100 Sand Rath at Puri Beach on Jagannath Ratha Jatra .
On the auspicious occasion of Ratha jatra, internationally renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik created a special sand sculpture at Puri Beach, Odisha on Wednesday,featuring Mahaprabhu Jagannath and 100 miniature sand chariots (Rathas).The sculpture carries the message, “Jai Jagannatha, Happy Ratha Jatra”.
The sand sculpture also pays tribute to the revered Panchasakha saint-poet Balaram Das, who, according to Jagannath tradition, created a Bali Ratha (sand chariot) on the seashore and offered his prayers to Mahaprabhu Jagannath after being unable to participate in the Ratha Jatra . This sacred episode is remembered as a timeless symbol of unwavering devotion and is closely associated with the spiritual significance of Ratha Jatra.
Through the sand sculpture installation, Pattnaik celebrated the spiritual significance and rich cultural heritage of the world-famous Ratha Jatra. The artwork beautifully depicts Mahaprabhu Jagannath along with the three majestic chariots, while the 100 miniature sand chariots symbolize the devotion and faith of millions of devotees who participate in the annual festival. The sculpture was created with the support of students from the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute.
Speaking on the occasion, Sudarsan Pattnaik said, “Gundicha Ratha Yatra is not just a festival; it is a divine journey that fills every devotee’s heart with faith, devotion, and joy. Through this sculpture , I offer my humble prayers to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and seek His blessings for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of humanity. Jai Jagannath.”
Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has participated in over 65 international sand sculpture championships and festivals, winning numerous accolades for India. He is widely recognized for using sand art to promote India’s cultural heritage and to raise awareness about important social and environmental issues, including HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, global warming, terrorism, plastic pollution, and environmental conservation.
