Mysore: The famous Mysuru Dussehra festival began with religious and traditional fervor on Monday, September 22nd. International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq inaugurated the famous Mysuru Dussehra festival at Chamundi Hills in Mysore today. Mushtaq was accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, several state cabinet ministers, and others at the inauguration ceremony.
Banu Mushtaq inaugurated the festival during the auspicious “Vrishchik Lagna” (scorpio lagna) by showering flowers on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the premises of the Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hills. Earlier, Mushtaq visited the Chamundeshwari Temple with the Chief Minister and other dignitaries and offered prayers to the goddess, known as “Nadha Devata” (state deity), before the inauguration.
The 11-day Dussehra or Sharana Navaratri festival, celebrated as ‘Nada Habba’ (state festival), is expected to be grand this year, showcasing Karnataka’s rich culture and traditions, as well as memories of royal grandeur and glory. Various events will be held during these auspicious days of Navaratri.
Mysore’s palace, major roads, roundabouts, and buildings will be illuminated with lights, a practice known as “Deepalankara.” Dozens of events, including food fairs, flower shows, cultural programs, Farmers’ Dussehra, Women’s Dussehra, Youth Dussehra, Children’s Dussehra, and poetry recitations, attract large crowds. The famous Dussehra procession (Jambu Savari), air show, torchlight procession, and Mysore Dussehra Exhibition also attract large numbers of people.
What was the controversy over Banu Mushtaq’s name? Some quarters, including BJP leaders, objected to Mushtaq’s invitation, and the matter reached the court. The Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition challenging the government’s decision to uphold the invitation. The case reached the Supreme Court, which upheld the Karnataka High Court’s decision. Who is Banu Mushtaq?
Banu Mushtaq is a Kannada writer. She is approximately 62 years old and a former member of the farmers’ and Kannada language movements. In May 2025, she became the first Kannada writer to win the International Booker Prize for her short story collection, Adeya Hanate. This collection was translated into English by Deepa Bhastha.
