Outrage erupts over fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramadan

Srinagar, Mar 09: An inaugural show organised in Gulmarg on the eve of the Khelo India Winter Games has sparked widespread outrage, with political and religious leaders condemning the event as highly inappropriate, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Prominent religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq strongly condemned the event, calling it “outrageous” and questioning how such a program could take place in an area known for its “Sufi and saint culture” and deep religious beliefs.
In a post on X, Mirwaiz said: “Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramadan, an obscene fashion show is organized in #Gulmarg, with pictures and videos going 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!”
People’s Conference (PC) chairman Sajad Lone criticised the timing of the event, calling it “eminently avoidable”. While emphasising his belief in “dignified and mutually respectful coexistence”, he said that this was “not the best time to host such an event”.
Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA from Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad strongly condemned the fashion show in Gulmarg during the sacred month of Ramadan. He held the Chief Minister, who also serves as the Tourism Minister, directly responsible for allowing such an event.
“Who granted permission for this disgraceful fashion show in Gulmarg during the sacred month of Ramadan? With semi-nude men and women parading on snow, will the Tourism Department and the CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) clarify their stance? Why are you so determined to erode our moral, ethical, cultural, and religious values?” Khursheed said.
MLA Khursheed demanded immediate accountability from the concerned officials and called for strict action against those responsible for organizing the event. He warned that such incidents would not be tolerated, especially in a place as culturally and religiously significant as Kashmir.
Social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat described 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 Tourism Deptt, CEO GDA throw some light? Why are you hell bound to demolish our moral, ethical, cultural and religious values (sic)?” he asked in a post on X.
The event has drawn widespread backlash from civil society and social media users. Local resident Fayaz Ahmad said, “At a time when people are engaged in prayers and fasting, such events are a direct insult to our religious beliefs.” Another social media user wrote, “There are 11 other months in the year; why was it necessary to hold this during Ramadan?”