Banu Mushtaq, recipient of the International Booker Prize for her short story collection 'Heart Lamp', is embroiled in a political controversy following her invitation to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival in Karnataka.
The Mysuru Dasara, an annual ten-day celebration, symbolizes Karnataka’s cultural heritage with events that attract thousands. However, the decision to select Mushtaq, a Karnataka-born Muslim, has triggered outrage from some leaders of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who argue that her involvement in a Hindu religious festival is inappropriate.
Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil, is traditionally a Hindu festival, and while Mysuru Dasara is meant to be inclusive, the BJP’s criticism underlines ongoing tensions regarding India's cultural identity and secularism.
Mushtaq expressed honor at being invited and recounted her childhood experiences of the festival. Yet, controversy remains as some BJP members cite past remarks she made about Hindu deities, which they claim are disrespectful.
Despite the backlash, Mushtaq remains steadfast, advocating for the festival's inclusive nature, while Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister defends the invite, affirming that Mysuru Dasara is for all communities.
Mushtaq's literary contributions detail the struggles of women in conservative situations, making her accolade a point of pride for many. Notably, her critique of associating Hindu deities with Kannada identity aligns with viewpoints among progressive writers who urge the necessity of a more diverse representation in cultural narratives.
With the support of various literary advocates, Mushtaq's presence continues to ignite discussions about the importance of inclusivity in India’s festivals versus the rising divisiveness in political discourse.
