Vedanta Aluminium serves more than two lakh devotees as Rath Yatra commences in Puri

Bhubaneswar, swa news : Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, marked the commencementof the renowned Rath Yatra festival in Puri with a series of thoughtful initiatives focused on facilitating community welfare, cultural celebration, and spiritual devotion among visitors.

The company has been a consistent and valued contributor to upholding this sacred tradition, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. This year, the company set up an ArnnaChatra (community kitchen) near the Jagannath Temple in Puri, serving hot and nutritious meals and water to more than two lakh devotees. In addition, chandankapoor-infused water (sandalwood and camphor) was provided to refresh the devotees and deepen the spiritual essence of the celebrations. A 50-member volunteer team was deployed to assist pilgrims throughout the event. To further aid the celebration, Vedanta Aluminium partnered with WATCO and the administration to distribute free bottled water, contributing to a safe and seamless experience for all. The Bhandara was graced by Padma Shri Pramod Bhagat, Paralympic champion from Odisha; Shri Bobby Mishra, noted actor in Odia cinema; and Shri Manas Kumar Sahoo, a renowned sand artist from the state. The dignitaries commended the company’s commitment to serving the spiritual community.

Every year, millions of devotees from across India gather in Puri to witness the revered Rath Yatra, as the sibling deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, embark on their grand journey, making it one of the most important cultural celebrations in the state. The company is also organising Mahaprasad distribution & Bhajan Sandhya on 4^th July.

As part of its health and safety measures, proper sanitization was carried out throughout, particularly during meal distribution. All cooking and serving areas were disinfected regularly, food was prepared in hygienic conditions, and distribution counters were sanitized at frequent intervals to ensure the safety of devotees and volunteers. In addition, cleanliness was prioritised throughout the event with a robust waste management system in place. A dedicated crew worked in coordination with the local municipality to manage waste, ensure prompt garbage collection, and maintain hygiene at and around the ArnnaChatra and the surrounding venue.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium said, “Vedanta Aluminium has been proudly supportingthe Rath Yatra for many years, an event that is not merely a festival but is also a profound expression of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual identity. At Vedanta Aluminium, we are honoured to contribute to this sacred occasion through meaningful initiatives that serve the community and celebrate our shared heritage. Our efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to enriching lives and preserving the vibrant legacy.”

Beyond cultural celebrations, Vedanta Aluminium remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering local communities throughquality education, healthcare,sustainable livelihoods, ruralinfrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture.These efforts underline Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to driving transformation within and beyond its operational areas, fostering a sense of community contribution towards the overall growth and advancement of Odisha. By collaborating closely with local authorities and community stakeholders, the company ensures its interventions lead to tangible socio-economic progress. Rooted in the ethos of care and partnership, Vedanta’s social impact initiatives have touched the lives of more than5 lakh people across Odisha.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.42 million tonnes in FY2025. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.