Celebrating Faith in Sand: Vedanta Aluminium partners with Manas Sahoo for Rath Yatra 2025

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 26, 2025

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, has partnered with acclaimed sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo to commemorate Rath Yatra 2025 through a spectacular sand sculpture at the Puri International Beach. This initiative is part of Vedanta’s continued commitment to Odisha’s cultural legacy.

The elaborate sand installation, measuring 15 feet in length and 6 feet in height, was meticulously created using 10 tonnes of sand over a span of two days. Embellished with vivid hues and a garland of fresh flowers, the sculpture depicts Lord Jagannath extending divine blessings to his devotees. It has swiftly become a popular pilgrimage site highlight, drawing scores of visitors and spiritual seekers.

The artwork received high praise from Padma Shri Pravakar Maharana, an eminent sculptor and heritage custodian from Konark, who hailed the installation as a sublime confluence of devotion and artistic excellence.

Commenting on the occasion, Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Rath Yatra embodies deep spiritual fervour and the collective spirit of communities. At Vedanta, we are privileged to honour this sacred celebration through the medium of sand art — an art form intrinsic to Odisha’s heritage.”

Each year, Vedanta Aluminium actively participates in Rath Yatra celebrations, reinforcing its cultural stewardship. This year’s festivities include multiple community-oriented activities such as Arnna Chatra-Bhandara — a mass meal distribution drive offering hot meals, drinking water, and breakfast to pilgrims. In addition, the company will host a spiritually enriching Bhajan Sandhya accompanied by the ceremonial serving of Mahaprasad and Nirmalya Prasad.

Vedanta’s involvement in Rath Yatra is part of its broader social responsibility framework, which spans across education, healthcare, livelihood development, rural infrastructure, and promotion of grassroots sports and arts. Through sustained efforts, the company has positively impacted over 1.5 lakh individuals in 67 villages across Kalahandi, and touched the lives of more than 5 lakh people throughout Odisha.

Collaborating closely with government bodies and local communities, Vedanta Aluminium ensures its interventions drive meaningful and lasting socio-economic development. Grounded in the principles of care, collaboration, and commitment, the company’s social initiatives exemplify its vision for inclusive growth and cultural preservation.

A business of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium is India’s foremost aluminium manufacturer, contributing over 50 per cent of the country’s total aluminium output at 2.42 million tonnes in FY2025. The company is a front-runner in high-quality, value-added aluminium products with widespread applications in pivotal sectors. Recognised globally for its sustainability performance, Vedanta Aluminium secured the 2nd position in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry. With state-of-the-art smelters, a world-class alumina refinery, and power assets in India, the company remains committed to shaping the aluminium industry as a catalyst for a greener and more sustainable future.