In Photos | Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq inaugurates the grand Mysuru Dasara festival at Chamundeshwari Temple

Titli Das | Updated on: Sep 22, 2025 | 04:03 PM

"Let this land become a symphony of harmony and unity. Democracy is not just a system but a value, and respecting it is the duty of everyone," she said.

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The Supreme Court on Friday had dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka High Court's decision upholding the state government's invitation to Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara.

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Banu Mushtaq offers prayers at the Chamundeshwari temple before the formal inauguration.The famous 11-day Dasara celebrations commenced in this city of palaces on Monday amid religious and traditional fervour, with Banu Mushtaq inaugurating the festivities.

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“Culture is the fragrance of unity in diversity,” says Mushtaq in her inaugural address

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The writer calls Dasara “a symbol of Karnataka’s collective culture.”

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“May Goddess Chamundeshwari destroy hate and intolerance in us,” the writer said.

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Mushtaq: “Our culture is our root, harmony is our strength, and economy is our wings.Mysuru's presiding deity, Goddess Chamundeshwari, symbolises power in a woman and her undefeatable will power, she said, adding that womanhood stands not only for softness and motherly affection, but also for strength that fights injustice.

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The culture of this land has taught me the lesson of respecting all, she said. "At a time when the world is moving on the path of war and humanity is immersed in hatred and bloodshed let Mysuru Dasara send out a message of peace and harmony, as this is the garden of peace for all communities."

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Mushtaq showers flowers on Goddess Chamundeshwari during the auspicious “Vrushchika Lagna.

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Priests chant Vedic hymns as the festivities begin at Chamundi Hills.The inauguration took place amid controversy, with objections from some sections against the government's decision to invite Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the festival.

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She recalls her friend’s vow to bring her to Chamundi temple after her Booker Prize nomination.

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In the inaugural event, Banu Mushtaq was accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, several ministers in the state cabinet, among others.

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In Photos | Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq inaugurates the grand Mysuru Dasara festival at Chamundeshwari Temple

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