Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik was felicitated was Odisha Governor Dr. Ganeshi Lal in Raj Bhawan today.

The Governor commended the artist's recent masterpiece of an intricately crafted facade of the Konark Sun Temple at an international sand art exhibition in Japan recently and presented him with a bound picture of his installation and shawl to show appreciation.

Also read: Watch: Sudarsan Pattnaik’s sand art wows in Japan sand exhibition

Sudarsan's outstanding workmanship on sand went viral a couple of days ago when he shared the pictures of his stunning sand art on social media. Odia netizens were filled with pride and applauded Sudarsan's craftsmanship.

The Chief Minister too lauded the effort that went into creating the six-feet-high and twenty-feet-long magnificent sand sculpture.

It took the Padma Shri recipient about eight to ten hours and a good seven days to create the replica of a wall of  the Black Pagoda at the famed sand museum of Tottori. The exhibition was attended by 20-odd artists from all across the globe.