NEW DELHI: A fashion show held in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramzan has sparked outrage in Jammu and Kashmir, with designers Shivan & Narresh facing criticism for displaying “obscene” garments. As the controversy grew, the designer duo issued an apology, saying they deeply regretted any hurt caused by their presentation.
The Delhi-based designers, Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja, showcased their skiwear collection on Friday, March 7 to mark the 15th anniversary of their label. However, the event drew sharp criticism from religious and political leaders, with many calling it insensitive given the timing and location.
Following the backlash, Shivan & Narresh posted an apology, saying their intention was to celebrate creativity, not hurt people’s sentiments. They shared the apology on their official X page, stating:
“We deeply regret any hurt caused by our recent presentation in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. Our sole intention was to celebrate creativity and the ski & apres-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments.
Respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart, and we acknowledge the concerns raised. We sincerely apologise for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community. We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful.”
Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was among the first to criticise the event, calling it “outrageous.”
“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? Those involved should be immediately held accountable,” he posted on X.
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also took note of the matter and ordered an inquiry.
Also read: ‘Shock & anger understandable’: J&K CM Omar Abdullah after fashion show in Gulmarg sparks row
“The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities and that too during this holy month. My office has been in touch with the local authorities and I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report,” he wrote on X.
Social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat also condemned the event, questioning how such a show was allowed in the first place.
“Who allowed this nude fashion show at Gulmarg in Holy Ramzan? Semi-nude men and women walking on snow. Will the Tourism Department, CEO GDA throw some light? Why are you hell-bent on demolishing our moral, ethical, cultural and religious values?” he posted on X.
The controversy reached the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday, where the opposition BJP accused Omar Abdullah of having prior knowledge of the event. BJP MLA Sunil Sharma alleged that the venue was a hotel owned by Abdullah’s relatives and questioned how he could claim ignorance.
“Omar Abdullah lies both inside the Assembly and outside. How is it possible that such a big function was happening in a hotel owned by your relatives, and you had no idea? You must have organised this programme yourself. Now, since people have raised this issue, you are claiming an inquiry will be conducted. He should accept the truth instead of lying,” Sharma said.
He further pointed out that the excise department had issued a short-term licence for the event, implying that authorities were aware of it in advance.
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the event, calling it “deplorable” and an attack on Kashmiri values. “It is deplorable that private hoteliers are allowed to promote such vulgarity through these events, which blatantly contradict our cultural values. The government cannot absolve itself of responsibility by labelling this a private affair,” she said.
In response, Omar Abdullah insisted that the government had no role in the event.
“Some people are saying that such a show should not have happened in the month of Ramzan. After what I have seen, I am of the opinion that it should not have taken place any time of the year,” he said in the Assembly.
He also clarified that no permission was sought from the government and that had it been, approval would not have been granted. “It was a private event, organised in a private hotel. No government money was involved, and no government official was present. However, if the inquiry finds any violation of law, strict action will be taken,” he added.