Singapore/Bhubaneswar, April 9: A mesmerizing sand animation performance by internationally acclaimed Odia artist Sudam Pradhan emerged as the highlight of the Utkal Divas 2026 celebrations in Singapore, captivating an audience of over 300 attendees and earning accolades from dignitaries, including India’s High Commissioner.

Organized by the Odia Society of Singapore (OSS) at the GIIS Auditorium, the cultural evening brought together the Odia diaspora and enthusiasts to celebrate the heritage and identity of Odisha. The event began with a ceremonial diya lighting, followed by a welcome address from OSS President Subrat Nayak. Among the distinguished guests was Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore.

The spotlight was firmly on Sudam Pradhan, whose 30-minute live sand animation performance intricately blended Odisha’s cultural richness with elements of Singapore’s heritage. Using only sand as his medium, Pradhan transformed the stage into a dynamic canvas of storytelling, earning sustained applause throughout the performance.

In an interview with ANI, Pradhan said, “Many people enjoyed it. It was a great experience. I would like to thank the Odia Society and Odia Art and Culture for giving us an international platform to present our art and culture beautifully.” He also shared the inspiration behind his work, noting, “The Konark Sun Temple is a magnificent symbol of India’s ancient architectural brilliance. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Through my sand art in Singapore, I proudly present this timeless masterpiece to the world.”

Adding to the evening’s visual appeal, Pradhan created a mini tabletop sand sculpture inspired by the iconic Konark Sun Temple for the ODOP (One District One Product) exhibition, which drew widespread attention from visitors.

Sharda Sahu, a member of OSS, said, “None of us were bored. It was so entertaining… you feel like a movie is playing before you. I hope more people see it and appreciate this art form.” High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule also lauded the artist, stating, “We should continue with such programs every year to benefit from his talent and vision.”

The Utkal Divas celebration featured vibrant cultural performances throughout the evening, shining a global spotlight on Odisha’s traditions and artistic excellence.