Mysuru: International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, who has been invited to inaugurate the prestigious Mysuru Dasara 2025 celebrations, has responded to criticism surrounding her selection. She affirmed her deep respect for the festival, its traditions, and the presiding deity, Goddess Chamundeshwari, while addressing concerns raised by opposition leaders.
BJP leaders question her selection
The row emerged after senior BJP leaders, including state party president BY Vijayendra and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, questioned the state government’s decision to honour Mushtaq with the Dasara inauguration. They demanded that she clarify her reverence for the goddess before presiding over the ritual, which traditionally includes offering floral tributes at the Chamundi Hills temple amid Vedic chants.
Their objections stemmed from an old video of Mushtaq, in which she reportedly questioned the practice of worshipping the Kannada language as Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, describing it as exclusionary to linguistic minorities. This video resurfaced last week and sparked calls from certain sections to reconsider her appointment.
Mushtaq affirms her respect for the festival
Responding to the criticism, Mushtaq said she was honoured by the state government’s invitation and cherished the cultural significance of the Mysuru Dasara. Speaking after receiving a traditional bagina (offering) from Bengaluru-based organisation Ammana Madilu on Monday, she said:
“It (invitation to inaugurate Dasara) is definitely a happy thing. You call Chamundeshwari Taayi, I respect your feelings. Many call it Naada Habba, I respect that too. This festival is something I too like, respect, and participate in with affection.”
She added that she considered the celebrations as an integral part of Karnataka’s shared heritage. “Calling Dasara as Naada Habba or calling Goddess Chamundeshwari Taayi with affection and love, all these are part of our culture and this state,” she said.
A personal memory of Dasara
Mushtaq also recalled her childhood memories of the festival. “As a child, I had been to Dasara with my parents to witness the Jamboo Savari,” she said, referring to the grand elephant procession held on Vijayadashami. “This time, I have received the invite to inaugurate Dasara. It is extremely a happy thing for me.”
Festival dates and preparations
The Karnataka government announced last week that Mushtaq would inaugurate the celebrations, which will begin on September 22 and culminate on October 2 with the iconic Vijayadashami procession. Known as Naada Habba or the state festival, Mysuru Dasara showcases Karnataka’s rich cultural diversity, music, dance, and royal traditions, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Public reaction and Google Trends
Meanwhile, Google Trends data showed that searches for “Banu Mushtaq” surged sharply on Tuesday following the controversy. The highest searches came from Karnataka, followed by Assam, Kerala, Telangana, and Haryana. Related queries included “Banu Mushtaq Booker Prize”, “Heart Lamp” (her award-winning novel), and “Banu Mushtaq books”, reflecting rising public curiosity about her literary work.
Conclusion
While political debates continue, Mushtaq has sought to ease tensions by emphasising her respect for Karnataka’s traditions and her willingness to participate wholeheartedly in the festivities. With just weeks to go, Mysuru Dasara 2025 is set to unfold as one of India’s most celebrated cultural events, with the inauguration likely to remain in the public spotlight.