Internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has greeted the people of Odisha with a stunning sand sculpture on Puri beach, dedicated to Nuakhai, the agrarian festival of western Odisha.
The artwork features a woman in traditional Sambalpuri attire offering prayers, a vibrant red circular depiction of Maa Samaleswari adorned with floral motifs, and a golden sheaf of freshly harvested paddy. Inscribed with ‘Nuakhai Juhar’, the sculpture stands against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal, symbolising gratitude and abundance.
ନୂଆଁଖାଇ ଜୁହାର 🙏
Heartfelt greetings on the pious
occasion of Nuakhai. May Maa Samaleswari bless for good harvest and prosperity. pic.twitter.com/CJ3D8mtPlK— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) September 15, 2026
Nuakhai marks the offering of the season’s first harvest to the goddess, with families across western Odisha presenting nabanna (newly harvested rice) and seeking blessings for prosperity and well‑being.
Through his creation, Pattnaik continues his tradition of celebrating Odisha’s festivals and spreading messages of cultural pride, hope, and unity. The sand art has drawn appreciation from art lovers and festival celebrants across the state, reinforcing Nuakhai’s significance as a festival of gratitude and community bonding.
