Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik from Puri, has etched his name in history as the first Indian to win the prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award at the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival held in Weymouth, UK.
Pattnaik made an unforgettable impact at the festival by sculpting a magnificent 10-foot-high sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha, embodying the message of “World Peace.”
The vibrant colors of the sculpture, especially the crown and ornaments, added a stunning visual appeal.
The recognition comes as part of the centenary celebrations of Fred Darrington, the legendary British sand sculptor after whom the award is named. Pattnaik’s achievement is especially significant as the year 2025 marks a century since Darrington’s birth.
“I am honoured to be the first Indian artist to receive the ‘Fred Darrington’ British Sand Master Award at Sandworld 2025, a prestigious international sand art festival in Weymouth, UK,” said Pattnaik. “This recognition is a testament to my 10-foot sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha, symbolising the universal message of World Peace,” he added.
Following the award announcement, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Pattnaik.
Majhi praised the artist for his exceptional achievement, saying in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “Heartiest congratulations to Padma Shri awardee and eminent sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik on being honoured with the first British Sand Master Award, ‘The Fred Darrington.’”
Pattnaik’s remarkable recognition has brought global attention to his unique talent and continued dedication to the art of sand sculpting.
