India’s International Booker Prize winner, Banu Mushtaq, has found herself embroiled in a political controversy after being invited to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival in Karnataka, a major Hindu religious celebration.
A Controversial Invitation
Mushtaq, whose short story anthology Heart Lamp won the International Booker Prize 2025, was slated to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festivities in Mysuru, which are celebrated annually with cultural performances, elephant parades, and fireworks. However, her invitation has drawn ire from certain Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.
These critics argue that Mushtaq, a Karnataka-born Muslim, should not be inaugurating a Hindu festival, despite Mysuru Dasara being celebrated by people of all faiths in the region. The festival, which marks the victory of good over evil, has been held for decades, symbolizing cultural unity across Karnataka.
The BJP’s Criticism
BJP leaders, including MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, have publicly questioned Mushtaq’s suitability for the role, stating that she must first “clarify her reverence” for the Hindu deities associated with the festival. Their concerns stem from a 2019 speech in which Mushtaq criticized the association of the Hindu goddess Bhuvaneshwari with Kannada language and identity.
Critics argue that Mushtaq’s comments on religious identity have fueled tensions. However, Mushtaq remains defiant. She has explained that her intention was never to disparage anyone’s faith but to highlight issues of exclusion faced by minority communities.
A Divisive Issue
While Mushtaq has garnered substantial support for her invitation, many believe that the controversy speaks to larger issues of religious identity politics in India. Supporters of the invitation argue that the Mysuru Dasara festival should remain inclusive and open to all, reflecting India’s secular values.
Poet Mamta Sagar stated that the inclusivity of the event was far more important than any political narrative. The Dasara festival itself, despite its Hindu origins, has always been a secular celebration for the people of Karnataka, and Mushtaq’s invitation should be seen as an extension of that spirit.
Mushtaq’s Legacy and Impact
Banu Mushtaq’s work has had a profound impact on Kannada literature. As the first author writing in Kannada to win the International Booker, Mushtaq has been praised for her portrayal of Muslim women and their struggles against religious conservatism and patriarchal societal structures.
Mushtaq has emphasized that her recognition should serve as an acknowledgment of Karnataka’s cultural richness and diversity, regardless of religious affiliation. Her book Heart Lamp, celebrated for its vivid portraits of survival, has earned widespread acclaim for its exploration of identity, faith, and resilience.
Political and Social Ramifications
This row over the Mysuru Dasara festival is just one of many examples of political polarization in India, where religious lines often shape major events and social discourse. As religious identity continues to play a significant role in shaping the national debate, Mushtaq’s situation underscores the growing religious tensions in the country.
For now, Mushtaq has declined to bow to the pressure and has remained committed to her role at the Mysuru Dasara festival. As the festival proceeds amidst this political maelstrom, the true test will be whether the festival’s original spirit of cultural unity can prevail over the political divisions at play.
