Odisha-based miniature artist carves smallest World Cup trophy on turmeric

Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], October 6 : With the ICC Cricket World Cup fever set to grip the nation, an Odisha-based miniature artist, L Eswar Rao, has chosen a unique way to express his love for the game.
As the Cricket tournament commenced on October 5, Rao has crafted the World Cup trophy on a turmeric stick, as a tribute to the Indian team. It took two days to complete the trophy from bottom to top.
Speaking to ANI, Rao said, I thought that making this World Cup trophy a bit different, so I have crafted smallest '1 Inch' a 'World Cup' trophy using turmeric. I took me two days to complete from top to bottom.
"Making the World Cup trophy is difficult as all the three stumps should be visible and ball needs to be on top. We need sharp tools to shape the art and make it visible in the smallest size," Rao said.
Rao, who hails from Jatni village, also used the opportunity to extend good wishes for the Indian team. "It's a proud moment for Indians that World Cup is being played in India, and I wish the Indian team all the best for upcoming matches, Rao said.
Rao has been practising this miniature art for the last 25 years since he was in school. Whether it is creating the World Cup trophy on a pencil nib or making a tiny sculpture of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel using a soap bar, Rao never misses an opportunity to sculpt fascinating things.