Fashion Show In J&K’s Gulmarg During Ramazan Stirs Row, Mirwaiz Calls It ‘Obscene’, CM Responds

A fashion show in the ski resort town of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan has led to a row in the valley, with several prominent leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemning the event calling it ‘obscenity’.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while criticising the fashion show said obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated.

“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?” Mirwaiz wrote in a post on X.

He demanded that those involved in organising the event should be held accountable.

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

“Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in #Kashmir!,” he added.

National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah wrote, “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 Tourism department officials involved should be immediately taken to task, as well as the organisers Shivan & Narresh.”

Meanwhile, social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat called the event as an attempt to demolish the moral, religious and ethical values of Kashmir.

“Who allowed this nude fashion show at Gulmarg in Holy Ramzan? Semi nude men and women walking on snow. Will the Tourism Deptt, CEO GDA throw some light? Why are you hell bound to demolish our moral, ethical, cultural and religious values (sic)?” he wrote on his X handle.

Amid the widespread criticism, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he has sought a report from the concerned local authorities.

The Chief Minister’s Office replied to Mirwaiz’s tweet, on X saying that the shock and anger were totally understandable.

The shock & anger are totally understandable. The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities & that too during this holy month. My office has been in touch with the local authorities & I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours.… https://t.co/xwY17ZdeAt

— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) March 9, 2025

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