Puri: Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik on Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of Earth Hour with a spectacular sand art installation at Puri Beach. In collaboration with WWF India, the artwork highlighted the journey of Earth Hour, which began in Sydney in 2007 and has now grown into a global movement spanning over 190 countries.
“Let’s switch off the lights and switch on our commitment to the planet. Join us today from 8:30–9:30 PM and give one hour for Earth,” Pattnaik posted on his social media handle on X.
Speaking to the media, he said, “Earth Hour 2026, which started in Sydney in 2007, is being observed around the world today. We should turn off non-essential lights to protect our planet. I have been associated with WWF India for a long time, and it is an honor to be part of this global campaign. Through our sand art at Puri Beach, we are showcasing the 20-year journey of Earth Hour and emphasising the importance of caring for our environment. I appeal to everyone to participate on March 28, from 8:30–9:30 pm, by switching off non-essential lights for one hour to support Earth.”
The sand art installation featured a giant light bulb and a message written in the sand, “Give an hour for Earth. Switch off on March 28 from 8:30–9:30 pm.”
The artwork attracted a large number of visitors and served as a visual reminder of the significance of collective action against climate change.












