The Odisha Tourism today had the online release of "Divine Rebirth", a Sand Art Animation Film on Lord Jagannath's Nabakalebara festival.
The short film, prepared by sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, will also be available on DVDs. "The film depicts the rituals associated with Nabakalebara, starting from Banajaga Yatra (search for neem trees by Daitapati servitors of Puri temple) to Ghata Paribartan (transferring the soul to the new idols)," Sudarsan said.
The aim of this short film is to edify the masses about Nabakalebara - which occurs every 12 to 19 years. A year which has two months (Adhika masa) of 'Ashadha' as per the Hindu Calender is auspicious for conducting the ceremony.
The Idols are made from a special type of Neem wood known as 'Daru Bramha'. Since Jagannath's Nabakalebara is mostly a secret ritual, which cannot be shot on camera, Sudarshan has used 5 kilos of holy sand from Puri beach, wonderfully visualizing the concept through sand animation and weaving the entire story within seven minutes.
"The film will be showcased across the globe," Tourism secretary Arvind Padhee said.
The sand art animation film was launched at the state secretariat in presence of several dignitaries.
