Kashmir’s Catwalk Catastrophe: Fashion Show Sparks Fury in Gulmarg
Peerzada Masarat
Gulmarg, Kashmir’s postcard-perfect haven of snow-draped peaks and tranquil beauty, has long been a jewel in India’s tourism crown. But its latest claim to fame is less scenic and far more scandalous: a fashion show that’s ignited fury across the region. Enter Shivan & Narresh, the celebrated designer duo whose decision to stage a lavish runway event amid the sacred month of Ramadan has turned a winter wonderland into a battleground of cultural outrage.
The event, billed as a “visionary” winter spectacle, saw models sashaying through the snow in high-fashion ensembles—hardly attire for subzero climes—while Kashmiris observed a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. For a region steeped in Sufi traditions and fiercely protective of its heritage, the timing couldn’t have been more tone-deaf. What was meant to spotlight Gulmarg as a global destination instead cast a harsh glare on the organizers’ apparent disregard for local sensibilities.
A Misstep in Timing and Taste:
The backlash was swift and unrelenting. Social media erupted with images and clips of the catwalk, fueling a torrent of criticism from residents who saw not glamour, but a galling affront to their values. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led the charge, branding the event “outrageous” for its extravagance and perceived indecency in a place revered for its spiritual depth. Religious leaders, politicians, and everyday Kashmiris echoed his sentiments, decrying what many viewed as a calculated provocation.
The organizers’ defense? It was all in the name of tourism. A bold move to thrust Kashmir onto the global fashion stage, they argued, showcasing its beauty to an elite audience. But the question lingers: at what cost? Ramadan, a time of introspection and restraint, hardly seems the backdrop for flashing lights and runway struts. Critics couldn’t help but wonder—were the other 11 months of the year booked?
Tourism or Cultural Trespass?
The controversy has reignited a broader debate about tourism in Kashmir. Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi didn’t mince words, calling such initiatives a “cultural invasion” that risks eroding the Valley’s identity for commercial gain. His remarks drew a sharp rebuke from the BJP, which accused him of undermining tourism efforts—a predictable political ping-pong that sidesteps the core issue: respect.
Proponents insist these events are vital to modernizing Kashmir’s image and boosting its economy. Yet, if modernization means steamrolling the very communities that define the region, it’s a hollow victory. Kashmiris have long welcomed visitors with warmth, but they draw the line at being reduced to props in someone else’s narrative.
Accountability in Question:
As anger simmers, calls for accountability grow louder. How did this event secure approval? Who signed off on a plan so glaringly out of touch? The Tourism Department, which presumably greenlit the affair, faces mounting scrutiny. And then there’s Shivan & Narresh—will they own the misstep? Don’t hold your breath. If history is any guide, any apology will likely be a masterpiece of deflection: a regret that their “artistic vision” was “misunderstood,” rather than an admission of fault.
What’s Next—Raves at Revered Shrines?
If this sets the tone, the possibilities are as absurd as they are alarming. A bikini parade on Dal Lake? A cocktail bash at Hazratbal? A techno rave inside a Sufi shrine? The Gulmarg runway wasn’t just an event—it was a manifesto of indifference, a couture-clad middle finger to a region’s soul.
This isn’t about rejecting progress. Kashmir thrives on tourism done right—hospitality that honors its people, not exploits them. But the Shivan & Narresh spectacle crossed a line, proving that even the most breathtaking backdrop can’t mask a fundamental lack of respect.
So, a word to the wise for future planners: a little homework goes a long way. Consult the locals. Respect their calendar. Or better yet, take your next “visionary” stunt to a place that’s begging for it. Kashmir deserves better than to be a runway for someone else’s folly.
Blurub:
In a stunning display of cultural misjudgment, designers Shivan & Narresh transformed Gulmarg’s pristine snowscape into a glitzy catwalk—right in the middle of Ramadan. As Kashmiris observed a month of devotion, the Valley was blindsided by a fashion show that swapped reverence for runway lights, sparking widespread outrage. Tourism booster or tasteless blunder? This sharp critique unpacks the fallout of a spectacle gone spectacularly wrong.
