Why Gulmarg fashion show has triggered widespread uproar among J&K's political class

Gulmarg fashion show.

A fashion show held in Gulmarg, a popular winter tourist destination, during the holy month of Ramzan has sparked a major political controversy with leaders cutting across party lines strongly condemning the event. The severe backlash prompted Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah to seek a report on Sunday, while the state assembly saw intense exchanges between the Opposition and treasury benches over the event on Monday.

In his address in the Assembly on Monday, the CM said that his government has already ordered a probe into the matter.

"The private event which took place in Gulmarg hurt the sentiments of people. Such events shouldn't happen at any time of the year. I want to set the record straight, the government has nothing to do with the fashion show. They (organisers) didn't seek any permission from us. It was a private show organised at a hotel," he explained.

What resulted in the controversy?

A fashion show in Kashmir hosted by designer duo Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja has landed in controversy for featuring what critics call “obscene” outfits during the holy month of Ramadan.

The event, held on March 7 in Gulmarg, drew sharp criticism from religious, political, and social circles, with J&K CM Omar Abdullah demanding a report within 24 hours.

Officials, reportedly 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.

How the political class is reacting to the event

Seeking a report on the event, Abdullah said: "It was a private party and there was no government involvement, no permission was taken from us. Instructions have been given that if anything against the law has happened then action should be taken. If necessary, it should be handed over to the police," the Chief Minister said on the floor of the assembly this morning.

Hitting back, People Democratic Party chief and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said mere labelling of the fashion show as a "private" event was not enough.

"Deeply troubling to witness vulgar images from the recent fashion show in Gulmarg. The fact that such an event which descended into an indecent spectacle took place during the sacred month of Ramadan is nothing short of shocking. It is deplorable that private hoteliers are allowed to promote such vulgarity through these events, which blatantly contradict our cultural values," said the PDP leader who remains a key figure in Kashmir's politics despite her party finishing a distant fourth in the 2024 state polls.

How Kashmir's chief priest reacted to the controversy?

Kashmir's chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated. In a post from his X handle, Umar Farooq said, "Outrageous! That 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, saint culture and the deeply religious outlook of its people? Those involved should be immediately held accountable," said Umar Farooq.

Showdown in J&k Assembly

As the House assembled for the day, members of the National Conference, People's Democratic Party, and two Independents stood up and raised the issue of the fashion show, terming it "obscene" and alleging that it hurt sentiments. The MLAs demanded a probe into the facilitation of such a show during Ramzan. PDP MLA Mir Mohmmad Fayaz raised the demand, and NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq also raised the issue.