THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 11, 2026
Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited (VAML), India's largest aluminium
producer, celebrated Diwali across its operations in Jharsuguda, BALCO,
Lanjigada and Mines, bringing together employees, their families, local
artisans, women entrepreneurs and community members in a vibrant celebration of
culture, creativity and shared prosperity.
The festivities, marked by traditional rituals, cultural programmes,
festive markets and community gatherings, underscored the company's commitment
to promoting local talent, encouraging women-led enterprises and preserving the
rich cultural traditions of the regions where it operates.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar, CEO, VAML, said, "Festivals
hold a special place in our society because they carry forward traditions,
values and ways of life from one generation to the next. They also create
opportunities for local artisans, entrepreneurs and communities to showcase
their skills and aspirations. At VAML, we see these occasions as a celebration
of the cultural richness that surrounds our operations and contributes to the
identity of the regions we call home. Through such celebrations, we continue to
support and celebrate the people, traditions and enterprise that keep these
communities vibrant."
In Jharsuguda, the celebrations put the spotlight on traditional
craftsmanship and the growing entrepreneurial spirit of rural women. Through
Project VedKala and Project Subhalaxmi Udyogini, local artisans and self-help
group members showcased an array of eco-friendly festive products, including
Saura art terracotta diyas, bamboo diya stands, Sabai grass diya covers and
handcrafted terracotta diyas with soya wax candles.
Displayed at the district-level Odisha Rural Development and Marketing
Society (ORMAS) Diwali Exhibition, these handcrafted products attracted
appreciation from senior district officials and provided artisans with an
opportunity to access wider markets. The initiatives collectively recorded
sales of over ₹16,000, reflecting the growing market potential of
rural women-led enterprises and indigenous craftsmanship.
At Lanjigada, the festive celebrations evolved into a vibrant platform
for local entrepreneurship, with Sakhi Bazaar bringing together women
entrepreneurs to showcase handmade candles, diyas, sweets, spices, ragi snacks,
honey and other locally produced products. The initiative encouraged visitors
to support homegrown businesses while celebrating the spirit of Diwali. Food
stalls, music and recreational activities added to the festive atmosphere,
while the War of Cubicles decoration competition saw employees creatively
transform their workplaces in the spirit of the festival.
The celebrations also brought cheer to employees and their families
across Vedanta's mining operations. More than 60 participants from Belpahar and
Raigarh came together for games, Lakshmi Puja and Aarti, fireworks and shared
meals. The gatherings offered employees, their families and colleagues an
opportunity to strengthen bonds and celebrate the festival's traditions away
from their everyday work routines.
At BALCO, the spotlight was firmly on women-led businesses and
sustainable creativity. Under Project Unnati Mahasangha, community brands such
as Chhattisa, Dekoratti, Kosakari and Cleanla showcased their products to
employees and visitors. The diverse collection, spanning food products, silk
apparel, home décor and household essentials, highlighted the expanding
entrepreneurial capabilities of local women. Adding an environmental dimension
to the celebrations, a Sustainable Rangoli Making Competition encouraged
participants to create colourful designs using eco-friendly materials.
Dhanteras festivities and a Diwali feast at the plant brought the celebrations
to a memorable close.
Across locations, the celebrations reflected a shared spirit of participation, inclusivity and community engagement, bringing together diverse groups through traditions that transcend generations. By creating platforms for artisans, supporting women entrepreneurs and encouraging employees and their families to participate in festive activities, VAML reaffirmed the importance of community-led initiatives in fostering shared prosperity.
From indigenous handicrafts and homegrown enterprises to family traditions and workplace celebrations, the festivities highlighted how cultural heritage and local entrepreneurship can come together to create meaningful community connections. Through such initiatives, the company continues to celebrate the diversity of the regions it operates in while supporting the people, traditions and aspirations that shape their collective identity.
