Sudarshan Pattnaik was honoured with the Russian Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the International Festival of Sand Sculpture held in Russia.
Sudarshan Pattnaik becomes first Indian to win Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026: Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik was honoured with the Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the International Festival of Sand Sculpture held in Russia. Sudarshan has become the first sand artist to receive the prestigious award.
The theme for the international festival was Global Warming. Pattnaik’s award-winning sculpture was 3 metres high. It depicted two contrasting faces of the Earth. One side portrayed a dry and damaged planet suffering from environmental degradation. While the other symbolises hope through tree plantation and environmental conservation. The sculpture highlights the vital role of trees in absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and supporting wildlife.
The award was presented in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of sand art and for his powerful sand sculpture on the theme. The selection was made unanimously by a special jury committee during the international festival, which began on June 11, 2026.
During the festival’s opening ceremony on Thursday evening, the Grand Sand Master Cup and medal were presented to Pattnaik by General Director Alena Aleksandrovna in the presence of government officials and distinguished guests. The festival featured 12 leading sand sculptors from different countries, each creating remarkable works of art.
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