Jaipur, Jan. 16 -- Intl. Booker Prize winner at Jaipur Lit Fest

International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq has said that she endured years of harassment and violence for challenging patriarchy and communalism. Speaking at an interaction after delivering the keynote address at the five-day 19th Jaipur Literature Festival-2026 yesterday, she said she was subjected to sustained online abuse following the Mysuru Dasara-2025 festival controversy.

During the interaction, a foreign delegate questioned her about the confusion surrounding Dasara inauguration.

Responding, the writer, activist and lawyer - who won the 2025 International Booker Prize for her book 'Heart Lamp' - recalled that in October 2025, she had faced protests from several...