Overview

• Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said she felt “deep dismay” over political overtones around the Chamundeshwari Temple in this year’s planning.
• She rejected statements that the temple does not belong to Hindus, noting it falls under the state’s Muzrai Department for Hindu institutions.
• She emphasized that the state-run Dasara is a cultural celebration and cannot claim religious sanctity, sampradaya or parampare.
• The royal family continues to observe Navaratri and Vijayadashami rituals privately and fixes auspicious timings to avoid overlap with public events.
• The dispute follows the government’s invitation to International Booker winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Janata Dasara, a choice that drew objections even as Mushtaq affirmed respect for the festival and the goddess.