Sudarsan Pattnaik’s Sand Art Brings Nuakhai Spirit Alive at Puri
Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has crafted a striking sand sculpture at Puri beach to celebrate the agrarian festival of Nuakhai.
The artwork features a woman in traditional Sambalpuri attire offering prayers, a radiant red circular image of Maa Samaleswari, and a golden sheaf of freshly harvested paddy.
The inscription “Nuakhai Juhar” highlights the spirit of gratitude and prosperity.
Nuakhai, observed across western Odisha, marks the offering of the season’s first harvest (nabanna) to the goddess, symbolising abundance and community bonding.
Pattnaik’s creation has drawn admiration from festival celebrants and art lovers alike, reinforcing the cultural pride and unity associated with the occasion.
