BALCO CEO and Director, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, performs the traditional ritual
TFP Bureau, Korba, January 16, 2025: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) once again showcased its commitment to celebrating India’s diverse cultural heritage by bringing together people from all walks of life to observe Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Mandala Puja with great enthusiasm. The festive spirit turned BALCOnagar into a vibrant hub of traditions, uniting employees, residents, and their families in celebration.
At the ‘BALCO GET’ Hostel, the Lohri festival was celebrated with zeal. BALCO CEO and Director, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, along with other officials and employees, performed the traditional rituals and lit the Lohri bonfire. The occasion was marked by lively cultural performances, which saw enthusiastic participation from attendees.
In honor of Makar Sankranti, a kite competition was held at Ambedkar Stadium. The event saw spirited participation from BALCO employees, their families, and community members. Mr. Rajesh Kumar inaugurated the festival, conveyed warm wishes for Makar Sankranti, and awarded prizes to the winners across five kite-flying categories. Various other activities, including a spoon-lemon race, a balloon race, and a jalebi-eating competition, brought excitement to the festivities. Women from the community joined the celebrations, and traditional delicacies like sesame and lai laddus were distributed among the participants.
The Mandala Puja, organized by the Balconagar Ayyappa Seva Sangham, culminated in grand celebrations at the Ayyappa Temple. The rituals, which began on December 26, 2024, concluded on January 14, 2025, with Makara Vilakku Puja at dawn. Devotees participated in Nirmalya Darshan, Ganpati Havan, Abhishekam, and other traditional rituals. The festivities also included a vibrant Deep Yatra, starting from Siddeshwar Sri Hanuman Temple, and a Rath Yatra led by women and girls carrying Thalappoli. The celebrations concluded with a spectacular fireworks display and Prasad distribution, drawing large crowds of devotees and residents.
BALCO’s inclusive approach to celebrations reflects its dedication to fostering unity among diverse communities. The township’s array of places of worship—Ram Mandir, St. Vincent Pallotti Church, Gosia Mosque, and Gurudwara—stands as a testament to its commitment to cultural and religious harmony. Through its efforts, BALCO has established itself as a model of collectivism and community well-being, where every tradition is embraced and celebrated with pride.
