Why Booker winner Banu Mushtaq is in eye of controversy over Mysuru Dasara in Karnataka

Who is Banu Mushtaq and why is she inaugurating Mysuru Dasara?

Banu Mushtaq, 62, is a Kannada writer, activist, and former member of farmers’ and Kannada language movements. In May 2025, she became the first Kannada author to win the International Booker Prize for her short story collection Edeya Hanate (Heart Lamp), translated into English by Deepa Bhasth.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced last week that Mushtaq would inaugurate the Nada Habba (state festival) at the Chamundi Hill temple in Mysuru. He described her as a “progressive thinker” and said her literary and social contributions made her a fitting choice to lead the state’s most celebrated cultural festival.

Known as Nada Habba (the state festival), Mysuru Dasara is celebrated every year in honour of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru. Rooted in the legend of her victory over the demon king Mahishasura, the festival marks the triumph of good over evil.

It begins with a puja at the Chamundi Hill temple and continues with 10 days of cultural performances, folk traditions, literary events, exhibitions, and culminates in the grand Vijayadashami procession with decorated elephants, tableaux, and torchlight parades.

Why is there opposition?

Several BJP leaders have objected to Mushtaq’s role in inaugurating a festival that begins with Hindu rituals. Member of Legislative Council (MLC) C T Ravi said it was “inappropriate for a person whose faith is uncertain to preside over a religious ceremony.”

Former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha argued that while Mushtaq could preside over literary events, she should not lead a Hindu religious festival. “It is acceptable when she chairs the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana but not Dasara, a Hindu religious event which starts with offering pooja to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Does she have faith in Chamundeshwari Devi? Is she following our traditions?” he asked.

Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal also raised questions, saying she should clarify her religious stance before presiding over rituals.

The announcement also triggered communal commentary online. Police in Udupi registered two cases after monitoring posts that criticised Mushtaq’s religion and accused the government of “insulting Hindu sentiments.”

The posts were booked under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which penalises creating or circulating false or inflammatory content likely to incite enmity between communities.

What has Mushtaq said?

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Mushtaq said she was grateful for the invitation and viewed it as an honour not just for herself but for Kannada literature. “I am happy to have the opportunity to inaugurate the Nada Habba….I am happy for the love and respect shown by the government. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to inaugurate the Dasara festival and participate in the programme.”

Crowd of devotees during the Dussehra procession in Mysuru in 2022. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)

Previous controversies

Over the years, the festival has also witnessed recurring disputes over its symbolism. Some Dalit and progressive groups have reinterpreted Mahishasura not as a demon but as a local ruler and Buddhist reformer who was defeated and demonised in later narratives. They observe Mahisha Dasara to honour him, arguing that the mainstream festival erases indigenous and egalitarian traditions.

Some Hindu organisations have opposed this view, seeing it as an attack on religious belief. Clashes around Mahisha Dasara rallies, symbolic statues, and counter-processions have repeatedly drawn police attention, turning the cultural festival into a flashpoint for identity politics.