Vedanta Aluminium organises grand consecration ceremonyof Shri Jagannath temple in Lanjigarh

Lanjigarh, Kalahandi District, Odisha, 27^th February, 2024: Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh, India’s premier producer of metallurgical grade alumina and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, recently organised the ‘Mandir Pratishtha Mahotsav’ or the grand consecration ceremony of the Shri Jagannath temple in Lanjigarh. The temple is a close replica of the Shri Jagannath Temple of Puri, an important pilgrimage site in India and an indelible part of Odisha’s cultural fabric. Shri Rajendra Dholakia, Minister of Planning and Convergence, Govt. of Odisha, Shri Pradeep Bisare, MLA, Lanjigarh, and several dignitaries from the district administration attended the ceremony, which witnessed a footfall of over 50,000 devotees from Kalahandi and Rayagada.

The recently inaugurated temple is an architectural marvel – 91 feet tall and 62 feet wide with 25 intricately designed pillars spread across the two-storey structure, which can host over 2000 devotees at a time. Incorporating a traditional design, the temple features a vimana (sanctum sanctorum), jagmohana (entry porch) and rekha (spire above the sanctum). The walls are also adorned with intricate carvings depicting revered deities, mythological figures, and flora & fauna native to Odisha. Vedanta Aluminium extensively supported the construction of the temple, adding to contributions from its business partners and local devotees. The Sri Sri Sri Harihar Sanskrutika Seva Samiti extended support in organizing the consecration ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Alumina Business, Vedanta Limited said, “The inauguration of the Jagannath Temple marks an important milestone for the people of Lanjigarh and is the latest in our endeavor to help preserve the cultural richness of Odisha. This magnificent edifice is a testament to the united efforts of Vedanta Lanjigarh, our esteemed business partners, and the local community members in establishing a revered cultural sanctuary. We therefore dedicate this temple to the enrichment of our shared heritage and recommit ourselves to nurturing Odisha’s progress and growth through our operations.”

Ms. P. Anvesha Reddy, Collector & District Magistrate, Kalahandi district said, “The revered temple adds significantly to Lanjigarh’s cultural landscape, drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri. It is indeed a moment of jubilation to finally witness the grand opening of the temple in the presence of the local community of Lanjigarh, and I appreciate the extensive support extended by Vedanta Aluminium in bringing this vision to fruition.”

Vedanta Lanjigarh has undertaken several initiatives towards preserving the rich cultural heritage of Odisha through development initiatives and active participation in community events. Through its Dhokra and Saura Art projects, the company is helping traditional artisans in the state earn sustainable livelihoods by creating new income avenues and market opportunities. Vedanta Lanjigarh is also a regular participant in the annual Kalahandi Utsav, where it has showcased diverse community-based initiatives in addition to exhibits from the fascinating world of aluminium manufacturing. The company’s social interventions in the domains of education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, community infrastructure and grassroots sports, art & culture – all with a focus on woman & child development – reach out to nearly 70 villages around its alumina refinery in Lanjigarh and its nearby areas.