Bhubaneswar, July 15 -- Internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a spectacular sand sculpture featuring Mahaprabhu Jagannath and 100 miniature sand chariots at Puri beach to mark the world-famous Ratha Jatra.
The magnificent artwork carries the message, "Jai Jagannatha, Happy Rath Jatra," celebrating the faith, devotion and spiritual grandeur associated with the annual festival.
The sculpture also pays a poignant tribute to revered Panchasakha saint-poet Balaram Das. According to Jagannath tradition, Balaram Das created a Bali Rath (sand chariot) on the seashore and offered prayers to Mahaprabhu Jagannath after he was unable to participate in the Ratha Jatra.
The sacred episode has endure...