JHARSUGUDA, JULY 7, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, reverberated with religious zeal and festive cheer as it commemorated Rath Yatra at its sprawling township, Vedanta Meadows, in Jharsuguda on Sunday.
The event, marked by vibrant celebrations, witnessed the procession of three magnificently adorned chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Amidst a jubilant gathering of devotees including employees, business partners, associates, and their families, the chariots made a ceremonial journey through the township.
Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium and CEO of Vedanta Jharsuguda, performed the sacred ritual of Chhera Pahanra, symbolizing humility and devotion, by sprinkling water and sweeping the chariots. He offered prayers to the divine Trinity amidst chants and hymns echoing the sanctity of the occasion.
Rath Yatra, an annual festivity cherished across India, holds profound significance as devotees come together to witness the divine journey of the deities and seek their blessings. At Vedanta Jharsuguda, the celebrations not only reflect adherence to local traditions but also underscore the company’s strong community engagement.
The Shree Jagannath Mandir within Vedanta’s township stands as a testament to architectural brilliance, sprawling across 19,500 square feet with the majestic Meghanada Prachira covering 9,500 square feet. Inspired by the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, the temple complex includes notable structures such as Natamandap, Jagamohan, Rekha Mandir, Maa Laxmi Mandir, and Maa Bimala Mandir. Dedicated to the community last year, the temple also features shrines dedicated to Lord Lokanath, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesh, and pillars of Aruna and Garuda.
Underscoring the significance of this auspicious occasion, Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium and CEO of Vedanta Jharsuguda, said: “Rath Yatra is a celebration of our shared cultural heritage. We are honoured to partake in this auspicious occasion with our employees, business partners, and families. We are witnessing a resplendent celebration, aligning with the sacred traditions of the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri. Celebrations like these bring about harmony for the entire community.”
The Rath Yatra celebrations at Vedanta Jharsuguda not only exemplify cultural unity but also highlight the company’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional values amidst its dynamic industrial operations.