Sand Artist Madhurendra’s Name Enters Asian Book of World Records in Sonepur Fair
Patna (India News Reporter). This year, Bihar has created a new history in the field of art at Asia’s largest and historic Sonepur Fair. Sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created a world record by crafting 50 unique sand sculptures depicting the mythological Gaj-Graha battle and Lord Vishnu’s slaying of the crocodile with his Sudarshan Chakra. This achievement has been officially recognized by the Asian Book of World Records. This is a moment of pride not only for the Sonepur Fair but for the entire state of Bihar.
Avinash D. Sukunde, International Chairman of the Asian Book of World Records, congratulated Madhurendra Kumar via email, stating that his hard work, discipline, and creative vision have set a new standard of artistic excellence. The organization also sent a certificate of achievement, a medal, and a memento by post, adding that this is the first time in the long history of the Sonepur Fair that a sand artist has received such international recognition.
Madhurendra Kumar has previously mesmerized audiences at the Sonepur Fair with his massive and magnificent creations. At the Sonepur Fair in 2022, he created a colossal sand sculpture, 20 feet high and 50 feet long, near the main stage, using 150 tons of sand. This sculpture is still considered one of the largest displayed sand sculptures in Asia. That magnificent sculpture also included the official logo of the Government of Bihar, which symbolized official recognition of his art.
Born on September 5, 1994, in East Champaran, Madhurendra’s artistic talent was evident from a young age. At just 3 years old, his drawing of swimming ducks on a slate surprised his guru, Baba Ramchandra Sah. In 1999, at the age of only 5, his sand sculptures of Goddess Saraswati, Lord Buddha, and Lord Vishnu on the banks of the Aruna River (Bijbani) earned him recognition at the village level, which later reached national and international platforms.
The Sonepur Fair, which begins on Kartik Purnima, is considered a wonderful confluence of religious faith, culture, and tradition. In 2005, Madhurendra Kumar laid the foundation of the sand art tradition at the Sonepur Mela by creating his first sand sculpture depicting the battle between the elephant and the crocodile. Since then, his creations have adorned prominent locations of the fair every year, including the confluence of the Gandak and Ganga rivers, the Harihar Nath Temple complex, the Ramayana performance venue, the main pavilion, and the District Magistrate’s residence in English Bazaar.
His major sand artworks have included themes such as the battle between the elephant and the crocodile, Lord Vishnu slaying the crocodile, the warring elephant and crocodile sculptures, “See Your Country,” the Harihar Nath Baba Temple, the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, the message of a Green and Clean Sonepur, and awareness about complete prohibition of alcohol in Bihar. He has been honored several times by the Bihar Tourism Department and the Saran District Administration for these outstanding works.
This unique record of 50 sand sculptures of Lord Vishnu not only immortalizes Madhurendra Kumar in the history of the Sonepur Mela but also brings global recognition to the art and culture of Bihar. His creations present a confluence of tradition, faith, and modern creativity, conveying a message that connects the new generation to its cultural roots.
It is noteworthy that Madhurendra Kumar had previously become the first Indian sand artist to register his name in the London Book of World Records for his exceptional works. Undoubtedly, this new international record is a matter of pride for the entire Bihar, the entire country, and the art world.
