International Sand Art Festival #AToZChallenge

The International Sand Art Festival is a cultural event held by Odisha Tourism from 1st-5th December every year in Konark, Odisha. The festival celebrates sand sculptures created by skillful artists from around the world.

  There are no entry-fees and the sand art festival is free for spectators.

 Venue of the International Sand Art Festival

The festival is held at Odisha's Chandrabhaga Beach, 3 kilometres from the UNESCO world-heritage site, Sun Temple at Konark. The soft golden sands of the enchanting Chandrabhaga beach are sculpted into spectacular art forms that etch a permanent impression in the visitors' minds. If one loves creating sand art or viewing awesome sand creations, one must head to the venue for this stupendous treat!

History of the International Sand Art Festival

Starting 2015, the International Sand Art Festival has been held on the Chandrabhaga beach. The 3rd edition was held in December 2017. Internationally renowned sand artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik, is the brand ambassador of the event.

International Sand Art Festival 2017

Sand artists from India and many countries like Singapore, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, USA, Russia, Sri Lanka etc. participated.  There was a cash-prize of Rs 1,00,000 for the creator of the best sand art.

Artists had created sand art based on the two themes namely- 'Disability' and 'Ecotourism'.
The art was unique and creative.

Sea, Sand, SandArt 👍🏻
Super #SandArt in the International Sand Art Festival 2017 being held at Chandrabhaga Beach 🌊 #Konark #Odisha #India #ttot

"We are capable"
"Nothing is impossible"✌🏻
Positive SandArt messages this#WorldDisabilityDay 🙏🏻December 3, 2017 pic.twitter.com/z79CEd9czr

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) December 3, 2017

Note- The Konark Dance Festival is organized during the same time near the Konark Sun Temple. If you plan to visit Odisha in December first week, you can experience both the festivals and celebrate 'sand' and 'dance' festivals together.

Post for my second #atozchallenge. I for International Sand Art Festival, Odisha. 

My Theme is- "Odisha- The Soul of Incredible India".
Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India. Have you visited Odisha and India? 

I am sharing some glimpses from Odisha. Do keep reading and discovering!