**Title:** Pramoda Devi Wadiyar Critiques Karnataka’s Dasara Celebrations
**Meta Description:** Pramoda Devi Wadiyar expresses concern over Karnataka’s Dasara plans, emphasizing the need for respect towards the Chamundeshwari Temple and traditional customs.
**URL Slug:** pramoda-devi-wadiyar-karnataka-dasara-critique
**Headline:** Pramoda Devi Wadiyar Voices Concerns Over Karnataka’s Dasara Celebrations
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, mother of Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and a member of Mysuru’s former royal family, has voiced her strong disapproval regarding the Karnataka government’s planning of this year’s Dasara celebrations. In a recent statement, she highlighted the intrusion of politics into the revered Chamundeshwari Temple, located atop Chamundi Hills. Her comments come in light of the government’s decision to invite writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Nada Habba (Janata Dasara), a choice that has ignited considerable debate.
“The selection of the dignitary for this year’s Nada Habba has led to differing opinions,” Pramoda Devi remarked. She criticized statements suggesting that the Chamundeshwari Temple does not belong to Hindus, calling them unnecessary and avoidable. “If it were not a Hindu temple, it would never have been placed under the Muzrai Department,” she asserted.
Pramoda Devi emphasized the distinction between state-sponsored festivities and traditional rituals, stating, “We believe that the government’s Dasara is a cultural celebration. The State cannot claim religious sanctity, sampradaya, or parampare in organizing such a festival.” She reiterated that the royal family continues to uphold age-old religious practices privately, adhering to established customs and traditions.
The government’s cultural events are typically held in front of the Mysore Palace. To prevent any overlap with royal observances, an auspicious time is selected for the inauguration and the grand procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari on Vijayadashami.
In closing, Pramoda Devi expressed hope that the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi would help clear misunderstandings and foster a consensus on the matter.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What concerns did Pramoda Devi Wadiyar raise about the Dasara celebrations?**
A: Pramoda Devi criticized the political influence on the Dasara celebrations and emphasized the need to respect the Chamundeshwari Temple’s religious significance, while also distinguishing between state-led events and traditional rituals.
