Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq will inaugurate the Mysore Dasara 2025 celebrations in Karnataka this year. The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed against this decision.
Bengaluru: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition opposing the invitation extended to Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's Mysore Dasara celebrations. During the hearing, the court stated that the Constitution of India is based on secular values and events organized by the state government are not akin to those of a private institution.
The petitioner argued that Mysore Dasara is not merely a cultural festival but a sacred ritual associated with Hindu religious traditions and beliefs, involving Vedic chanting and the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Therefore, inviting a Muslim woman like Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate it goes against tradition and religious sentiments.
Why the Supreme Court Dismissed the Opposition
In its decision, the Supreme Court stated that the Constitution of India is based on secular values. Public events like Mysore Dasara, organized by the state government, are not private events. The court also held that discriminating on the basis of any particular religion is not justifiable. The petitioner had argued that Mysore Dasara is not just a cultural festival but a sacred ritual associated with Hindu religious traditions. It begins with Vedic chanting and the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Therefore, inviting a Muslim woman to inaugurate it is against tradition and religious sentiments.
However, the Supreme Court rejected this argument, stating that even in 2017, the renowned Muslim poet Nisar Ahmed had inaugurated Mysore Dasara. The court clarified that India is a secular nation and discrimination based on any particular religion is not appropriate.
High Court's Decision
A Karnataka High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, had stated on September 15 that no one's rights had been violated. The court also mentioned that the festival of Vijayadashami is celebrated across the country, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The petitioners had claimed that Banu Mushtaq had made anti-Hindu statements and remarks against the Kannada language. Despite this, the High Court supported the state government's decision, clarifying that Mysore Dasara is not an event of a specific religion but a regional and cultural festival.
Banu Mushtaq is a Booker Prize-winning author who has made a mark in the literary field. Inviting her to inaugurate Mysore Dasara 2025 symbolizes that this festival celebrates cultural and secular values. Traditionally, flowers are offered to Goddess Chamundeshwari and a chariot procession (Rath Yatra) is organized during Mysore Dasara.
This year, Banu Mushtaq will participate as the chief guest in the inaugural ceremony. The state government has clarified that this is not a religious event but a cultural festival dedicated to the people of the entire region and the state.
