Banu can’t lead a Hindu religious event: BJP on Dasara festival
The controversy surrounding the Mysuru Dasara festival has taken a new turn with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) objecting to the decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the event. The Karnataka government’s decision to invite Banu, a Muslim author, to lead the festival has sparked a heated debate, with the BJP questioning her faith and suitability to preside over a Hindu religious event.
Banu Mushtaq is a renowned author known for her works of fiction, particularly her novel “The Garden of Evening Mists”, which won the Man Asian Literary Prize in 2012 and the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2013. Her latest novel, “The Wildings”, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2022. However, her literary accomplishments have not shielded her from controversy, with the BJP objecting to her involvement in the Mysuru Dasara festival.
Prathap Simha, a BJP leader, has questioned Banu’s faith, asking whether she has “faith in Chamundeshwari Devi”, the goddess of the festival. He has also stated that it is inappropriate for someone whose faith is uncertain to preside over a religious ceremony. “Does she have faith in Chamundeshwari Devi?” Simha asked. “It’s inappropriate for a person whose faith is uncertain to preside over a religious ceremony,” he added.
The BJP’s CT Ravi has also weighed in on the controversy, saying that it is not appropriate for someone with uncertain faith to lead a religious event. “It is not possible for someone who does not have faith in Hinduism to lead a Hindu religious event,” Ravi said.
The Mysuru Dasara festival is a significant event in Karnataka, celebrated annually in September or October. The festival honors the goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the city of Mysore. The festival is marked by colorful processions, cultural events, and traditional cuisine.
The controversy surrounding Banu’s invitation has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some people supporting her involvement and others opposing it. Some have questioned the BJP’s motives, accusing the party of using religion to divide people and create controversy.
On the other hand, some people have expressed concerns about the appropriateness of a Muslim author leading a Hindu religious event. They have pointed out that Banu’s involvement in the festival may be seen as an attempt to impose her beliefs on others, and that it may cause offense to Hindus who are deeply rooted in their faith.
The controversy has also raised questions about the role of religion in public events and the extent to which religious beliefs should be taken into consideration when making decisions about public figures. Some have argued that public figures should be judged on their merit and achievements, rather than their religious beliefs.
The Karnataka government, which has invited Banu to inaugurate the festival, has defended its decision, saying that it is a celebration of art, culture, and literature, and that everyone is welcome to participate. “The festival is a celebration of art, culture, and literature, and we are proud to have a global icon like Banu Mushtaq as part of it,” said a government spokesperson.
The controversy surrounding Banu’s invitation is a reminder of the complex and sensitive issues surrounding religion and public events. While the BJP’s objections may have sparked a heated debate, they also highlight the need for greater understanding and tolerance between people of different faiths.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Banu’s involvement in the Mysuru Dasara festival will go ahead, and whether the controversy will have any lasting impact on the event. One thing is certain, however – the controversy has brought attention to the importance of respecting the beliefs and practices of others, and the need for greater understanding and tolerance in a diverse and multicultural society.
