Siddaramaiah Defends Inviting Banu Mushtaq to Inaugurate Mysuru Dasara

Siddaramaiah defends inviting Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara

Dasara is traditionally inaugurated by showering flowers on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royals, amid chanting of Vedic hymns, at the premises of Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills in Mysuru.

Banu Mushtaq’s Invitation to Inaugurate Mysuru Dasara Sparks Political Row

Lately, International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq has found herself in the midst of controversy. On August 22, the author was invited as the chief guest to this year's Dasara festivities in Mysuru. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, describing her as a "progressive thinker," invited her to inaugurate the flagship 10-day cultural festival, held annually in Mysuru and commencing with a puja at the Chamundi Hill Temple. However, le…

Siddaramaiah Says Dasara Is Not A Religious Festival, Justifies Inviting Banu Mushtaq For Inauguration - The Commune

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 31 August 2025 defended the state government’s decision to invite renowned Kannada writer and Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysuru Dasara festival, describing the event as a celebration for all communities, rather than a religious ceremony. Addressing the media, Siddaramaiah stated that Dussehra is a non-religious festival celebrated as the “Dasara Naada” festival across the s…