In a striking display of devotion and artistic discipline, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik unveiled an intricate installation made of 17,000 rudraksha beads at Puri Beach to commemorate Maha Shivaratri. The expansive artwork, centered on Lord Shiva and inscribed with the sacred chant “Har Har Mahadev,” drew pilgrims and tourists alike. Beyond its spiritual symbolism, the tribute highlighted the cultural economy surrounding religious festivals, reinforcing the intersection of faith, tourism and creative enterprise that continues to shape India’s evolving devotional landscape.