The Mysuru Dasara festival, also known as "Nada Habba" (State Festival), is a 10-day cultural and religious celebration in Karnataka. It commemorates the victory of good over evil, specifically the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Chamundeshwari. The festival culminates in the grand Vijayadashami procession, the "Jamboo Savari," where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a decorated elephant.
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| Mysuru Dasara,Mysuru,KA,hindustantimes.com |
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| Mysuru Dasara, .opindia.com |
The festivities are marked by the spectacular illumination of the Mysuru Palace with a hundred thousand bulbs. The festival is a blend of royal traditions, cultural events, and processions. It is a major tourist attraction, showcasing the rich heritage of the Wadiyar dynasty and the vibrant culture of Karnataka.
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| Mysuru Dasara opening CM KarnatakaBanu Mushtaq and others |
International Booker Prize 2025 winner Banu Mushtaq inaugurated the 11-day Mysuru Dasara festival on Monday, September 22. The writer, invited by Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, initiated the festivities by showering flowers on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundi Hills in Mysuru.
The choice of Mushtaq, a Muslim, for the inauguration drew controversy from some BJP leaders who questioned the decision on religious grounds. A petition was even filed with the Supreme Court to prevent her from participating. However, the court upheld the principle that a secular state cannot exclude a dignitary from state-sponsored events based on their religion, affirming the government's duty to remain neutral.
In her inaugural address, Mushtaq, author of Heart Lamp, emphasized that "Our culture is our root, harmony is our strength." She celebrated Goddess Chamundeshwari as a symbol of female strength and called for a new society built on human values and equal opportunity. Mushtaq also shared that participating in such events and Hindu rituals was not new to her, reinforcing her belief that the festival should unite all Kannadigas, regardless of their faith.
