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Mysuru’s famed Dasara celebrations will open this year under the auspices of acclaimed literary scholar and Booker International Prize winner Bhanu Mustaq. The announcement was made on Thursday by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, putting to rest weeks of speculation over who would be chosen to flag off the state’s premier cultural festival.
Also read: Rare lunar shift extends Mysuru Dasara to 11 days after 400 years
Mustaq, who won the 2025 International Booker Prize for her work Heart Lamp, was selected after much deliberation. Several prominent names had been considered, including Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Math and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, before the state government finalized its choice. Siddaramaiah said the selection honored Mustaq’s global literary achievements while reflecting Karnataka’s pride in its cultural ambassadors.
The inauguration ceremony will take place on September 22, 2025, at the Chamundi Hills, continuing the tradition of beginning the festival with prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari. The celebrations will culminate with the iconic Jambu Savari on October 2, when the idol of Chamundeshwari will be paraded on a caparisoned elephant from Mysore Palace through the city.
Special air show by the Indian Air Force (IAF)
Adding to the grandeur, this year’s Dasara will feature a special air show by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for approving the event and extended an invitation to him to attend the festivities.
The 2025 edition of Mysuru Dasara will run for 11 days, from September 22 to October 2, showcasing cultural performances, processions, exhibitions, and traditional rituals. Preparations are already in full swing in Mysuru, with the first batch of elephants—adorned with ceremonial ornaments—arriving in the city.
With Mustaq inaugurating the festival, this year’s Dasara promises to be a celebration that bridges Karnataka’s deep cultural traditions with international recognition.
