London: Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Fred Darrington Sand Master Award’ at the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival in Weymouth, making him the first Indian to receive the honour.
The accolade, named after legendary British sand sculptor Fred Darrington, was presented to Pattnaik in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of sand art.
The 2025 edition of the festival coincides with Darrington’s centenary, adding further significance to the award.
Pattnaik, a Padma Shri awardee based in Puri, Odisha, unveiled a 10-foot-high sculpture of Lord Ganesha carrying the message of “World Peace” during the festival’s opening on Saturday in Dorset, southern England.
“I am honoured to be the first Indian artist to receive the Fred Darrington British Sand Master Award at Sandworld 2025,” Pattnaik said.
“This recognition is a tribute to the universal message of peace, conveyed through my sculpture of Lord Ganesha.”
The award was presented by the Mayor of Weymouth, Jon Orell, in the presence of key dignitaries including Mark Andersen, Director of Sandworld; David Hicks, the festival’s co-founder; and Naorem J. Singh, Minister for Culture at the High Commission of India in London.
Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand sculpture events and has earned numerous accolades for his work that blends artistry with social messaging.
Sandworld, located in Weymouth’s Lodmoor Park, is a major tourist attraction and showcases world-class sand art from across the globe.
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This year’s exhibition opened over the weekend and will remain open to visitors until November.
Congratulating Pattnaik, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wrote on X: “Heartiest congratulations to Padma Shri awardee and eminent sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik on being honoured with the first British Sand Master Award, ‘The Fred Darrington’. His contribution has further enhanced the cultural heritage of our country and state on the global stage.”
