Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Aluminium celebrated Diwali across its operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, bringing together local artisans, women entrepreneurs, employees and community members through festive markets, cultural programmes and community engagement initiatives, while providing a platform to showcase traditional craftsmanship and promote women-led enterprises.
The celebrations were organised across the company’s operations in Jharsuguda, BALCO, Lanjigarh and its mining locations, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions and encouraging local entrepreneurship during the Festival of Lights.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar, CEO, VAML, said festivals played an important role in preserving traditions, values and cultural heritage while creating opportunities for local artisans, entrepreneurs and communities to showcase their skills.
“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 enterprises that keep these communities vibrant,” he said.
In Jharsuguda, initiatives such as Project VedKala and Project Subhalaxmi Udyogini provided a platform for artisans and self-help group members to showcase eco-friendly products, including Saura-art terracotta diyas, bamboo diya stands, Sabai grass diya covers and handcrafted terracotta diyas with soya-wax candles.
The products were displayed at the district-level Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) Diwali Exhibition, where they received appreciation from senior district officials. The initiatives collectively recorded sales of over Rs 16,000, providing rural women and artisans with market exposure and opportunities to reach wider customer bases.
Diwali brought people together across VAML units for a celebration filled with traditions, festive spirit and shared joy.
Here’s a glimpse of the festivities and the moments that made the occasion special. 🪔
#VedantaAluminium #Diwali https://t.co/DbSSxsELwT
— Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited (@VedantaAluminum) November 10, 2026
At Lanjigarh, Sakhi Bazaar brought together women entrepreneurs who showcased handmade candles, diyas, sweets, spices, ragi-based snacks, honey and other locally produced products. The initiative encouraged visitors to support local businesses during the festive season.
Food stalls, music and recreational activities added to the celebrations, while the ‘War of Cubicles’ decoration competition encouraged employees to decorate their workplaces in the spirit of Diwali.
At BALCO, the celebrations highlighted women-led enterprises under Project Unnati Mahasangha. Community brands, including Chhattisa, Dekoratti, Kosakari and Cleanla, displayed a range of products, from food items and silk apparel to home décor and household essentials.
A Sustainable Rangoli Making Competition further promoted creativity, with participants using eco-friendly materials to create rangolis. Dhanteras celebrations and a Diwali feast at the plant were also organised as part of the festivities.
Meanwhile, employees and their families across the company’s mining operations celebrated the festival through games, Lakshmi Puja, Aarti, fireworks and community meals. More than 60 participants from Belpahar and Raigarh took part in the celebrations.
The company said the festivities across its locations reflected the cultural diversity of the communities associated with its operations and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local artisans, women entrepreneurs and traditional practices.
Through these initiatives, Vedanta Aluminium aims to provide greater visibility to local products, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen community participation while celebrating India’s cultural traditions.
