OdishaLIVE Bureau
This year the main attraction of Bargarh Dhanu Jatra was the sand art created by International acclaimed sand artist Sudam Pradhan on the bank of river Jeera. During Dhanu Jatra, river Jeera transforms into Yamuna. Everyday Sudam Pradhan and his team prepared sculptures having valuable social messages on the river bed.
The episodes from Lord Krishna’s childhood and famous tourist destinations of Bargarh district were also displayed through sand art. It drew huge crowd during this 11-day long festival. The site had become a major selfie point. The sand art on the theme of ‘I Love Bargarh’ was liked by all.
Sudam Pradhan belongs to Bargarh. When he was at Std. V, he was fascinated to see the tiny Shiva Linga made up of sand on the river bed of Jeera. Since then he developed a love for sand art. He says his passion for sand art helped him to master it. He has brought laurels for the nation by winning many sand art competitions. He has displayed his art in various places including Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Mumbai, Goa and Delhi. He has also established a Sand Art Museum in Puri.
Sudam Pradhan is overwhelmed to see the response of the visitors during the 70th Dhanu Jatra. He says, “I am grateful to the District Administration and Bargarh Dhanu Jatra Committee for giving me an opportunity to display my art. The river bed of Jeera has an important place in my life. It is the place where I have started my creative journey. I am elated to be back at my old place”.
