Bhawanipatna, Jan 19: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, participated in the 28th edition of Kalahandi Utsav – Ghumura 2026, where its Lanjigarh refinery showcased key aspects of its operations and community development programmes, officials said on Monday.

The company’s pavilion recorded a footfall of over 30,000 visitors, with significant interest in its display on the bauxite to aluminium manufacturing process, providing stakeholders with a clear view of aluminium production and its applications.

The event, held in Bhawanipatna, served as an important platform for Vedanta Aluminium to highlight its long-term association with the district and its role in supporting local socio-economic development. The five day festival also witnessed the presence of Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi.

Beyond industrial excellence, the exhibit spotlighted the company’s community transformation journey through dedicated zones for Project ‘Sakhi’ and Project ‘Adikala’. The Project Sakhi marketplace featured a wide range of products, from millet-based organic produce to handcrafted items, developed by over 4,000 women entrepreneurs from rural Odisha.

Simultaneously, Project Adikala brought the region’s rich tribal heritage to life through live demonstrations by local artisans specializing in traditional Dhokra and Saura art forms. Through sustained training, design support, and market linkages, Vedanta Aluminium has enabled sustainable livelihoods for over 200 artisan families, ensuring these ancient traditions thrive in a modern economy.

Additionally, during the festival, the company conferred the Vedanta Gyanshree Awards to eight Class X district toppers from Kalahandi, recognizing academic merit and promoting higher education among rural students. The awards were presented by Anup Ranjan Pattnaik, District & Sessions Judge, Kalahandi; Sachin Prakash Pawar, Collector & District Magistrate, Kalahandi; Madhusudan Das, Collector, Nuapada; and Nruparaj S. Sahu, Collector, Subarnapur (Sonepur), and Pranab Kumar Bhttacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business.

Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “Kalahandi Utsav is a platform that celebrates the soul of this region. We are honoured by the visit of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, which reaffirms our belief that industrial progress and cultural preservation must go hand in hand, fostering an inclusive and sustainable future for the people of Kalahandi.”

Through its participation at Kalahandi Utsav 2026, the company once again reaffirmed its role as a responsible industry partner, deeply committed to the cultural preservation, social development, and economic progress of Kalahandi district.