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BHUBANESWAR, JULY 9, 2025
In a vibrant tribute to Odisha’s most revered spiritual festival, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, concluded its Rath Yatra 2025 celebrations with grandeur and devotion, reaching out to over 5 lakh devotees across the state. Blending deep spiritual observance with rich cultural expression, the celebrations reaffirmed Vedanta’s unwavering commitment to preserving Odisha’s timeless heritage and promoting community harmony.
The company hosted a series of elaborate events in Puri, and at its township locations in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh, where devotees, employees, families, and partners came together to celebrate the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra with traditional fervour.
In Puri, Vedanta Aluminium continued its cherished tradition of service during the Rath Yatra by deploying a 50-member volunteer team to set up an Arnna Chatra (community kitchen) near the sacred Lord Jagannath Temple. The team served hot, nutritious meals and drinking water to over two lakh devotees, ensuring comfort and nourishment during the spiritual pilgrimage. Sandalwood- and camphor-infused water was also distributed, offering relief and refreshment amidst the large gatherings. The spiritual services concluded with a Mahaprasad and Bhajan Sandhya organized during the Bahuda Yatra, creating a serene and devotional ambiance.
At Jharsuguda, home to a grand 19,500 sq. ft. Jagannath temple, and in Lanjigarh, Rath Yatra was celebrated with heartfelt participation by hundreds of employees and families. Traditional chariots, carefully crafted by artisans from Puri, were pulled with reverence by the devotees in both townships, echoing the sacred procession of Puri’s main event.
The festivities were further enhanced by a series of cultural performances and community competitions, reflecting the creative spirit of the township residents. In Jharsuguda, the celebrations reached a crescendo with a night theatre performance titled ‘Devta ki Daya ka Rath Yatra’. Competitions in drawing, singing, fancy dress, and sculpture-making from recycled materials on Rath Yatra themes added colour to the week-long celebrations. At Lanjigarh, an Odissi dance competition brought forth the grace and heritage of classical dance, enriching the cultural atmosphere.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebrations, Vedanta Aluminium Chief Executive Officer Rajiv Kumar, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe in nurturing the rich cultural fabric that binds our communities together. Our Rath Yatra celebrations and service initiatives reflect our deep-rooted reverence for celebrating and preserving Odia culture.”
Echoing this sentiment, Vedanta Aluminium Chief Operating Officer Sunil Gupta added, “It is heartening to see our employees, families, and business partners come together in devotion and joy, celebrating Odisha’s heritage with such enthusiasm. Through our spiritual observances and festival support services, we are honoured to once again contribute meaningfully to this sacred festival.”
The Rath Yatra, one of the most iconic festivals of Odisha, draws millions of devotees to Puri every year. Marking the ceremonial journey of the sibling deities to their maternal aunt’s abode, it is celebrated not just in Odisha, but globally as a symbol of divine love, unity, and cultural pride.
Vedanta Aluminium’s involvement in such festivals complements its broader mission of community development and cultural preservation. The company has consistently invested in promoting Odisha’s traditional artforms such as Dhokra and Saura art, and this year launched VedMurtika, an initiative aimed at reviving the ancient terracotta sculpture craft and supporting local artisans.
As a business of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium produced 2.42 million tonnes of aluminium in FY25, accounting for more than half of India’s total production. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, the company was ranked 2nd globally in the aluminium industry in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. Through its state-of-the-art smelters, alumina refineries, and power plants across India, Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive the vision of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’, powering innovations for a greener tomorrow.
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