THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
RAYAGADA, DECEMBER 30, 2025
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, made a vibrant and impactful presence at the annual Chaiti Mahotsav in Rayagada, reaffirming its commitment to preserving indigenous culture and promoting community-led livelihoods.
Organised annually since 2005, Chaiti Mahotsav is a flagship cultural celebration of the region, bringing together more than 500 artists from across the country. The festival serves as a dynamic platform to showcase the rich tribal art, culture and traditions of Odisha and beyond.
Vedanta Aluminium’s stall emerged as a major attraction, drawing large crowds with its colourful display of traditional tribal art forms, including Saura paintings and Dokra crafts. A special highlight was the exhibition-cum-sale of products created by women self-help groups under Project Sakhi, the company’s women-empowerment initiative focused on fostering micro-entrepreneurship. A live Saura hand-painting counter further captivated visitors, offering an immersive cultural experience.
Adding a unique dimension to the stall were exhibits from the Kalinga Lancers, Odisha’s Hockey India League team owned by Vedanta Aluminium. Featuring player highlights, the display successfully blended sports with cultural celebration, delighting visitors of all ages.
The Vedanta Aluminium stall was formally inaugurated by Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME, and attracted more than 25,000 visitors during the festival. The stall was also graced by several dignitaries, including Ashutosh Kulkarni, CHon’ble MLA, Rayagada; and Akshaya Kumar Khemundu, CDO, and Sachin Annasaheb, Rayagada.
Commenting on the participation, Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Our presence at Chaiti Mahotsav reflects Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to celebrating indigenous art forms and supporting local artisans. By creating platforms that connect communities with wider audiences, we aim to foster entrepreneurship, preserve cultural heritage, and drive inclusive socio-economic growth.”
Appreciating the initiative, Akshaya Kumar Khemundu, Chief Development-cum-Executive Officer of Rayagada Zilla Parishad, stated, “Vedanta Aluminium’s engagement at Chaiti Mahotsav plays a meaningful role in strengthening the region’s socio-economic fabric by providing artisans and SHGs enhanced visibility and access to wider markets.”
Through its participation at Chaiti Mahotsav, Vedanta Aluminium continues to champion cultural preservation while enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities. The company remains committed to holistic community development across Odisha through sustained efforts in education, healthcare, livelihoods, sports and culture.
