Fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramzan sparks outrage; Mehbooba Mufti says govt cannot simply absolve itself of responsibility by labeling it private affair

Srinagar: The controversy over the controversial fashion show at the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg refuses to die down with Peoples Democratic Party chief criticizing the government for attempting to distance itself by terming the event a “private affair.”

Her remarks appeared to be in response to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement in the J&K Assembly on Monday, where he clarified that the fashion show was a private event and that the government had no role in organizing it.

“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,” Mufti said in a post on X.

She said the government cannot simply absolve itself of responsibility by labeling this a private affair.

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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…

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) March 10, 2025 >

“Shrugging off accountability could pave the way for more such events, ultimately inflicting severe damage on our culture and society,” she added.

The fashion event featuring models was held on March 7 at snow slopes of Gulmarg and was hosted by designer duo Shivan and Narresh.

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Fashion show held in gulmarg in the month of RAMADAN pic.twitter.com/4zXuPV79Ty

— Asfield (@Asfield3) March 9, 2025 >

The pictures and video of the show surfaced on social media, triggering widespread backlash with Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq terming it “outrageous” and “obscene”.

“Outrageous! That In the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show is organised in #Gulmarg, pictures & 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. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in #Kashmir.!,” Mirwaiz posted on X.

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Outrageous! That In the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is organised in #Gulmarg, pictures & 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…

— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) March 9, 2025 >

The social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat questioned the authorities for the event.

“Who allowed this Nude Fashion Show at Gulmarg in Holy Ramzan ? Semi Nude Men & Women Walking on Snow. Will Tourism Deptt, CEO GDA throw some light ? Why are you hell bound to demolish our Moral, Ethical , Cultural & Religious values ?,” Bhat asked.

After the outrage Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Abdullah ‘vowed’ action. CM also Abdullah sought a report from the officials concerned.

Meanwhile, a group of artist community “performing artist community of Jammu and Kashmir”, strongly condemn the “shameful and unacceptable act of organizing a vulgar fashion show at Gulmarg” and demanded removal of director tourism.

“This disgraceful event is a direct insult to our rich cultural heritage, ethical values, and religious sentiments,” the spokesperson of the performing artist community and the most popular singer Waheed Jeelani said in a statement.

Srinagar Member Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi on Sunday had also sought strict action against the officials of the Tourism Department and the organizers of the event.

“The images from Gulmarg are shocking. This is what cultural invasion in the disguise of tourism looks like. They show an utter disregard for Kashmiri sentiments,” the office of MP Mehdi said in a post on X.

“The Tourism department officials involved should be immediately taken to task, as well as the organisers “Shivan & Narresh"," it added. (Inputs from UNI)