Sudarsan Pattnaik’s Sand Art and Daughter’s Musical Debut Add Emotional Depth to Nuakhai Celebrations

PURI,(OT Webdesk) — Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik marked the Nuakhai festival with a stunning 5-foot sand sculpture of Maa Samaleswari at Puri Beach.

The artwork, featuring a farmer couple offering Nabanna (newly harvested rice) to the goddess, symbolizes gratitude, prosperity, and the agrarian spirit of Western Odisha.

Nuakhai, one of Odisha’s most cherished festivals, celebrates the season’s first harvest and brings families together in prayer and thanksgiving.

Pattnaik’s tribute not only honoured tradition but also introduced a personal touch—his daughter, Saanvi, made her musical debut by lending her voice to a specially composed Sambalpuri song for the occasion.

“Nuakhai is a major festival in Odisha. On this occasion, we try to convey good wishes to everyone through sand art,” Pattnaik shared, adding that the sculpture and song were meant to evoke cultural pride and familial warmth.

The artist’s social media post, captioned with “NuakhaiJuhar Heartfelt greetings… May Maa Samaleswari bless us all with a bountiful harvest, happiness, and prosperity,” resonated widely, blending visual and musical artistry in a uniquely Odia celebration.