Deepotsav 2026: Giant ‘Ram Darbar’ sand sculpture wins global recognition
‘Ram Darbar’ created with 220 tons of sand during Deepotsav, sets world record
A 58-foot-long and 20-foot-high grand Ram Darbar and a massive Ram Temple artwork were created from the sand of the Saryu River
A divine artwork created after seven days of meditation, the Vice President praised it
-Sand artist Madhurendra’s first and the world’s longest sand-made Ram Darbar artwork
Ayodhya, November 11: The International sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created history during Deepotsav 2026 in Ayodhya by crafting a 58-foot-long and 20-foot-high grand Ram Darbar along with a massive Ram Temple artwork using 220 tons of Saryu sand at Ram Katha Park on the banks of the Saryu River, conveying the message of world peace, humanity and brotherhood, while the record-setting creation, made with his team at the invitation of the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, was officially registered in the Book of World Records.
The divine artwork, created after seven days of meditation, began in Ram Nagari on October 30th. Construction work was completed on November 7th after seven days of continuous hard work. Madhurendra Kumar stated that this is his first of its kind and the world’s longest sand-made Ram Darbar artwork.
During the grand inauguration ceremony of Deepotsav, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the artwork. The Chief Minister stated that the city will never forget such historical art created in Ayodhya and congratulated the artist on the world record. The Vice President praised him by saying “Well done.”
Digital certificate awarded, Guinness World Records process underway
Madhurendra Kumar sent the information to the World Records and Guinness World Records on October 30th. On November 7th, the World Records approved it via email. It was registered under record number IND/2026/001810 and a digital certificate was awarded. The Guinness World Records process is still ongoing. This artwork was created in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department as part of the Yogi government’s Deepotsav, which is part of the government’s efforts to make Ayodhya a global tourism and cultural hub.
Madhurendra Kumar, a sand artist from Bihar, has represented India in more than 25 countries and holds more than 12 world records. Having created thousands of artworks from sand, coal ash, leaves, fruits and vegetables, and recycled materials, this artist has also received an honorary doctorate in sand art from the American International University. His artworks focus on topics such as environmental protection, cleanliness, drug de-addiction, and world peace. This work in Ayodhya has further strengthened the Yogi government’s cultural upliftment and Ram Temple-centric development model.
