Internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee, Sudarsan Pattnaik, has once again brought global attention to Odisha’s rich culture by creating a World Record at the ongoing Bali Jatra festival. He unveiled the world’s largest boat sculpture art installation, a colossal Boita (ancient Odia boat), crafted using an extraordinary amount of natural materials, including 12,000 arecanuts and hundreds of coconuts.
The monumental installation, unveiled at the Bali Jatra Ground in Cuttack, is a magnificent tribute to the state’s glorious maritime heritage and the ancient voyages of the Sadhabas to distant lands.
The record-breaking sculpture, certified by an international jury as the “Largest Boat Sculpture Art Installation Using Areca Nuts and Coconuts,” is a fusion of artistic genius and eco-conscious design:
Massive Scale: The installation measures a staggering 50 feet in length and 30 feet in width, dominating the display area near the Boat Gate.
Natural Materials: It was meticulously constructed using 12,000 arecanuts (betel nuts), 500 coconuts, and over a thousand earthen lamps (diyas).
Cultural Symbolism: The Boita sculpture, typically made of sand, was given a unique, three-dimensional, and durable form using these natural materials to signify Odisha’s deep connection with the sea and the resourcefulness of its ancient traders.
Speaking at the unveiling, Pattnaik stated, “This creation is a humble tribute to Odisha’s glorious maritime past and the enduring spirit of our people. By using natural, sustainable materials like areca nuts and coconuts, we aim to showcase sustainable art while celebrating our rich cultural traditions on this historic festival.”
The achievement was formally recognized by officials from the World Records Book of India, who presented the official certificate and medal to Sudarsan Pattnaik. The stunning installation has become a major focal point for the thousands of visitors attending the Bali Jatra, celebrating a landmark moment where art, culture, and sustainability converge.
