Manas Kumar Sahoo’s sand art marks Ratha Yatra Celebrations at Puri beach
By Swagatika Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar, June 27: As the sacred city of Puri prepares for the grand Ratha Yatra 2025 on Friday, internationally acclaimed sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo on Thursday paid a stunning tribute to Lord Jagannath with an intricate sand sculpture on the Puri International Beach.
Spanning 15 feet in length and standing 6 feet tall, the majestic artwork was created over two days using 10 tonnes of sand, adorned with vibrant hues and delicate floral garlands. The sculpture beautifully captures Lord Jagannath bestowing blessings upon his devotees, becoming an instant attraction for thousands of pilgrims and visitors converging on the holy town.
Adding to its cultural significance, the creation was lauded by Padma Shri Pravakar Maharana, a renowned sculptor and heritage conservationist from Konark, who praised it as a heartfelt representation of Odisha’s living traditions.
The initiative was supported by Vedanta Aluminium as part of its annual Ratha Yatra festivities, celebrating Odisha’s rich artistic and spiritual legacy.
For Manas Kumar Sahoo, whose evocative sand sculptures have earned global admiration, this annual tribute during Ratha Yatra is both a labour of devotion and a proud showcase of Odisha’s centuries-old sand art tradition, weaving faith and craftsmanship into a timeless spectacle by the sea.
