On the auspicious occasion of Pratham Shravan Somvar, internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik unveiled a magnificent 8‑foot‑high sand sculpture of Lord Shiva on Puri Beach.
Har Har Mahadev! 🕉️🙏 pic.twitter.com/oZZgFSICFo
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) August 3, 2026
The devotional artwork carried the message “Har Har Mahadev” and depicted Mahadev in a serene, meditative form, symbolising peace, divine power, and spiritual awakening. The sculpture featured a Shiva Linga, Trishul, Damaru, crescent moon, serpent, Rudraksha beads, two Kanwariyas carrying a Kanwar, and the holy River Ganga flowing from Shiva’s matted locks.
Created with the support of students from the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute, the piece paid tribute to the age‑old tradition of Shravan, when millions of devotees across India observe fasts and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Speaking on the occasion, Pattnaik said, “On the auspicious occasion of Pratham Shravan Somvar, I offer my prayers to Lord Shiva for world peace, good health, happiness and prosperity for all. May Mahadev’s blessings guide us with strength, compassion and positivity”.
Pattnaik, who has represented India in over 65 international sand sculpture championships and festivals, continues to use his art to promote India’s cultural heritage while spreading messages of devotion, unity, peace, and humanity.
