Bhubaneswar, July 8: If His devotees are gathering to celebrate their annual convention in the United States, can Lord Jagannath be far away?

The deity arrived in style when world-renowned sand sculptor Sudarshan Patnaik created a stunning sand art of the deity in the Nabakalebar theme, last week.

US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal inaugurated the sculpture of the Lord at the 46th Annual Odisha Society of The Americas Convention in Washington DC.

Patnaik created the sculpture against a backdrop designed like the iconic circular eye of the Lord. He placed a tree to represent the daru or sacred log, from which the new idols have been carved at the Puri temple. Patnaik also crafted a chariot with the colours on its hood resembling Nandighosha, Lord Jagannath's chariot. The artwork also included intricate decorative details that won him praise from the visitors at the convention.

"It was different than making a sand sculpture on the beach. But I was given all the help I needed in getting enough sand for the artwork that was much smaller compared to what I create on the beach. I ensured that I include all the important elements of the Nabakalebar in that small space," said Patnaik.

The convention hosted a number of other attractions from July 1 to July 4. From the popular Odia musical Chhanda-Champu to a talent hunt, the event witnessed several shows. Artiste Sujata Mohapatra held an Odissi workshop, while Bollywood singer Krishna Beura enthralled the audience with Odia numbers. Renowned artistes Aruna Mohanty and Meera Das got together to stage a mesmerising dance show.

Odia delicacies and artefacts were also showcased at the event. The participants were delighted to see a mini-Odisha in Washington DC. "It was a wonderful experience. It felt great to see Sudarshan Patnaik's art up close at the event," said Mami Patnaik, a member of the convention.

Tourism minister Ashok Panda and industry minister Debi Prasad Mishra were also present at the event.