Srinagar I March 10, 2025 – The snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg, a popular ski resort in Jammu and Kashmir, recently served as the backdrop for a high-profile fashion show aimed at highlighting the region’s scenic beauty and promoting tourism. The event, held on March 7, featured models showcasing a skiwear collection by designers Shivan & Narresh to mark the brand’s 15th anniversary. Organisers described it as a celebration of Kashmir’s peaceful resurgence and an opportunity to draw global attention to its potential as a luxury destination.
However, the timing of the event, coinciding with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, has ignited a wave of criticism from various quarters. Local religious leaders, politicians, and social activists have voiced strong objections, arguing that the fashion show disrespects cultural and religious sentiments in the predominantly Muslim region. Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, called the event “outrageous” and “obscene,” emphasising that such activities during Ramadan were inappropriate in a valley known for its deep religious and Sufi traditions. Other critics, including social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat, questioned the decision-making behind the event, demanding accountability from the Tourism Department and the Gulmarg Development Authority.
In response to the backlash, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered an official inquiry, seeking a detailed report within 24 hours to assess the circumstances surrounding the event. Abdullah acknowledged the public’s concerns, stating that the timing showed “a disregard for local sensitivities, especially during this holy month,” and promised appropriate action based on the findings.
Meanwhile, some have framed the fashion show as a symbol of progress and stability in Kashmir, a region long affected by conflict. Supporters argue that it reflects efforts to reposition Jammu and Kashmir as a peaceful and thriving hub for tourism and cultural exchange, pointing to recent initiatives like the Khelo India Winter Games, also hosted in Gulmarg this month. However, detractors have raised broader concerns, with some local voices suggesting that the event represents an imposition on Kashmiri values, while others have escalated the rhetoric, linking it to issues of national security.
The controversy has sparked a polarised debate, with opinions split between those who see the fashion show as a step toward economic and social revival and those who view it as a misstep that undermines the region’s cultural identity. As the inquiry unfolds, the incident continues to draw attention to the delicate balance between development, tradition, and governance in Jammu and Kashmir.