It happened in the context of a state function in Srinagar that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah refused to cut a ceremonial ribbon with Indian national tricolour design. The ribbon, designed in saffron, white and green stripes, was displayed in the "Know Your Artisans" exhibition located in Kashmir Haat.
After noticing the ribbon to resemble the national flag, the Chief Minister halted shortly before the inauguration ceremony. Instead of proceeding with the usual ribbon-cutting ritual, Omar Abdullah untied the ribbon and handed it back to the organisers. He apparently instructed them to retain it with proper respect.
It was an appreciated gesture, and it was respectful of nationwide symbols/traditions, that many involved at the event appreciated thanks to. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and others joined the occasion. However, the ribbon was withdrawn following the ceremony which continued quietly after the event at the ceremony as usual.
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The images posted and discussed on social media were video cameras captured and soon exploded in a fire and the event sparked debate on social media sites where users and viewers posted it and discussed in real time. The vast majority had taken it as a sign of esteem, of respect for the national flag, and more importantly for its identity. “Know Your Artisans” is an occasion that can liberate space for old or traditional craft skills and exhibit the art of Jammu and Kashmir craftspeople from the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Whether the function of such fairs is as mechanisms for protecting the culture and the economy as such exhibitions. In short, the moment was noteworthy not for being controversial, but due to the symbolic reverence displayed at a public ceremony, and with a bang it again emphasized just the depth to which national symbols are integral to state ceremonies.
