Odisha's Pattachitra wins hearts at Elephant Parade India

Bhubaneswar/Mumbai: Pattachitra, Odisha’s famous traditional artwork was displayed in the world’s biggest public art event, the 22nd edition of Elephant Parade held for the first time in India today.

The beautiful ‘Krishna Hati’, a baby elephant sculpture by Pranab Narayan Das, a Pattachitra artist from Puri secured the top position in the Elephant Parade India organised at the Gateway of India, Mumbai.

The event showcased 101 gorgeous elephant sculptures by leading artists and designers from across Asia. ‘Krishna Hati’ was one among the few selected elephants displayed at special preview events in Jaipur, New Delhi and Kolkata before the grand event in Mumbai.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis and Parade Ambassador MP Poonam Mahajan also praised ‘Krishna Hati’ during their visit to the event.

Pranab adorned the Fiber Elephant statue with rich colours and creativity which showcases the legends and important life events of Lord Krishna.

"I have depicted life story of Lord Krishna throughout the body of the elephant. While one ear of the elephant carries the story of Giri Gobardhan , the other ear carries the story of Kali Dalan," said Pranab.

"He is an Odia artist and the people of Odisha should feel proud that they have such an wonderful human being doing this. This the most beautiful elephant amongst the 101 elephants," said Mahajan.

The Elephant Parade is being organised since 2006 worldwide to raise funds for Asian elephant corridors and projects to address human-elephant-conflict. This year, 15 out of the 101 elephant sculptures will be selected to be sold in an auction at London.

The funds will be used to secure 101 elephant corridors across India for the endangered Asian elephant.