Bhubaneswar, Feb. 26: Artists are ushering in devotional fervour at an exhibition dedicated to Nabakalebara, the change of idols event that is approaching fast.

Nila Kandar, the exhibition hosted by the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi, was inaugurated at Jaydev Bhavan today.

The art show features works of 36 established and upcoming artists of the state. The paintings have touched upon numerous mythological tales of Lord Jagannath as well as spiritual aspects of devotion. Known for the bold colours in all its elements, the Jagannath culture has been depicted in a myriad of shades in the paintings.

Veterans such as Durga Prasad Das, Dinanath Pathi, Jatin Das, Chandramani Biswal, Baladeba Moharatha, Ramhari Jena and many others have taken part in the three-day exhibition. Budding artists such as Satyabhama Majhi, Santosh Kumar Routray and so on have also displayed their works on the theme.

Lord Jagannath in various forms has been shown to be present among his devotees by many artists. Some paintings depict the legends of devotees such as Dasia Bauri and Salabega and various works have been based on the imagery created by the poetry of Jaydev.

The long-known association of Buddhism and Jagannath cult has also been brought out in the work of Panchanan Samal. He has used subtle shades to express the concept of Buddhism while depicting the elements of Lord Jagannath's face with bold colours. A meditating Buddha has been shown as Jagannath in the painting.

Another acrylic work buy Nikunj Bihari Das is interesting, presenting the Nila Madhaba tale within a crouching oxen's body. The various hues used by the artist make the painting striking.

Nabakalebar, the event of the deity's physical body's extinction and resembling the human life, holds significance among followers of the Lord. The deity's idol will be constructed with new wood after the funeral rites of the previous physical form are conducted.

"Every ritual and form of the Lord is an assembly of art. It is only fitting that we, the artists, express our love in our language of art for the Lord," said akademi secretary Tarakant Parida.

Viewers at the exhibition were seen appreciating the paintings minutely. "It feels divine to stand amid so many paintings of the Lord. The concept is beautiful," said Prerana Mohanty, an art lover. The exhibition is on till Saturday evening.