Mysore Dussehra Spreads Message of Love and Peace: Banu Mushtaq
Festival Unites People, Promotes Harmony

Mysore, September 22, 2025
Famous author and 2025 Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq spoke at the opening of Mysore Dussehra, calling it a festival that brings people together and spreads humanity, love, and peace. After praying to Goddess Chamundeshwari and lighting a lamp, she said, “This festival is not just a celebration; it’s the heart of our culture, uniting all communities. Mother Chamundi stands for strength, love, and protection. Dussehra lights up peace, kindness, and fairness for everyone.”

Banu Mushtaq called Mysore Dussehra a “symbol of togetherness,” like a garden where all communities live in peace. She said, “Our culture teaches us to connect hearts and remove hatred. We win life with words and love, not weapons or hate.”

She shared that her life’s belief is to love humanity and life. She wants a world where every voice is heard, every person shines, and everyone creates harmony together. “We all live under one sky. The earth doesn’t divide us, but people make borders. We must break these walls,” she added.

Banu Mushtaq praised Karnataka’s past rulers, like Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, for their fairness and kindness, saying their values still guide us. She called democracy a way to respect every voice and make a positive difference in lives.

She also shared her poem *Bagin*, which talks about love, human bonds, and the beauty of the earth.

In the end, Banu Mushtaq hoped Dussehra’s message of peace, love, and fairness spreads beyond Mysore to the whole world.