Bhubaneswar: Internationally-acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik sculpted a Santa Claus at Niladri Beach in Odisha’s Puri, blending sand with an astonishing 1.5 tonnes of apples in a bid to set a new world record on the eve of Christmas.
This masterpiece, measuring 60 feet in length, 22 feet in height, and 45 feet in width, has been created with the support of 30 students from his Sand Art Institute as part of the 22nd edition of the Puri Sand Art Festival, which commenced on December 24 and will continue until January 1, 2026..
“Every year during Christmas, we organise a Sand Art Festival on the entire beach, featuring the world’s largest Santa Claus sculpture and aiming to set a world record…” said the Padma awardee, adding that the installation aims to spread the message of ‘world peace’.
Last year, a chocolate Santa Claus was created on the beach.
Sudarsan later shared a post by the World Records Book of Indian, acknowledging a new world record. “Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik has created WORLD’S BIGGEST APPLE & SAND INSTALLATION OF SANTA CLAUS with 1.5 tons of Apples (fruit) on Niladri Beach, Puri, Odisha. Sculpture is 60ft long, 22ft ht & 45ft wd in size -New World Record on 24th Dec 2025,” World Records Book of India posted on its X handle.
The colossal sculpture of Santa Claus has captured the imagination of thousands of visitors and tourists, drawing massive crowds to the renowned seaside spot during the festive season celebrations.