On the sacred occasion of the world‑famous Rath Yatra, internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a magnificent sand art installation on the Puri beach, extending warm wishes to devotees across the globe.
Jai Jagannath! 🙏
On the auspicious occasion of #RathYatra, I created a sand sculpture of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath with hundred chariots at Puri Beach, Odisha. May the divine blessings of the Lord bring peace, joy, and prosperity to all. 🙏#HappyRathYatra
#RathYatra2026… pic.twitter.com/FH9jmAwdnQ— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) July 16, 2026
The artwork features a striking image of Lord Jagannath alongside the three majestic chariots and 100 miniature sand chariots, symbolising the devotion and faith of millions of devotees who join the festival. The message “Jai Jagannath, Shubha Rath Yatra” is prominently displayed, resonating with the spirit of the celebration.
Prepared with the support of students from the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute, the creation also pays homage to Balram Das, one of the Panchasakha poets, who, according to tradition, once built a sand chariot on the seashore when unable to participate in the Rath Yatra.
Speaking on the occasion, Pattnaik said, “The Gundicha Rath Yatra is not just a festival; it is a divine journey. Through this sand art, I offer my prayers at the Lord’s feet and wish for peace, prosperity, and well‑being of humanity.”
Pattnaik, who has represented India in over 65 international sand art competitions and festivals, is renowned for using his art to spread awareness on cultural heritage and social issues including HIV/AIDS, COVID‑19, climate change, plastic pollution, and environmental conservation.
