Mysuru Dasara 2025: Will Sonia Gandhi Inaugurate Mysore Dussehra?

The world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival is scheduled to begin on September 22, 2025, and will continue until October 2, 2025. Earlier, there was speculation that the State Government might invite senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to inaugurate the festivities. However, it has now been officially confirmed that this year's prestigious opening ceremony will be inaugurated by Banu Mushtaq, the celebrated Kannada author and Booker Prize winner. The announcement was made by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 22 in Bengaluru.

Banu Mushtaq: Pride of Karnataka

Banu Mushtaq, honoured internationally for her book Hridaya Deepa, has become the first Kannada author to win the International Booker Prize. Her journey, from growing up in Hassan district to becoming a voice for Kannada literature, reflects perseverance and dedication. She has been a journalist with Lankesh Patrike and has won the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award and Dana Chintamani Attimabbe Award.

Her literary works such as Kubb, Badavara Magalu Hennalla, Hejjemoode Hadi, Benkimale, and Edeya Hanathe have earned her critical acclaim. By choosing Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest, Mysuru Dasara pays tribute to her achievements and Karnataka's cultural heritage.

Mysuru Dasara 2025

The 11-day Mysuru Dasara celebrations will feature grand processions, cultural events, folk performances, and exhibitions, culminating in the famous Jumbo Savari on Vijayadashami. The Mysuru Palace, illuminated with lakhs of lights, will remain the centerpiece of the festivities.

Earlier, speculations circulated that Sonia Gandhi might inaugurate the event, but the Chief Minister's Office clarified that Banu Mushtaq has been officially invited to preside over the opening ceremony.

Significance of This Year's Dasara

The inauguration by a woman literary icon marks a milestone in the festival's history. It reflects Karnataka's recognition of its literary, cultural, and feminist movements, while bringing global attention to Kannada literature.

As Mysuru gears up, preparations are in full swing to welcome lakhs of visitors from across India and abroad. This year's Mysuru Dasara 2025 promises to be a vibrant blend of tradition, literature, and global recognition.