International sand artist Madhurendra Kumar has achieved a historic feat at Deepotsav 2026, organised by the Yogi Adityanath government.
At Ram Katha Park, located on the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya, he, along with his team, created a magnificent 58-foot-long and 20-foot-high Ram Darbar and a grand replica of the Ram Temple using 220 tonnes of sand from the Saryu river. The artwork conveys a message of world peace, humanity and brotherhood.
Created at the invitation of the Tourism Department of the Yogi government, the sculpture has been recognised by the Book of World Records.
The construction began on October 30 and was completed on November 7 after seven days of continuous effort. Madhurendra Kumar said, “This was my first artwork of its kind and the world’s longest sand sculpture depicting Ram Darbar.”
During the grand inauguration ceremony of Deepotsav, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath viewed the sculpture. The Chief Minister said, “Ayodhya would never forget such a historic artistic creation”. He congratulated the artist on achieving a world record. The Vice-President also appreciated the work, saying, “Well done”.
Madhurendra Kumar had submitted information about the artwork to the Book of World Records and Guinness World Records on October 30. On November 7, the Book of World Records granted its approval through email. The achievement was officially registered under record number IND/2026/001810, and a digital certificate was issued. The process for recognition by Guinness World Records is still underway.
The sculpture was created under the aegis of the Yogi government’s Deepotsav, with the support of the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. It reflects the government’s efforts to establish Ayodhya as a global tourism and cultural destination.
Madhurendra Kumar, a native of East Champaran in Bihar, has represented India in more than 25 countries and holds over 12 world records. Having created thousands of artworks using sand, coal ash, leaves, fruits, vegetables and recycled materials, the artist has also received an honorary doctorate in sand art from America International University.
His creations primarily focus on themes such as environmental conservation, cleanliness, de-addiction and world peace. This remarkable artwork in Ayodhya has further strengthened the Yogi government’s efforts towards cultural revival and its development model centred on the Ram Temple.
A magnificent 58-foot-long and 20-foot-high Ram Darbar and a grand replica of the Ram Temple created using sand from the Saryu river
Divine artwork completed after seven days of dedicated effort; Vice-President lauded the artist
First such creation by sand artist Madhurendra Kumar and the world’s longest sand sculpture depicting Ram Darbar
