1. Mysuru Dasara 2025 Kicks Off with Booker Winner Banu Mushtaq’s Message of Harmony
The iconic Mysuru Dasara 2025, the ‘Nada Habba’ or State Festival, officially commenced on September 22, 2025, with a powerful inauguration by celebrated Booker-prize winning author Banu Mushtaq. From her vantage point atop Chamundi Hills, Ms. Mushtaq delivered a heartfelt plea for greater harmony and inclusivity, emphasizing the festival’s role as a beacon of our shared cultural heritage. Dressed in a stunning mustard yellow and bottle green Mysore Silk saree, she honored the city’s famed traditional weave.
Following the traditional lighting of the lamp and offering of flower petals to the idol of Chamundeshwari at a special stage near the temple, Ms. Mushtaq articulated that Dasara transcends a mere festival. She described it as a “fair of harmony” among its people, and a profound “symbol of collective culture”—a vibrant fusion of diverse voices echoing unity.
Notably, Ms. Mushtaq’s selection as the Dasara inaugurator faced considerable opposition, including from the BJP, and was even challenged in both the High Court and Supreme Court. However, both judicial bodies dismissed these petitions, affirming the State government’s decision and allowing her to lead the auspicious ceremony on Chamundi Hills.
2. Karnataka CM Urges Rivals: “Keep Politics Out of Nada Habba”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a stern warning to political adversaries, urging them to refrain from politicizing the ‘Nada Habba’ (State festival), which commenced traditionally on Chamundi Hills in Mysuru on September 22. “The field is open for elections,” stated Mr. Siddaramaiah, “let’s engage in politics there. But let’s keep divisive politics out of our revered Nada Habba.”
The Chief Minister staunchly defended the choice of International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s celebrations. He criticized those who opposed her, asserting that “they lack understanding of both Dasara and our rich cultural heritage. Distorting history and engaging in self-serving politics is unacceptable. If political battles are to be fought, let them be fought during elections, not during our cherished cultural festival,” he emphasized.
3. Karnataka High Court to Address Pleas Against Socio-Economic Survey on September 23
The Karnataka High Court announced its decision to hear arguments on September 23 regarding the necessity of halting the ongoing Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, currently being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. During the initial hearing of petitions challenging the survey’s legality on September 22, a division bench had first suggested postponing the matter until after the Dasara holidays.
However, legal representatives for the petitioners highlighted that their challenge extends beyond the State Government’s or the Commission’s authority to conduct such a survey. They are also questioning the fundamental right of state authorities to collect data in this manner, particularly as the survey aims to geo-tag residents and link this information with their Aadhaar. This, they argue, constitutes a violation of privacy rights and contradicts key provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.
4. Mid-Air Scare: Passenger Attempts to Enter Cockpit on Bengaluru-Varanasi Flight
A tense moment occurred aboard an Air India Express flight traveling from Bengaluru to Varanasi on September 22, when a male passenger attempted to enter the aircraft’s cockpit mid-flight. The individual reportedly mistook the cockpit for the lavatory.
Air India Express confirmed the incident, which took place on flight IX 1086. Upon the flight’s arrival at Varanasi airport, the matter was promptly reported to security authorities.