Odisha: 2,000 earthen lamps spell 'Swagatam' on sand at Puri beach to welcome PM Modi

Puri (Odisha) [India], May 20 : Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created an installation of sand art using about 2,000 Diyas to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the message "Swagatam" at Puri Beach in Odisha on Monday.
Speaking to ANI here on Sunday, Sudarsan Pattnaik said, "PM Narendra Modi ji will visit Puri on Monday. To welcome him, I have created a sand sculpture of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath and PM Modi."
The sand sculpture shows Prime Minister Modi seeking blessings from Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath.
The sand artist created the sculpture using 2,000 earthen lamps (diyas) and some flowers.
He has used about 5 tonnes of sand to create the 6-foot-high sand sculpture.
Pattnaik was joined by students from his sand art institution.
"As artists, we are prepared to welcome PM Modi through our sand art. He always encourages our art," said Pattnaik.
So far, Padma-awarding artist Sudarsan has participated in more than 65 international sand art competitions and festivals around the world and won many accolades for the country.
He always tries to spread awareness through his sand art.
The Odisha sand artist has created awareness through his art on many social issues such as HIV, AIDS, global warming, stopping terrorism, beating plastic pollution, COVID-19, and saving the environment, among others.