Sand art by artiste Pramod Patnaik on the Bali yatra ground in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Nov. 11: A 20ft high sand art depicting the cultural heritage of Odisha is the centre of attraction at Bali yatra that began yesterday.

Sand artist Pramod Patnaik, the elder brother of internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik, has built the sculpture that showcases several landmarks including the Jagannath Temple of Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark.

“We have tried to depict the cultural heritage of the state and especially Cuttack, which is one of the oldest cities in the state,” said Patnaik.

The artist said that the main concept behind the theme was to ensure that those who come to the annual fair from different parts of the state got an opportunity to see the historical monuments in the city at one place.

It took Patnaik and his team of eight around four days to complete the sculpture, which showcases the historic Barabati Fort, Barabati Stadium, Ravenshaw University, Kadam Rasul mosque and the statue of Netaji Subhas Bose.

A sand artist from Mysore, Gauri MN, also assisted Patnaik in making the sculpture. Around 300 tonnes of sand has been used to make the sculpture that is 40ft long and 20ft wide.

“This is the fifth time that I have come to attend Bali yatra that is celebrated in a grand manner in Cuttack. Though I have seen a lot of sand art in Puri, this beautiful sculpture provides a detailed description about the historic monuments in Silver City,” said Sunita Choudhry, a visitor from Puri.

Last year, Patnaik’s created a 40ft-high sand art called Jagatika Utaran (universal elevation) that attracted a lot of people during the six-day fair.

One of the biggest sand arts ever created, Jagatika Utaran carried a number of social messages on HIV/AIDS, drugs, pollution and its impact on environment and universal brotherhood.

Around 1,300 kiosks have come up at Bali yatra this year, which is organised jointly by the district administration, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Odisha tourism and the culture department in association with other departments.