Fashion Show in Gulmarg, People Socked and Anger on Government
A recent fashion show with models wearing thin clothing in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, has sparked considerable discord because it took place during the holy month of Ramadan. Religious leaders, social activists, and political people have harshly criticized the show, which many consider inappropriate, believing it defies the region’s spiritual and cultural character. Omar Abdullah, the chief minister, has called it a private matter, denied government participation, and promised to take action if laws were broken. Opposition leaders, such as PDP Mehbooba Mufti, have criticized this approach, arguing that the administration cannot avoid responsibility. Debates about cultural preservation, governance, and striking a balance between tourists and tradition in the valley have been fuelled by the noise.
Introduction: A Fashion Show Sparks Outrage
An event meant to highlight flair and elegance has instead sparked a wave of anger in the beautiful ski town of Gulmarg, which is tucked away among the snow-capped hills of Jammu and Kashmir. During the month of Ramadan, which is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world for its emphasis on loyalty, fasting, and reflection, a fashion show was held with models wearing what many have called skimpy or provocative attire. What should have been an irrelevant incident has been turned into a lightning rod for criticism due to the time and manner of the display, revealing fault lines in the political and social fabric of the area. As images and clips from the event spread rapidly online, they provoked a visceral reaction from a society that prides itself on its rich heritage and religious devotion, setting the stage for a heated confrontation between the government and its detractors.
The Event: What Happened in Gulmarg?
Tourism-related activities are nothing new to Gulmarg, a place known for its winter sports and natural beauty. But this particular fashion show was very different from the others. Models walked over a snowy backdrop in costumes that left little room for judgment as part of a private venture that was supposedly unofficially approved. Quickly, descriptions of “semi-nude” and “skimpy” clothing surfaced, which ran counter to the traditional sensibilities of the Kashmir Valley. The event’s apparent daring was increased by the fact that it took place during Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and focus on spiritual regeneration. It was rather startling to see such a sight in contrast to the month’s purity in an area famous for its Sufi customs and enduring faith.
The negative effects were rapid. Condemnation erupted on social media as images and videos went viral, the public’s outrage growing with each new frame. In this situation, what could have been written off as a brief error of judgment elsewhere turned into a serious insult to local identity. The issue of who allowed—or did not stop—such an incident quickly gained popularity, gaining the interest of government officials, community activists, and religious leaders alike.
The Government’s Response: Omar Abdullah Under Fire
Qualified politician and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is leading the recently established government of Jammu and Kashmir. This dispute was an immediate test for his government, which was still becoming established following the 2024 state elections. Abdullah tried to shift the blame when he addressed the matter in the state Assembly by highlighting the fact that the fashion show was a private initiative rather than a project supported by the government. He made it clear that no governmental permits had been requested or given, and he promised to look into any possible legal infractions. He promised that if misbehavior had been identified, law enforcement would be notified so that the proper action could be taken.
Abdullah spoke in a calm yet friendly tone. He recognized the public’s dissatisfaction and characterized the event’s images as a flagrant disrespect for local sensibilities, especially at a time when religious observance is taking place. He indicated that he wanted to take serious measures in response to the commotion by ordering a thorough report within 24 hours. However, many have found his attempt to distinguish the government from the incident to be ineffective, making him open to charges of carelessness or disrespect.
Opposition Strikes Back: Mehbooba Mufti Leads the Charge
The opposition quickly took advantage of the circumstance, with Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), becoming a prominent opponent. Former Chief Minister Mufti was open in her criticism of the fashion show, calling it an uncomfortable and disgusting event that damaged the moral climate of the valley. She was shocked that this could happen during Ramadan, which she called a holy and sacred month. Mufti believed that the problem went beyond aesthetics and that it went right to the core of Kashmiri culture, which she claimed was being undermined by outside forces posing as advancement.
Abdullah’s description of the incident as a private affair was rejected by the mufti, who maintained that the government’s hands were dirty just because it hadn’t planned the performance. She accused commercial organizations, including hoteliers, of using poor oversight to put on exhibits that went against local values in a harsh online statement. She worried that letting such occurrences go unpunished may encourage others to do the same, thereby shattering the social mores that characterize the area. In contrast to what she described as a complacent administration, the PDP was positioned as a fervent defender of tradition in her evaluation, which framed the debate as a failure of governance.
Religious and Social Voices Amplify the Outcry
Outside of the political sphere, religious and community groups strongly reacted to the fashion show, which increased pressure on Abdullah’s administration. Leading cleric and Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq decried the incident as a terrible violation of manners. As the head priest of the Jama Masjid in Srinagar, his remarks were taken very seriously by the devout. Farooq demanded immediate responsibility for the show’s creators and denounced the use of tourism as a cover for promoting what he called filth. His reference to the Sufi legacy and sacred nature of the valley highlighted the severity of the alleged insult and sparked popular anger against the organizers and thus the authorities who did nothing.
In the same manner, renowned social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat expressed his disbelief at the event’s acceptance—or lack thereof. He asked the Tourism Department and local government officials tough questions to get an explanation of how such a display was allowed in Gulmarg, particularly during Ramadan. Bhat’s criticism brought to light a larger worry: that the region’s moral and cultural underpinnings may be under risk as a result of the tourism industry’s greed. Collectively, these voices turned the dispute into a rallying cry for reflection and action, pressing the government to demonstrate its dedication to the ideals of the people.
