Amid several objections raised by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, renowned Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq on Monday opened the Mysuru Dasara at the Chamundeshwari temple on Chamundi Hills.

“We are inaugurating the Dasara festival today with the blessings of Mother Chamundeshwari. A close friend had once told me that she would take me to Chamundi Hills, but today, Mother Chamundeshwari herself has called me here. Even though some opposition was expressed, the Mother has summoned me. Standing here under her grace is one of the greatest honours of my life,” Mushtaq said as she inaugurated the 10-day festival that will conclude on Vijayadashami (October 2).

Highlighting the inclusive nature of the Mysuru Dasara, Mushtaq, an International Booker Prize winner, said that

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