15th international sand art festival kicks off at Konark beach

The 15th edition of the International Sand Art Festival has begun on Chandrabhaga Beach near the iconic Konark Sun Temple, coinciding with the 36th Konark Festival. First launched in 2015, the festival has grown into a major global cultural event, transforming the beach into a spectacular open-air gallery that showcases sand sculptures under the guidance of Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik, one of the world’s most renowned sand artists.

Organised by the Odisha Tourism Department, the festival brings together around 140 skilled sculptors from across India and countries including Spain, Portugal, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Russia. Artists compete to create intricate sand artworks on daily themes focusing on environmental awareness, women’s empowerment, cultural pride, and global heritage, turning the sands into a canvas for creativity and social messaging.

Over the years, the International Sand Art Festival has become a major tourist attraction, drawing art enthusiasts, photographers, and cultural aficionados from around the world. It not only highlights the skill of professional sculptors but also celebrates local artisans, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and techniques while encouraging innovation in the art form.

Held just two kilometres from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple, the festival offers visitors the rare experience of witnessing ephemeral masterpieces against the backdrop of ancient architecture. Despite their temporary nature, the sculptures leave a lasting impression with their meticulous details and the dedication of the artists.

Running alongside the sand festival, the Konark Dance Festival adds to the cultural vibrancy, featuring classical Indian dance performances by acclaimed maestros and ensembles every evening from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at a nearby open-air auditorium.