International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq, who officially opened the Mysuru Dasara festival on September 22, described it as a vibrant emblem of Karnataka’s shared culture and heritage.
She explained that Goddess Chamundeshwari, the revered deity of Mysuru, embodies feminine strength and an unyielding resolve. Mushtaq elaborated that womanhood encompasses not only tenderness and maternal love but also the formidable power to combat injustice.
The renowned 11-day Dasara festivities, steeped in religious and traditional zeal, began in the ‘city of palaces’ with Ms. Mushtaq leading the inaugural ceremony.
This year’s inauguration, however, was not without its share of debate, as some groups voiced objections to the Karnataka government’s choice of Ms. Mushtaq as the chief inaugurator.
During the auspicious ‘Vrushchika Lagna’ period, Ms. Mushtaq formally commenced the celebrations by gracefully showering flowers on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, accompanied by Vedic hymns chanted by priests at the Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru.
Before the inauguration, she visited the Chamundeshwari temple, where she offered prayers to the goddess alongside Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
In her inaugural address, Ms. Mushtaq eloquently stated, “Our culture is our foundation, harmony our vigor, and economy our momentum. Let us together forge a new society in India, one rich in human values and affection, while also being robust in education, economy, and industry, ensuring equal share and opportunity for all.”
Reflecting on her connection with the Hindu faith, she remarked, “I have participated in numerous events, been invited to many, lit lamps, offered flowers, and accepted Mangalarati countless times. This experience is not unfamiliar to me.”
She extended her gratitude to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his administration for their unwavering moral support and for extending the invitation to inaugurate Dasara, despite the various obstacles faced.
Affirming that the majestic Dasara festival was commencing with the divine blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari, Ms. Mushtaq shared that her visit to the Chamundeshwari Devi temple had long been overdue, and the chance to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara allowed her to fulfill a personal vow.
She recounted a previous interview where she mentioned that a writer friend in Mysuru had prayed to Goddess Chamundeshwari for her Booker Prize nomination and vowed to bring her to the temple. “Though various circumstances prevented my earlier visit, Goddess Chamundi herself has called me through this government invitation,” she stated.
She added, “Even with numerous challenges and historical developments surrounding this matter, the Divine Mother Goddess Chamundeshwari has summoned me here, and I stand before you, having just come from her sacred presence at the temple.”
It is worth noting that on September 19, the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition that challenged the Karnataka High Court’s decision, which upheld the State Government’s invitation to Ms. Mushtaq to inaugurate the Dasara.
Describing the Dasara inauguration as the most honorable moment of her life, blessed by the Mother Goddess, Ms. Mushtaq declared, “Dasara epitomizes our collective culture. From the majestic cultural legacy of the Mysuru kings to the resonant spirit of Kannada in our souls, this festival serves as a powerful reminder that culture is a tapestry woven from diverse voices, a fragrant expression of unity in diversity.”
She highlighted that Urdu-speaking communities in Mysuru have their unique symbolic names in Urdu for each day of Navaratri, reflecting its integral place in their culture. Ms. Mushtaq asserted, “No one is an outsider or different. This is a unifying cultural festival that everyone celebrates collaboratively.”
Recounting a personal connection, she mentioned that an uncle served as a soldier in the bodyguard contingent of the Mysuru Maharaja. She proudly stated, “Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar placed his trust in Muslims, appointing them as his personal guards. This fills me with immense pride.”
She emphasized, “Culture is a bridge that connects and unites hearts, aiming to spread love, not hatred. My religious convictions and life principles have consistently upheld humanitarian values, never veering from that path.”
She added, “The very culture of this land has instilled in me the profound lesson of universal respect.”
Observing the current global climate, she wished, “In an era where the world gravitates towards conflict, and humanity is entangled in animosity and violence, may Mysuru Dasara radiate a message of peace and harmony, truly a sanctuary for all communities.”
She urged everyone to honor democratic values and respect each other’s beliefs and cultures, praying, “May Goddess Chamundeshwari illuminate our path. Chamundeshwari embodies strength, courage, maternal love, and protection. May she eradicate hatred and intolerance from within us.”
Reiterating her humanitarian principles, she likened them to “shade under a tree and the coolness of a river.” She concluded that in a world grappling with conflict, “victory in life comes through education, not weaponry; through love, not animosity.”
She envisioned, “May this land transform into a symphony of harmony and unity. Democracy is more than just a system; it is a fundamental value, and upholding it is a universal duty.”
Finally, she stated, “We are all fellow travelers beneath a single sky. The sky makes no distinctions among people, nor does the earth cast anyone out. It is humanity that erects divisions. We must strive to dismantle these boundaries.”