CUTTACK: An exquisite sand sculpted Ganesh has become the centre of attraction here as the Millennium City marked the onset of festive season with the customary flourish of creativity and fervour on Friday.
Around nine feet high and eight feet wide, the sand art by sculptor Pramod Patnaik at Panchayat Club, Cantonment Road, has turned show-stopper this Puja. The Lord has been depicted in a sitting posture with his paunch resembling Earth, emphasising the superiority of nature.
“We have tried to do our bit to create awareness on environment protection among the people. The Lord also boldly projects the message ‘Go Green’,” said secretary Jayant Mohanty.
The club members said the sand sculpture would last more than 15 days. For immersion, a water tanker will be brought to the site and a small clay idol installed alongside will be ceremonially immersed in a river.
With not less than 1000 Ganesh Puja mandaps, the city witnessed an unending variety and innovative ways of presenting Lord Ganesh.
At Kishore Club, Mangalabag, the idol was made of miniature Kulas (traditional bamboo or cane-made winnowing trays and fans) while at the nearby Alpha Club at Emporium Lane, the Lord was made out of Sabudana (pearl tapioca).
“Last year, we had used naphthalene balls. This year we have tried to experiment with tapioca for which around 10 kg of tapioca grains have been used and it has been a major draw,” said Manoj Kumar Das, organiser.
Lucky Club at Nimasahi used Pipili Chandua (applique work) for its Lord while at Dosti Club, Ganesh was presented in a Kathakali posture.