well as the organisers,” MP Mehdi said.

J&K Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone said the fashion show in Gulmarg was “an eminently avoidable event in the holy month of Ramadan”. “I consider myself to be a person of liberal orientation, and believe in dignified and mutually respectful coexistence. But this was not the best time to host such an event,” Mr. Lone said.