World's biggest sand art on Jesus Christ at Puri beach

Puri, Dec 25 (UNI) Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik has claimed to have created the world's biggest sand art on Jesus Christ on Puri beach on the occasion of Christmas.

The sculpture is a part of the sand art festival organised on the beach by Mr Patnaik and would be on display till January eight.

Mr Patnaik said he used 600 tons of sand and took 25 hours to complete the 22 feet high sculpture.

About 15 students, including seven girls from his Golden Sand Art Institute, assisted him in the work.

He also used coloured sand to create live images of Santa Claus, wishing the people ''Happy Christmas'', and Mother Mary holding baby Jesus.

The artwork was a major attraction for tourists and local people gathered at the venue to enjoy the festival.

Mr Patnaik, who had participated in more than 34 international sand sculpture championships across the world and won many awards, hoped that his artwork would find a place in the ''Limca Book of Records''.

The sand artist had won a prize this year for his creation of Taj Mahal.

Last year he had created the world's biggest Santa Claus at Puri beach and managed to find a place in ''Limca Book of Records''.

Through his art, Mr Patnaik tried to help the tsunami and earthquake victims, save the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles and spread HIV-AIDS and polio awareness as well as paid homage to the victims of the train blast.

UNI