Bengaluru, Aug. 25 -- Karnataka ministers Dr G Parameshwara and HK Patil today clarified that the state's traditional Dasara festival, amid the ongoing Banu Mushtaq row, is a cultural celebration and not a religious event.
Dr Parameshwara said the festival has historically been celebrated by all communities, without distinction of caste or religion. "This is our state festival, our community festival. It has been observed for generations as a unifying event. There is no reason to mix religious considerations or question participation based on background. Our priority is the overall development of the festival and ensuring it remains inclusive," he stated.
The controversy erupted after Banu Mushtaq, a Booker Prize winner, was invited to pa...