Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has sculpted a 5-foot sand masterpiece of Maa Samaleswari at Puri Beach to mark the Nuakhai festival.
The sculpture features a farmer couple offering newly harvested rice to the goddess, symbolizing gratitude and prosperity.
Nuakhai, a major agrarian festival in Western Odisha, celebrates the first harvest of the season. It is a time when families come together to offer prayers for abundance and well-being. Pattnaik, known globally for his evocative sand art, shared his creation on social media with the message:
“#NuakhaiJuhar Heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai! May Maa Samaleswari bless us all with a bountiful harvest, happiness, and prosperity.”
#ନୂଆଁଖାଇଜୁହାର | #NuakhaiJuhar
Heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai! 🌾
May Maa Samaleswari bless us all with a bountiful harvest, happiness, and prosperity.Sharing my sand art created at Puri Beach, Odisha, to celebrate this cherished festival.
A special… pic.twitter.com/h3AFmvbYQS— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) August 28, 2025
Adding a personal touch to the celebration, Pattnaik revealed that his daughter Saanvi has lent her voice to a Sambalpuri song for the first time, specially composed for Nuakhai. This musical debut adds a layer of familial pride and cultural continuity to the occasion.
Speaking about the festival, Pattnaik said, “Nuakhai is a major festival in Odisha. On this occasion, we try to convey good wishes to everyone through sand art.”
The sculpture and accompanying song have struck a chord with locals and admirers across the country, blending tradition, art, and emotion in a uniquely Odia celebration.
