Sudarsan Pattnaik's sand art tribute to goddess Durga on Navratri will leave you awestruck!

New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik took to his official Twitter handle and shared a majestic creation of Maa Durga. He paid a sand art tribute to the goddess and it is simply awe-inspiring.

Sudarsan Pattnaik wrote: #JaiMataDi ..... #HappyNavratri May Maa Durga Bless us with Peace, Prosperity and Good Health always.

#JaiMataDi ..... #HappyNavratri 
May Maa Durga Bless us with Peace, Prosperity and Good Health always. pic.twitter.com/uca7L02mk4 — Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) October 17, 2020

The famous Bhubaneswar-based sand artiste is known for his marvellous creations. On all major festivals and important events, Pattnaik displays the beautiful creations at Odisha's Puri beach. 

The auspicious occasion of Sharadiya Navratri or Sharad Navratri has begun. This year it commences from October 17 and will last till 25, with Vijayadashami falling on 25/26 (as timings vary). 

Largely there are five known types of Navratri falling in a year, out of which Sharad Navratri or Shardiya Navratri is the most significant one. Devi is worshipped during these nine days across the country, and it is this time when people are dressed in their colourful best. Navratri starts on the pratipada or first day of the lunar month of Ashwin. The dates of Navratri vary each year depending upon the Hindu Lunar calendar.

On Day 1 of Navratri, goddess Shailputri is worshipped. During these 9 days of festivity, different avatars of goddess Durga are evoked and prayed to.

The festival of Navratri marks the victory of good over evil and holds a great value amongst devotees. Navratri and Durga Puja is widely celebrated in the country and there are many legends associated with the festival.

Durga Puja and Sharad Navratri or Sharadiya Navratri coincide and are widely celebrated not just in the country but abroad by Indian diaspora as well. 

Usually, Durga Puja begins six days after Mahalaya but this year it is different due to mala maas - lunar month having two moons. This year, Mahalaya, which is the beginning of the Devi Paksha and end of the Pitru Paksha took place on September 17 and Durga Puja starts from October 22. 

Here's wishing a very happy Navratri and Durga Puja to all our readers!