The Mysore Dasara festival, a major cultural event in Karnataka, began at the Chamundi Temple. The inauguration was performed by Muslim Banoo Mushtaq, the Booker Prize winner, which was met with opposition and controversy. The situation was brought to the Supreme Court, which validated the state’s decision, recognizing the event as a government-organized celebration and not a private religious function, thus rejecting religious-based discrimination. Despite the court’s ruling, the opening of the festival was shadowed by protests.
Mushtaq, while inaugurating the event, emphasized the themes of unity, inclusivity, and cultural harmony. During the ceremony, she presented flowers at the temple and lit a lamp. She stated that it was an immense honor in her life and that the event was a celebration of the culture and harmony of the land.
During the CM’s speech at the inauguration, there was opposition from the audience. Some attendees started leaving, leading to a rebuke from CM Siddaramaiah. He instructed the police to prevent anyone from leaving and continued his speech.
CM Siddaramaiah spoke during the inauguration and addressed the audience. He stated that Banoo Mushtaq, though Muslim, is first and foremost a human, and that all people are part of the same humanity. He added that a failure to love each other does not represent humanity.
Mushtaq, responding to the criticism, shared that her speech delivered a message of unity. She advocated for a society rooted in love, where everyone receives equal opportunities and care.
She expressed a desire for the unity of the earth’s flowers and the eradication of hatred and intolerance, hoping that the lamp lit at the festival would spread peace, patience, and justice worldwide. The Dasara festival, which started over 500 years ago, is highly significant across India. Raja Wodeyar I began it in 1610 to honor Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Banoo Mushtaq, a 62-year-old Kannada writer and social activist, known for her involvement in farmer and Kannada language movements, was the recipient of the International Booker Prize in 2025, and the state government chose her as the chief guest to honor her achievement.