The world-famous Mysuru Dasara festivities began on a historic note this year, with acclaimed Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq inaugurating the grand celebrations. In a ceremony filled with color, tradition, and emotion, Mushtaq lit the lamp to mark the opening of the ‘Nada Habba,’ as thousands of residents and tourists gathered to witness the iconic event. Her presence symbolized a strong message of cultural unity, reflecting Mysuru’s deep legacy of inclusivity. Officials described the event as a milestone that blended Karnataka’s rich heritage with contemporary calls for social harmony.
The inaugural ceremony showcased the grandeur Mysuru Dasara is known for worldwide. The Mysore Palace glowed in golden lights as traditional music and dance performances welcomed guests, setting a festive tone. Banu Mushtaq, addressing the gathering, urged people to embrace diversity and live with compassion for one another. She spoke about Karnataka’s history of pluralism, where art, literature, and festivals have always transcended religious and social boundaries. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, especially at a time when debates on identity and inclusivity dominate national discourse.
Mushtaq’s role as the inaugural guest was not without controversy, as certain groups had previously questioned the government’s decision to invite a ‘non-Hindu’ writer. However, the large turnout and overwhelming applause for her speech suggested that Mysuru’s citizens welcomed the decision. Leaders praised the move as bold and forward-thinking, while cultural figures said it reflected the true spirit of Dasara — a festival rooted in celebrating the triumph of good over evil. For many, the inauguration was both symbolic and transformative in its messaging.
Cultural Showcase
The cultural programs that followed the inauguration highlighted Karnataka’s vibrant traditions. Classical dancers, folk troupes, and local artists took to the stage, weaving stories of mythology, history, and everyday life. The fusion of heritage and artistry not only entertained but also educated younger generations about their cultural roots.
Tourists expressed admiration for the way Mysuru Dasara blended inclusivity with age-old customs. Many said Banu Mushtaq’s inauguration had added a fresh dimension, reminding them that festivals must evolve with time while preserving their core values.
The political implications of Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara have been significant. While the ruling government defended the decision as an embodiment of Karnataka’s inclusive culture, opposition leaders attempted to portray it as an unnecessary provocation. However, the enthusiasm witnessed among the crowd appeared to dilute political criticism. Analysts observed that the government had managed to turn the event into a showcase of progressive values while also highlighting the state’s cultural richness. For many citizens, the controversy paled in comparison to the grandeur and emotional resonance of the celebrations.
Tourism officials have reported a surge in bookings following the announcement of Mushtaq’s role in the inauguration. International travelers, intrigued by the bold choice, have flocked to Mysuru to witness the festival firsthand. Travel agencies have noted increased demand for cultural packages, particularly among visitors interested in heritage and literature. By inviting a celebrated author to begin festivities, the government has subtly repositioned Mysuru Dasara as not only a traditional celebration but also a global cultural dialogue. The economic benefits of this heightened attention are already being felt in the hospitality sector.
Public response on the ground has been overwhelmingly positive, with citizens lauding the government’s decision to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. Families, students, and senior citizens who attended the opening said they were moved by Mushtaq’s speech and her call for compassion. Social media platforms were flooded with images of the ceremony, with hashtags supporting harmony trending across Karnataka. Many residents said they felt proud that their festival had become a stage for sending a national message about unity and respect across communities.
At the same time, security arrangements around the event were tight, given earlier protests against the decision. Thousands of police personnel were deployed across Mysuru to ensure law and order. Fortunately, no major incidents were reported, and the festivities proceeded smoothly. Officials credited the extensive planning and cooperation of citizens for the peaceful outcome. The ability of law enforcement to maintain order despite heightened political tension was seen as a major success, showcasing Mysuru as both culturally vibrant and socially stable.
The cultural component of Dasara 2025 has been particularly striking this year, as organizers emphasized diversity in performances. Apart from traditional Mysuru art forms, the stage featured poets, folk musicians, and dramatists from different religious and linguistic backgrounds. This intentional inclusivity reflected Mushtaq’s message of harmony and created a sense that Karnataka’s cultural identity belongs to all its people. Visitors praised the thoughtful programming, which allowed audiences to witness the coexistence of multiple traditions while reinforcing the unifying spirit of the festival.
Local businesses in Mysuru have also benefited from the surge of tourists and the heightened visibility of Dasara. Artisans, flower sellers, transport operators, and hoteliers all reported increased demand in the opening days. Street vendors set up stalls offering traditional foods, handicrafts, and souvenirs, adding to the vibrancy of the festivities. Economic observers believe that the decision to invite Mushtaq inadvertently boosted the festival’s profile, attracting both curiosity and goodwill. For the local economy, the festival has proven once again to be not only a cultural event but also a lifeline.
For writers, artists, and cultural thinkers, Mushtaq’s presence at Dasara has carried symbolic weight. Several literary figures noted that her role signified a growing recognition of the power of literature to inspire social change. They argued that art and culture have always transcended religious boundaries and that Mushtaq’s speech was an affirmation of this truth. By connecting her literary work with the festival’s themes, the inauguration created an intellectual space within the celebrations, reinforcing the idea that cultural events can simultaneously entertain, educate, and transform societies.
The youth of Mysuru, in particular, have embraced this year’s festival with renewed enthusiasm. College students volunteered in large numbers to support the logistics of the celebrations, from guiding tourists to assisting cultural troupes. Many said they felt proud that their city had made a bold statement by including a writer of Mushtaq’s background. Student organizations even organized discussions on inclusivity and heritage, using the festival as a teaching moment. Their active participation showed how the festival continues to inspire civic engagement and foster a sense of belonging among younger generations.
A Festival with a Message
The decision to invite Mushtaq has transformed this year’s Dasara into more than just a cultural spectacle. It has become a platform to remind people of the values of unity, respect, and harmony. Her words, coupled with the state’s commitment to celebrating diversity, have set the tone for ten days of festivities that aim to bridge divides and create a spirit of shared belonging. Mysuru’s ‘Nada Habba’ has thus begun not only with grandeur but also with a powerful message of inclusivity for all.
Environmental groups also played a role in the celebrations, reminding citizens that inclusivity must extend to nature. Several eco-friendly initiatives were launched, including plastic-free zones, green transport options, and recycling campaigns during the ten-day festival. Organizers worked with NGOs to promote sustainable practices, ensuring that Mysuru Dasara could become a model for environmentally responsible festivals. Visitors were encouraged to carry cloth bags, use public transport, and minimize waste. These initiatives reflected the idea that harmony extends beyond human communities to include care for the environment.
The Mysore Palace, illuminated by nearly 100,000 light bulbs, once again became the centerpiece of the festival. Tourists were mesmerized by the sight, calling it a spectacle that embodied both tradition and grandeur. Alongside the palace, iconic events such as the procession of caparisoned elephants and the staging of cultural dramas reaffirmed Mysuru’s unique identity. This year, however, observers noted that the palace grounds carried a deeper resonance, as the message of inclusivity added layers of meaning to the visual beauty. The combination of spectacle and symbolism made Dasara 2025 unforgettable.
Scholars of history and culture emphasized that Mysuru Dasara has always evolved with time, reflecting changes in society while holding onto its essence. From royal patronage to democratic celebrations, the festival has adapted to new realities without losing its grandeur. They argued that the decision to include Mushtaq continues this tradition of evolution, ensuring that Dasara remains relevant in modern India. By blending ancient rituals with contemporary messages, the festival once again proved why it is considered Karnataka’s cultural crown jewel, admired by people across the world.
Across the state, district-level celebrations of Dasara also took inspiration from Mysuru’s opening. Smaller towns such as Madikeri, Chamarajanagar, and Shivamogga emphasized themes of harmony and inclusivity in their own local programs. Officials said that Mushtaq’s inauguration had set a precedent, encouraging regional celebrations to go beyond ritual and embrace social messaging. The ripple effect has turned the festival into a statewide campaign for unity, showing how a single decision in Mysuru can influence cultural expressions far beyond the palace city.
International visitors attending the festival have described Mysuru as a model of cultural diplomacy. Several foreign tourists said that the choice of Mushtaq as the chief guest made them feel that India was embracing its diversity openly. Travel writers covering the event for international media highlighted the blending of art, politics, and inclusivity, calling it a unique example of soft power. This global attention has not only enhanced Mysuru’s reputation but also showcased Karnataka’s capacity to host culturally meaningful events with global resonance.
Civil society groups have suggested that the message of inclusivity at this year’s festival should not end with the celebrations. They have urged the government to take concrete steps to promote social harmony through education, heritage protection, and community dialogue programs. By following up on the symbolic decision with long-term initiatives, officials could ensure that the message carries practical weight. These suggestions highlight a broader truth: festivals can inspire, but only sustained action can create lasting change. Mushtaq’s inauguration has therefore raised expectations for meaningful follow-through.
Follow: Karnataka Government
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