Puri Beach Festival: Art Installations Crafted from Recycled Materials Captivate Visitors
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Puri, Jan 8 (NationPress) The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) kicked off in Bhubaneshwar on Wednesday and is set to last until January 10. Over the next two days, it will witness participation from numerous renowned and respected NRIs and Indian origin individuals.
In the midst of the celebratory ambiance in the state capital, the beaches of Puri are capturing the attention of many, including NRIs, due to their stunning artworks and sculptures crafted from waste materials. These installations have become a major attraction for both local and international tourists.
The Puri Niladri Beach Festival was officially launched on Wednesday, featuring a variety of artists who are presenting their distinctive pieces made from discarded items like plastic bottles, broken toys, glass bottles, washers, tin cans, old nets, threads, ropes, and other refuse.
A collective of 11 artists is working tirelessly to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of waste on the environment, notably on beaches. Their creations are delivering a powerful social message to the audience.
Yuvabrata Kar, an official from the Odisha Ecotourism Foundation, informed IANS that several artists are laboring day and night to promote the importance of maintaining the cleanliness and tranquility of beaches.
“Puri already boasts beautiful and lively beaches. Our initiative aims to transform it into an art beach, with various installations, where numerous artists are working continuously to advocate for cleanliness and hygiene,” he said.
Mayadhar Sahu, an artist, expressed that he and many others are partaking in this campaign to repurpose waste materials found in homes and surroundings for constructive use.
“The goal is to educate people about the harmful and destructive influence of plastics on our lives,” he stated.
“I constructed a gate facing the ocean using trash. Just as the dirt and waste at the ocean’s entrance can damage its sanctity, the same principle should be applied to our homes. We must refrain from creating piles of plastic waste at our doorsteps,” he emphasized.
Discussing the festival's objective, he mentioned that the future should focus on reducing the consumption of plastics and their derivatives.
“Globally, plastic presents a significant danger to nature, urging all of us not only to cease its use but also to discourage others who continue to do so,” he said.
Bibhunath, an artist from Delhi, named his creation 'Sunrise'.
He explained his artwork by saying: "I created it using wood and other unused household materials to convey the message of preserving one’s heritage while ensuring the sanctity of beaches is maintained."
