Dasara Row: Politics Surrounding Chamundeshwari Temple Deeply Disturbing, Says Mysuru Royal Family's Pramoda Devi Wadiyar

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family and mother of MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, on Thursday (28 August) expressed deep dismay over the Karnataka government's management of Mysuru Dasara.

In a statement, she raised concerns about the politicisation of sacred traditions.

"The Karnataka government's proposed Dasara celebrations this year, especially the politics surrounding the holy Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills, are deeply disturbing," she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Her statement comes after the Karnataka government's controversial decision to invite writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's Nada Habba (Janata Dasara), a choice that has generated significant debate across the state.

She said that the selection of dignitaries invited to inaugurate this year’s Naada festival (Janata Dasara) has led to differences of opinion.

The royal family matriarch took particular exception to statements such as "Chamundeshwari Temple does not belong to Hindus," calling such remarks "unnecessary and avoidable."

She pointed to the temple's administrative status as evidence of its Hindu character, noting, "If it were not a Hindu temple, it would never have been brought under the Muzrai Department in the first place."

Drawing a clear distinction between government-sponsored events and traditional religious observances, Pramoda Devi emphasised that the state's role should remain cultural rather than religious.

"It is our considered opinion that the government’s Dasara is a cultural celebration. The government does not allow any religious sect to celebrate it, and such a festival cannot claim religious sanctity, tradition or heritage. For this reason, the celebrations organised by the Karnataka government are cultural programs and not religious traditions," she stated.

She clarified that while the government conducts its cultural celebrations in front of the Mysore Palace, the royal family continues to observe traditional religious rituals privately, maintaining old customs and traditions.

To ensure there is no overlap, she explained, an auspicious time is chosen for the inauguration and the grand procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari on Vijayadashami.

Pramoda Devi concluded expressing hope that “with divine blessings”, the present misunderstandings and disputes surrounding the festivities would soon give way to consensus and harmony.

Mysuru Dasara will be inaugurated on 22 September and will conclude with the Vijayadashmi procession on 2 October.

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Also Read: 'Chamundi Hill Is A Hindu Property': BJP Slams D K Shivakumar Amid Mysuru Dasara Row