In Puri, Odisha, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik created several sand sculptures to mark important observances in June and July 2025. Ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, Pattnaik crafted a 5-foot sand sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing Ustrasana at Puri Beach, using 4.5 tons of sand to convey the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," symbolizing harmony between humanity and nature. Later, on June 26, he produced another sand artwork highlighting the dangers of drug abuse in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. On July 4, coinciding with the Bahuda Yatra—the return chariot procession of Lord Jagannath—Pattnaik again created sand art at Puri Beach. The Bahuda Yatra saw extensive security arrangements, including deployment of around 10,000 police personnel and 205 platoons, overseen by Odisha DGP Yogesh Khurania to manage the large crowds and ensure safety. The festival attracted a large number of devotees, not only in Puri but also in places like Guwahati, Assam. On July 6, the grand Suna Besha ceremony took place in Puri, where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were adorned with approximately 208 kilograms of gold ornaments on their chariots. The event drew over 1.5 million devotees and was marked by elaborate security and safety measures. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the cultural and religious significance of the Suna Besha and inaugurated a Central School sanctioned by Prime Minister Modi in Koraput, Odisha, on the same day.