Raigarh’s Salim Niyariya has led Durga Puja committee since 1992
Sheikh Salim Niyariya heads the Handi Chowk Durga Committee, where Muslims and Hindus organise the festival together.
Sheikh Salim Niyariya, a 50-year-old municipal corporator, had led the Handi Chowk Durga Committee in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, since 1992, Zee News reported in October 2015. Niyariya, then Speaker of the Raigarh Municipal Corporation, installed the goddess’s idol and started the procession held on Navmi before immersion. The 25-member committee has three Muslim office bearers, and Muslim artisans help decorate the pandal. He also set up a Hanuman temple in the area.
- Where
- Handi Chowk, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh
- When
- October 2015 (in charge since 1992)
- Who
- Sheikh Salim Niyariya; Handi Chowk Durga Committee; Muslim artisans
- Source
- Zee News
