Rayagada (Odisha), January 6, 2025: Vedanta Aluminium’s stall emerged as one of the major attractions at the Chaiti Mahotsav in Rayagada, Odisha, a festival renowned for celebrating the state’s rich tribal heritage. Organised annually since 2005, the three-day festival brings together artisans, performers, and self-help groups (SHGs) from across India, offering a vibrant platform for cultural preservation and socio-economic development.
Vedanta Aluminium’s stall featured a captivating fusion of heritage arts, including Saura paintings, Dokra art, traditional tribal crafts, and products created by SHGs under Project Sakhi, an initiative aimed at empowering women as micro-entrepreneurs. By providing a platform for local artisans and women-led SHGs, Vedanta not only promoted indigenous art forms but also supported livelihoods, fostering entrepreneurship within the community.
Adding to the stall’s appeal, Vedanta showcased exhibits from its newly-acquired hockey team, the Kalinga Lancers, defending champions of the ongoing Hockey India League (HIL). The display included the team’s mascot, player highlights, and the championship trophy, creating an engaging space that delighted festival visitors and encouraged interaction with sports enthusiasts.
The stall drew over 25,000 visitors during the festival and was graced by dignitaries including Mr. Kadraka Allapaswamy, MLA Rayagada; Mr. Nilamadhab Hikaka, MLA Bisamcuttack; Ms. Parul Patawari, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Rayagada; and Ms. Swathy S Kumar, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Rayagada.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Kadraka Allapaswamy remarked, “Vedanta Aluminium’s involvement in Chaiti Mahotsav not only highlights their dedication to cultural heritage but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the socio-economic fabric of our community. Their efforts to support local artisans and promote traditional crafts are commendable.”
Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, added, “Our participation in Chaiti Mahotsav reflects our commitment to supporting local artisans and promoting indigenous art forms. By engaging with the community in this way, we foster a spirit of entrepreneurship that empowers individuals and enriches our cultural landscape.”
Through its active participation, Vedanta Aluminium provided artisans, SHG members, and students a platform for recognition, exposure, and potential growth, helping them showcase their skills and projects to a wider audience. The initiative illustrates how corporate engagement can blend cultural preservation with socio-economic development, particularly in tribal-dominated regions like Rayagada.
The Chaiti Mahotsav itself continues to grow as a national celebration of India’s tribal and folk traditions, attracting over 500 artists from across the country to perform and display crafts, making it one of the most significant events for promoting India’s diverse cultural heritage.
Vedanta Aluminium’s contribution to the festival demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to community empowerment, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation, reinforcing its role as a key partner in regional development while celebrating Odisha’s vibrant tribal traditions.
