The spiritual sands of Puri came alive today as world-renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik sculpted an evocative tribute to Niladri Bije, the sacred finale of the Ratha Yatra festival.
On this auspicious occasion, when Lord Jagannath returns to the Ratna Singhasana after His annual chariot journey, He offers Rasagola to appease Goddess Maa Lakshmi—a divine reconciliation steeped in Odia cultural lore. This sweet gesture, celebrated as Rasagola Dibasa, echoes themes of love, patience, and reunion.
Pattnaik’s artwork at Puri Beach vividly depicts this emotional moment, capturing both the grandeur of Mahaprabhu and the humble charm of the iconic Rasagola hāṇḍi.
In his X, Mr. Pattnaik posted,
“On the pious occasion of Niladri Bije, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, while returning to Ratna Singhasana, offers Rasagola to Maha Laxmi. My sand art at Puri beach in Odisha for this unique ritual”.
Jai Jagannath….🙏
On the pious occasion of #NiladriBije, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, while returning to Ratna Singhasana, offers Rasagola to #MahaLakshmi. My sandart at Puri beach in Odisha for this unique ritual . #RasagolaDibasa pic.twitter.com/TZGCpjvkSJ— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) July 8, 2025
As devotees gathered along the coastline, the fusion of sacred tradition and artistic brilliance resonated deeply, reaffirming that in Odisha, even the sands speak devotion.
