CHENNAI: Renowned sand sculptor Sudharshan Patnaik’s work adorned the sands of the Marina here on Friday, this time, highlighting the message of peace.

In an event organised by the Parshwa Padmavathi Shaktipitha, Krishnagiri, the sand sculptures made by the artist marked the beginning of ‘Vasantha Vizha 2009.’Sand sculptures created by Sudharshan Patnaik at the Marina Beach

The fest also includes a mega painting and cultural competition for nearly 20,000 students of Corporation schools, to be held on March 15 at the St. George’s School grounds, Poonamallee High Road.

Founder of the Parshwa Padmavathi Shaktipitha, Krishnagiri, Vasanth Gurudev, Member of Parliament Kanimozhi and percussionist Sivamani participated in the event.

Ms. Kanimozhi said the sand sculptures emphasised the need for world peace. Mr. Sivamani joined a troupe of percussion artistes at the venue and enthralled the crowd at the beach for a while with his arresting beats.

The otherwise, slightly coarse beach sand seemed to have acquired a rather smooth, shiny look in the sculptures. Mr. Patnaik had depicted the need for peace through a striking portrayal of a cannon giving way to global peace, signified by a beautiful mould of the earth.