Sand Taj wins Public Prize in Berlin festival
Contributor July 26th, 2007
A sand replica of the Taj Mahal created by artist Sudarshan Pattnaik received overwhelming public votes to win the Public Prize in the Berlin International Sand Sculpture Championship.
Pattnaik’s 15-foot sculpture was one of 15 sand monuments created by artists from 10 countries.
“The overwhelming support from lovers of the Taj in Europe enabled me to win the prize,” an elated Pattnaik said on Wednesday from Dortmund in Germany, where he is participating in another sand sculpture festival.
“It is a great honour for my country and I dedicate it to all the Taj lovers worldwide.”
While the sand replica of the 17th century monument of love bagged the public choice award, an entry from Germany won the sculptors’ choice award and Italy bagged the jury’s choice award in the Berlin event.
With the theme of “Paradise”, Pattnaik carved the faces of Mughal emperor Shahjahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal on the sand replica, which was crafted in 56 hours over seven days with tons of sand.
Pattnaik, who has been participating in the Berlin festival for the past four years, will travel to the venue to receive the award on July 29. The sand Taj will also be on display till that date.