Manas Kumar Sahoo’s Sand Art Celebrates Snana Purnima Ritual in Puri

Renowned sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo has created a detailed sand art piece depicting the sacred bathing ceremony of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Goddess Subhadra during Snana Purnima. The artwork is located at the Snana Mandap in Shree Jagannath Temple.

Sahoo’s artistic rendition is based on extensive research into the ceremonial attire of the deities. The sand animation, lasting three minutes and thirty-five seconds, took 18 hours to complete. It poignantly illustrates the profound connection between devotees and their chosen deity.

This event precedes the famous Rath Yatra festival, which will be celebrated on July 7 this year. During Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra give darshan to the public in majestic chariots and visit Gundicha Temple for a nine-day stay. Lakhs of devotees will pull the chariots from the Singha Dwar of Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.