A fashion show held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, has ignited a major controversy, with religious and political leaders condemning the event as disrespectful during the holy month of Ramadan. The show, featuring models walking on snow in designer outfits, was widely criticised on social media for being inappropriate in a region known for its deeply religious culture.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reacted swiftly to the backlash, labeling the event as a "complete disregard for local sensitivities" and demanding a report on the matter within 24 hours. The show’s timing, coinciding with Ramadan-a sacred period of fasting and devotion for Muslims-fueled the outrage among many locals.

Shivan & Narresh’s skiwear show sparks debate

The event in question was hosted by designer duo Shivan & Narresh on March 7 to celebrate their 15th anniversary in the fashion industry. The runway featured their latest collection of high-fashion skiwear, showcasing sculpted ski suits, après-ski dresses, and statement winterwear. The collection was inspired by prints from their archives and was presented against the breathtaking snowy backdrop of Gulmarg.

While the show was intended as a celebration of fashion and adventure, the decision to stage it in Kashmir during Ramadan proved to be controversial. Though most of the fashion show Images and videos from the event quickly spread online, with many social media users expressing shock and anger.

Religious leaders condemn the event

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head of the Hurriyat Conference and one of Kashmir’s most influential religious leaders, strongly condemned the fashion show. Expressing his anger on social media, he described the event as "outrageous" and questioned how such an act could be permitted in a region that prides itself on its Sufi heritage and religious devotion.

"How could this be tolerated in a valley known for its deep spiritual values? Those responsible must be held accountable immediately," he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He also criticized the attempt to justify the show as a tourism promotion initiative, emphasising that it was offensive to the sentiments of the local population.

Videos removed from social media

Amid the growing backlash, videos of the fashion show were removed from Instagram. Previously, fashion magazines had shared posts praising the bold and avant-garde nature of the event, highlighting its fusion of luxury skiwear with maximalist aesthetics. However, these posts were later deleted following the public outrage.

Debate over cultural sensitivity and tourism

The incident has once again raised questions about balancing tourism promotion with cultural sensitivity in Kashmir. While fashion and tourism events are often seen as opportunities for economic growth, critics argue that such initiatives must align with the values and traditions of the local population. The controversy surrounding this event underscores the importance of respecting regional sentiments while organizing public events in culturally sensitive areas.

Netizens react

While members of the community reacted negatively and slammed the 'nude' fashion show, others expressed their disappointment on the issue and called the fiasco unnecessary. An X user commented, "Ramzan is across the country. Is Kashmir an Islamic country that fashion shows cannot be tolerated. Elle is a premium brand for intimate wear & does fashion shows in Milan & globally. We should be glad Kashmir as a place is getting the deserved recognition in the world."