Banu Mushtaq, a famous Kannada writer and winner of the International Booker Prize, is in the middle of a big controversy. She was invited by the Karnataka government to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival this year. Mysuru Dasara, also called Naada Habba (festival of the land), is a 10-day celebration filled with music, dance, parades, and fireworks. People from all communities usually take part.
The Congress government said Mushtaq was chosen because she has made Karnataka proud with her international award for her short story collection Heart Lamp. Mushtaq herself said she felt honoured, and that she has loved this festival since her childhood.
However, some leaders from the opposition BJP have strongly criticised the decision. They argue that Dasara is mainly a Hindu religious festival, and say Mushtaq, who is a Muslim, should not inaugurate it. They also pointed to her past comments, where she questioned linking the Hindu goddess Bhuvaneshwari with the Kannada language, which she felt excluded people of other faiths.
BJP leaders demanded that she declare her faith in the festival’s goddesses if she wanted to lead it. Others argued that she should only head literary events, not religious ones.
But supporters say the festival is not only for Hindus—it is for everyone in Karnataka. Kannada poet Mamta Sagar said inviting Mushtaq shows the true inclusive spirit of the festival. Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister also defended the invitation, calling Dasara a secular and open celebration.
This is not the first time a Muslim writer has inaugurated Mysuru Dasara. In 2017, poet KS Nisar Ahmed was given the same honour. Despite the criticism, Mushtaq has not backed down, saying politicians should learn what to politicise and what to leave alone.
-Peace News Desk