Puri, Jul 27: Odisha is all set to celebrate Rasgola Dibasa on the auspicious occasion of Niladri Bije, marking the return of Lord Jagannath to the Srimandir after the annual Rath Yatra. Ahead of the celebrations, internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a spectacular 7-foot-tall sand sculpture on Puri Beach, extending his greetings on the occasion.

The artwork beautifully portrays the cherished Jagannath tradition in which Lord Jagannath offers Rasgola to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her after returning to the Srimandir from the Rath Yatra. The sculpture vividly captures this symbolic moment of reconciliation, one of the most significant rituals associated with Niladri Bije.

The intricate sand art was created with the assistance of students from the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute, showcasing Odisha's rich cultural heritage and the spiritual significance of the centuries-old tradition.

Speaking on the occasion, Sudarsan Pattnaik said that Rasgola Dibasa is a celebration of Odisha's glorious Jagannath culture and embodies the values of love, unity, forgiveness, and harmony. He noted that the tradition of Mana Bhanjana—where Lord Jagannath pacifies Goddess Lakshmi by offering Rasgola—symbolizes empathy, reconciliation, and mutual understanding.

Celebrated every year on Niladri Bije, Rasgola Dibasa commemorates the legendary ritual that has become an integral part of Odisha's cultural identity, drawing devotees and cultural enthusiasts alike to honour the timeless message of love and forgiveness embedded in the Jagannath tradition.