Akshay Kumar – Ratnagiri
Ganpatipule is all set to host a National Sand Art Festival in January 2014. This festival would be jointly hosted by JSW Foundation, a social development division of JSW group of companies and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) along with international sand artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik. This festival would be the first national sand art festival in the western coast of India. At the prima facie level, the festival would be hosted for three to five days where more than 20 national sand artists would make sculptures with different themes. Before the festival, Pattnaik will organise a two day workshop for local artists to encourage sand art in India. Promoting the local culture and tradition of Maharashtra is one of the key focus apart from promoting cleanliness of the beaches.
Speaking exclusively to Express TravelWorld, Pattnaik said, “In India we do not have two or three beaches, we have an entire coastline. A National Sand Art Festival can be efficiently be used to increase tourism. More than 20 sand sculpture artists will be present at this festival. Due to such events, all over the world people would know about Ganpatipule and tourism will increase. There must be many beach activities like sand art festival and kite festival.”
“We have already started an international sand art festival in Konark called ‘Konark festival’, during the five days of the festival we have seen a footfall of five lakh people visiting from around the world. I have plans to host many international festivals in other parts of the country,” he added.
There are also plans to open the world’s first sand art park in India, where many sand sculptures would be created inside a park and the climate will be controlled for its durability. This sand art park will also have sand sculptures of famous personalities from around the world just like Madame Tussauds.
Speaking about where this park would be located, Pattnaik said, “I have proposed this idea to many states, but whichever state gives me the opportunity will be the venue for this park.”
Recently, JSW Foundation in a tie up with the department of tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Pattnaik, had held a demonstration of sand art technique and sculptures in support of the beautification of beaches at Ganpatipule. The theme for the sand sculptures was ‘Women Empowerment’. The sand art demonstration was held at Ganpatipule beach.
Speaking on the occasion, Sangita Jindal, chairperson, JSW Foundation said, “ Pattnaik once again proved the creative genius he is with beautiful sand sculptures. The cause of women empowerment was wonderfully brought out by Pattnaik and his team. JSW Foundation has always been associated with various art forms and supports various causes which help in uplifting the society.”
Pattnaik said on the occasion, “I would like to thank JSW Foundation for creating awareness by bringing sand art into the mainstream and also pushing amateurs into the mainstream of sand art designing and sculpting. I hope this event inspires the young minds of India and encourage people to take up this amazing art form. It was a wonderful experience working on the pristine beaches of Maharashtra.”
