Booker Prize Winner Banu Mushtaq to Inaugurate Mysuru Dasara 2025 Amid Controversy

Hassan (Karnataka), Aug 26 (PTI) International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq has been invited to inaugurate the world-renowned 'Mysuru Dasara-2025' celebrations, proudly expressing her respect for the festival and Goddess Chamundeshwari.

This comes amid objections raised by BJP leaders regarding her invitation to inaugurate the event.

BJP figures such as state President B Y Vijayendra and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar have requested Mushtaq to express her reverence towards Goddess Chamundeshwari before accepting the role of inaugurating the Dasara celebrations.

The controversy began after an old video of Mushtaq surfaced, in which she reportedly shared her reservations about worshipping the Kannada language as "Goddess Bhuvaneshwari," describing it as exclusionary to minority communities.

Traditionally, Dasara is inaugurated by offering floral tributes to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royal lineage, within the Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns.

Mushtaq, reflecting on her invitation, expressed her happiness: "This invitation is truly an honor. While some refer to Goddess Chamundeshwari as Taayi, signifying motherly affection, I respect these sentiments. Similarly, numerous people call it Naada Habba — the state festival — a tradition I hold in high esteem."

She elaborated on her views, stating, "Referring to Dasara as Naada Habba or addressing Goddess Chamundeshwari as Taayi with deep affection is integral to our culture and state heritage. Hence, I too cherish and wholeheartedly participate in this festival. I fondly remember attending Dasara as a child, witnessing the iconic 'Jamboo Savari,' the grand elephant procession during Vijaydashami with my parents. It's a tremendous honor to be invited to inaugurate Dasara this year."

Last week, the state government officially announced that Banu Mushtaq, the International Booker Prize laureate, would inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara 2025 celebrations.

As the 'Nada Habba' or 'Sharan Navaratri,' Mysuru Dasara is set to be an elaborate spectacle, celebrating Karnataka’s rich culture, traditions, and royal grandeur.

The grand festivities in Mysuru will commence on September 22, concluding on 'Vijayadashami' on October 2.

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