Rayagada: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, marked a vibrant presence at the annual Chaiti Mahotsav in Rayagada, reinforcing its commitment to cultural preservation and community-led development.
Organised annually since 2005, Chaiti Mahotsav is a flagship cultural festival that celebrates the rich tribal heritage of the region. The event brings together over 500 artists from across the country and serves as a dynamic platform to promote indigenous art, culture, and traditions.
Vedanta Aluminium’s stall emerged as one of the major highlights of the festival, showcasing a vibrant blend of traditional tribal art forms such as Saura paintings and Dokra crafts. The display also featured products crafted by women self-help groups (SHGs) under Project Sakhi, the company’s women-empowerment initiative focused on nurturing micro-entrepreneurship. A live Saura art hand-painting counter drew strong public interest, creating an engaging and immersive cultural experience.
Adding a unique dimension to the stall were exhibits from Odisha’s Hockey India League team, the Kalinga Lancers, owned by Vedanta Aluminium. The display included player highlights, creating an impressive engagement platform that delighted visitors while blending sports with cultural celebration.
The Vedanta Aluminium stall was formally inaugurated by Mr. Gokulananda Mallik, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME, and attracted more than 25,000 visitors during the festival. It was also graced by several dignitaries, including Mr. Ashutosh Kulkarni, Collector & District Magistrate, Rayagada; Mr. Kadraka Appala Swamy, Hon’ble MLA, Rayagada; and Mr. Akshaya Kumar Khemundu, CDO, and Mr. 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 also appreciated the initiative and 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 active participation at Chaiti Mahotsav, Vedanta Aluminium continues to champion cultural preservation while enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities for local artisans, self-help groups, and community stakeholders across Rayagada. The company believes that fostering the talents of local artists not only enhances cultural vibrancy but also ensures the continuation of traditional art practices for generations to come.
Other impactful efforts by Vedanta Aluminium to promote local art and culture include supporting mirror theatre for the world’s longest Sambalpuri Drama in Sundargarh, community celebrations of World Tribal Day in Koraput, the Namayagya celebrations, and the Bahuda Yatra in Jamkhani. Previously, the company felicitated Padma Shri awardee Jitendra Haripal, the renowned Sambalpuri folk singer credited with popularising Odia music through iconic songs like ‘Rangabati’ and ‘Chhaeli.’
Vedanta Aluminium is committed to driving community development through strategic initiatives in education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture. These initiatives underline the company’s commitment to positively impacting lives within and beyond its operational areas. Through close collaboration with local authorities, welfare organisations, and community members, Vedanta Aluminium actively contributes towards the socio-economic transformation of Odisha.
