Unique Sand Art Museum Opens Near Vengurla Beach in Sindhudurg
Unique Sand Art Museum Opens Near Vengurla Beach in Sindhudurg
A new museum showcasing sand art has recently opened near Vengurla beach in Sindhudurg. This museum features a diverse array of sculptures including idols of Shiva, Ganapati, Ram, Jesus, Shivaji Maharaj, and more. The artist Raviraj Chipkar spearheaded the museum’s development, making it a significant addition to the region’s tourist attractions.
 Raviraj Chipkar explained his motivation behind the project, stating “The tourism along the Konkan belt is flourishing, and I wanted to offer something unique to enhance visitors’ experiences. Recognizing the deep-rooted devotional sentiments prevalent here, I decided to sculpt idols representing various revered figures.” He also mentioned his tribute to Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar, a beloved local writer.
The museum opened on February 25th and will remain open until May. Plans are also in place for Chipkar to create new sculptures in November. However, due to the vulnerability of sand sculptures to rainy weather, the museum will undergo temporary closures. Chipkar emphasized the challenges of working with sand, highlighting the necessity of patience and careful selection of sand types to ensure durability.
Chipkar is a professional sand artist who has participated in the Odia International Sand Art Festival every year from 2018 to 2021. He lives just one kilometre from the beach and has been practising sand art for over a decade. His interest in this art form began in 2011 when he started participating in beach festivals.
Chipkar was inspired by the renowned artist Sudarshan Patnaik and gradually honed his skills, receiving invitations to showcase his work on various platforms. His dedication to both preserving cultural heritage and celebrating contemporary figures highlights the significance of sand art as a medium of expression and tribute.
