New Delhi: The pride and heritage of Odisha found its place in the bustling New York City as Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna unveiled a replica of the Konark Wheel at Times Square. Being one of the main tourist attractions in India, the Konark Wheel now graces the streets of Times Square leaving a glimpse of India in the faraway land. This replica of the iconic Konark Wheel was unveiled by the celebrated Michelin-starred chef and entrepreneur on the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day.
Congratulating the chef, Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, expressed his admiration and gratitude on Twitter.
The CM wrote, "Congratulate entrepreneur & celebrity chef Vikas Khanna on unveiling a replica of Konark Temple wheel at Times Square, New York on the occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day. Thank Mr Khanna for showcasing Odisha’s timeless sculpture before the world and appreciate the artists for their splendid craftsmanship."
Netizens too were overwhelmed with pride and took to the comments section to express their joy. One of them wrote, "Proud for Barath soil such things !! our culture always great & Each state of Barath soil such monument should keep !! so that all generations can watch & feel proud always our culture", while another person said, "Incredible! Odisha is rich in heritage and culture; the Odia art and crafting skills are extraordinary and are being praised around the globe. Thanks to chef Vikas Khanna for constructing a replica of Odisha's Black Pagoda at Times Square, New York."
A third comment read, "A big thank you to my favourite, Vikas Khanna, on revealing the Konark Temple wheel at Times Square, New York, for the very first time. It is a proud moment for all Odias to see our culture and heritage in front of the world."
Additionally, Chef Vikas Khanna took to his Instagram to share photos and videos of the grand event. Calling it one of the best installations in New York’s history which connects the 13th Century to the 21st Century he wrote, "Plan your weekend with your family & friends to visit Times Square. To witness this eternal piece of art & history. Our kids need to witness the brilliance of Indian artisans. Fall in love with Odisha’s artists again & again."
Sharing a video with his mother in another post, Khanna dedicated it to her saying, "This is for you MA. 🥹❤️ One of the largest flag hoisting of India in America. I’m humbled to be a part of this historic occasion. I still remember walking on the streets of New York City for the first time 23 years ago & today……installing something so majestic was humbling & powerful. Thanks to the artists of Odisha & their devotion to the Chakra, Jitendra_Films for dreaming about this. Hundreds of people & organizations that made this day possible with their love & support."
Describing the piece of art, Vikas further said, "What an honour. This is for you Odisha. The Stone art will be on display until August 22nd (11.30 pm) on 44th Street & Broadway. THE KONARK WHEEL- Material: Sand Stone, Dimension: 8ft X 6ft X 1ft, Weight: 1,750KG (Appx. 4,000 pounds), Category: Non-Antique (Newly made), Artist: Amaresh Chandra Bindhani and team, Origin: Odisha, India."
The opening ceremony of the Indian Independence Exhibition featured "the awe-inspiring Chakra Sculpture, a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and shared values between the two nations," and was organised by the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) in partnership with The Consulate General of India in New York and The City of New York.
Later, the sculpture will be transferred to Khanna's future New York City restaurant.
About The Konark Wheel:
The Sun Temple of Konark is famous around the world for its stone sculptures. At its base, the temple was designed in the shape of a massive chariot drawn by 7 mighty spirited horses on 12 pairs (a total of 24 wheels) of gorgeously decorated wheels. The diameter of the wheel is 9 feet 9 inches, and each one has 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes. Six of the 24 wheels are on either side of the main temple, four on each side of the Mukhasala, and two on each side of the steps at the eastern front.