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Key Points

The Karnataka government has chosen Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's Mysuru Dussehra celebrations. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement, highlighting Mushtaq's literary achievement with 'Heart Lamp' as a matter of state pride. The festivities will begin on September 22 and continue for 11 days, culminating on Vijaya Dashami on October 2. Mushtaq, known for her activism with farmers' organizations and progressive movements, represents a significant choice as the first woman to inaugurate the traditional Dasara celebrations.

Key Points: Booker Winner Banu Mushtaq to Inaugurate Mysuru Dussehra Festivities

  • Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dussehra on September 22
  • Celebrations will continue for 11 days through October 2
  • Mushtaq won for her short story anthology 'Heart Lamp'
  • Defense Minister approved air show for the festivities
2 min read

Booker awardee Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dussehra celebrations at Mysuru

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announces Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq will inaugurate Mysuru's famous Dussehra celebrations starting September 22.

"It is a matter of pride and joy for us that a woman writer from Karnataka has received this honour - CM Siddaramaiah"

Bengaluru, Aug 22

The Karnataka government on Friday announced that Booker Prize winner, writer and activist Banu Mushtaq, will inaugurate the world-famous Dussehra festivities in Mysuru this year.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Friday.

CM Siddaramaiah said, "Banu Musthaq, a writer from Hassan in Karnataka, will inaugurate the world-famous Dasara Mahotsav this year. The festivities will begin on September 22, and Vijaya Dashami will be observed on the 11th day, on October 2."

He further added, "Banu Mushtaq's literary work 'Hrudaya Deepa' won the Booker Prize. It is a matter of pride and joy for us that a woman writer from Karnataka has received this honour. Banu Mushtaq was associated with farmers' organisations, Kannada agitations, and progressive movements. It is significant that a woman has been invited to inaugurate Dasara."

"I have personally spoken to her. The Dasara festivities will commence on September 22 and continue for 11 days in accordance with tradition. Our district administration will extend a formal invitation to Banu Mushtaq with full honours," the Chief Minister said.

He also stated, "An air show has been permitted by the Defence Minister. I had written to Rajnath Singh and invited him as well."

When asked whether he would be going to Bihar for campaigning, CM Siddaramaiah replied, "Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has launched a 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar against voter fraud, covering 1,300 kilometres. I will also join the padyatra on the 29th of this month for one day, to extend my best wishes to Rahul Gandhi."

Notably, Banu Mushtaq won the prestigious International Booker prize for the short story anthology, 'Heart Lamp'.

'Heart Lamp', consisting of 12 short stories written over three decades from 1990 to 2023, captures the daily lives of Muslim women in southern India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate honoring literary achievements, Dasara is traditionally a Hindu festival. Would have preferred someone from within the tradition to inaugurate. Hope the sanctity of the festival is maintained.
S
Sarah B
As someone who attended Mysuru Dasara last year, I'm thrilled to see such inclusive choices. India's strength is in its diversity. Can't wait to experience the celebrations again! ✨
V
Vikram M
Heart Lamp is an exceptional work! Banu Mushtaq's writing captures the nuances of South Indian Muslim women's lives with such sensitivity. Perfect choice for representing Karnataka's rich literary tradition.
A
Arjun K
Good to see our state honoring achievers regardless of background. But why mix politics with Dasara announcement? CM could have avoided mentioning Bihar campaign in the same press conference.
N
Nisha Z
As a Kannadiga, I'm so proud! From Hassan to international recognition - Banu Mushtaq's journey inspires all of us. Mysuru Dasara will be extra special this year. 🎉

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