Overview: The Canvas of the Shore
Sand art is a transient yet powerful form of expression, created by sculpting moist sand into intricate designs, often reflecting themes of spirituality, environment, peace, or global events. Along the Golden Beach of Puri, facing the Bay of Bengal, sand sculpture has not only become an artistic attraction but a cultural identity of Odisha.
Puri is India’s epicenter for sand art, and the beach, especially near the Mayfair Heritage stretch, hosts some of the most spectacular temporary exhibits, often during major festivals or international observances.
📜 A Brief History of Sand Art in Odisha
- While sand drawing is an age-old form across cultures, sand sculpting as fine art in Odisha traces back to the early 1990s.
- Inspired by global sculptors but deeply rooted in Jagannath culture and Puri’s coastal heritage, this art form gained momentum due to the dedication of local artists.
- Odisha’s sand art blends traditional motifs (like chariots, temples, deities) with modern social messages (climate change, world peace, COVID awareness, etc.).
Famous Sand Artists of Odisha (Primarily Based in Puri)
1. Sudarsan Pattnaik
🥇 India’s Sand Art Ambassador to the World
- Website: www.sudarsansand.art
- Notable Achievements:
- Padma Shri (2014) – India’s 4th highest civilian award
- World Champion at Sand Art – Russia, 2017
- Guinness World Record for world’s largest sand Santa Claus (2017)
- Represented India in more than 60 international sand art festivals in over 30 countries
- Featured themes: Climate crisis, peace appeals, Indian festivals, and Jagannath culture
- Official Centre:
🌟 Sudarsan Sand Art Institute- Location: Golden Beach, Puri
- Founded by Pattnaik in 1995 to train and promote sand artists
- Recognized by the Odisha Tourism Department
- Offers free and paid workshops for youth and tourists
2. Manas Kumar Sahoo
🧱 Sculpting Spirituality and Patriotism in Sand
- Website: www.sandartistmanassahoo.com
- Notable Achievements:
- Participant in India’s Got Talent
- Winner of multiple national-level competitions
- Known for powerful sculptures on Indian Army, Odisha pride, and current affairs
- Official Centre:
🌟 Manas Sahoo Sand Art Park- Location: Light House Point, Golden Beach, Puri
- Offers sand art classes, public displays, and visitor demos
3. Nitish Bharti
🏆 Fusion of Animation, Technology & Sand Art
- While originally a sand animation specialist, Nitish has created live sand shows in Odisha and globally.
- Known for combining digital projection and live sand drawing.
Learning & Training Centres in Puri
- Sudarsan Sand Art Institute
- Government-recognized
- Offers summer programs, certificate courses
- Manas Sahoo Sand Art Park
- Focus on real-time sculptures and workshops for students and tourists
- Frequent spot for educational tours
🌍 Sand Art Themes & Global Reach
Odisha’s sand artists often use the beach as a global storytelling platform, working on:
- World peace (UN Day, Hiroshima Remembrance)
- Climate awareness (World Environment Day)
- Women empowerment (International Women’s Day)
- Festivals (Rath Yatra, Diwali, Christmas)
- Emergency appeals (COVID, disaster relief)
Their art is documented and shared widely on social media, turning Puri’s beach into a global cultural stage.
📸 Best Time to Witness Sand Art at Puri
- Rath Yatra (June/July) – Thematic sculptures on Jagannath and the chariots
- Tourist Season (Oct – Feb) – Almost daily live sculptures near the lighthouse zone
- Special Days – Earth Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, etc.
🛎️ Tips for Visitors
- Visit Golden Beach (Blue Flag certified) near CT Road or Light House
- Morning or late afternoon visits recommended for best viewing
- Artists often allow public viewing, photography, and brief interactions
- Sand Art festivals are announced by Odisha Tourism – check odishatourism.gov.in
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Golden Beach, Puri (near Mayfair & Lighthouse) |
| Best Time | Oct – Feb, Festival Days |
| Top Artist | Sudarsan Pattnaik (Padma Shri) |
| Training Centers | Sudarsan Sand Art Institute, Manas Sahoo Sand Park |
| Global Fame | 60+ International Awards, Guinness Record |
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