Udupi: A unique sand sculpture titled ‘Nagabana’, carrying the message of ‘Save Nature’ through the traditional concept of Nagadeva worship, has become a major attraction for tourists and visitors at the old coastal beach in Koteshwara.
The artwork combines the cultural tradition of worshipping Nagadeva with a message on protecting nature and the environment. Through the sculpture, the artists have sought to highlight the close relationship between coastal communities and the natural world.
Sand sculpture blends tradition with conservation
The sculpture has been designed around the concept of Nagadeva, a revered symbol associated with nature worship along the Karnataka coast. The tradition of Naga worship has deep cultural significance in coastal communities, where serpent deities are traditionally associated with sacred groves, fertility and the protection of nature.
Taking inspiration from this tradition, the artists have named the installation ‘Nagabana’. The title refers to the sacred spaces associated with Naga worship while reinforcing the broader message of environmental conservation.
The sculpture seeks to show that traditional practices and environmental awareness can come together to communicate an important message to the public.
By placing the artwork on the beach, the creators have also used a natural setting to reinforce the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.
Students create artwork under expert guidance
The sand sculpture was created by students of Trivarna Art Classes in Kundapur.
Advit Shankar, Satvik K.R., Pranati Prashant Bhat, Samanvi, Advit Kumar R., Suneri Hegde and Vidya Rani worked together to create the artwork.
The students developed the sculpture under the training and guidance of Harish Saga, the guide at Trivarna Art Classes.
The collaborative effort gave the young artists an opportunity to combine their artistic skills with a culturally significant theme. Their work also demonstrates how art can be used to communicate messages related to environmental protection in an accessible manner.
Artwork spreads ‘Save Nature’ message
The sculpture has been created across an area measuring around 12 feet in width. Its prominent location along the seashore has helped attract the attention of visitors.
The central theme of the artwork is nature conservation. By incorporating the image and symbolism of Nagadeva, the creators have connected the environmental message with a cultural tradition familiar to people in coastal Karnataka.
The concept also encourages viewers to look at nature not merely as a resource but as something that has traditionally been respected and protected by local communities.
The artists have used the medium of sand to present this message in a visually engaging form.
Cultural heritage meets coastal environment
The choice of Koteshwar beach as the location for the sculpture adds significance to the artwork. The natural surroundings provide an appropriate backdrop for a creation focused on nature and conservation.
Coastal areas are home to diverse ecosystems, including beaches, mangroves, wetlands and other habitats that require protection. Art installations such as ‘Nagabana’ can help draw public attention to the need to preserve these environments.
The sculpture also reflects how local cultural traditions can inspire contemporary messages about environmental responsibility.
The connection between Naga worship and sacred natural spaces has historically encouraged communities to preserve certain areas as protected groves. The artists have drawn upon this cultural association while presenting it through a modern artistic medium.
Visitors appreciate the unique creation
The sand sculpture has added to the visual appeal of the seashore and is attracting tourists and members of the public visiting the beach.
Visitors have been able to observe the detailed artwork while also engaging with its underlying message. The combination of a familiar cultural symbol and the ‘Save Nature’ theme makes the installation both visually appealing and socially relevant.
For the young artists, the project offers an opportunity to showcase their skills outside a conventional classroom setting while contributing to a public awareness message.
Art as a tool for environmental awareness
The ‘Nagabana’ sculpture demonstrates how art can be used to communicate environmental concerns without relying solely on conventional awareness campaigns.
A public artwork placed in a popular tourist location can reach a diverse audience, including local residents, families and visitors from outside the region.
The use of Nagadeva as the central concept also makes the message particularly relevant to coastal Karnataka, where Naga worship forms an important part of the region’s cultural traditions.
By linking this heritage with nature conservation, the students have created an artwork that celebrates both cultural identity and environmental responsibility.
The ‘Nagabana’ sand sculpture at Koteshwar therefore serves a dual purpose. It enhances the beauty of the beach while reminding visitors of the importance of protecting nature. Through their creative work, the students of Trivarna Art Classes have transformed a traditional cultural theme into a contemporary message urging people to respect and conserve the natural environment.