Kalaimamani Award 2026: Gold Pendant & Citation for Artists
Verified with the official myScheme record on हिंदी में पढ़ें
Quick answer
The Kalaimamani Award recognises eminent Tamil artists with a gold pendant of three sovereign ponnadai and a citation. It is open to all artists regardless of caste, religion, race or age. Artists apply by submitting a form and required documents to the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Gold Pendant & Citation |
| Ministry / department | Art and Culture Department |
| Level | State Government (Tamil Nadu) |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
The Kalaimamani Award is a state‑level honour conferred by the Art & Culture Department of Tamil Nadu. It recognises artists who have made lasting contributions to traditional arts such as literature, music, Bharathanatyam, drama, film, folk arts, painting, sculptures and more. Awardees receive a gold pendant of three sovereign ponnadai and a citation at the investiture function. The award is given irrespective of caste, religion, race or age and can be conferred jointly to more than one artist in the same discipline.
Benefits
- Gold pendant of three sovereign ponnadai
- Citation
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Artist
- Popular and famous
- Professionally rendered services enriching traditional arts
- Lasting contribution, popularity and merit in art disciplines such as Tamil literature, music, Bharathanatyam, drama, film, folk arts, painting, sculptures, Vigadam, etc.
- Award conferred for one discipline only if artist is popular in multiple disciplines
- Award can be given jointly to more than one artist engaged in same discipline
Who cannot apply
- Individual works or single achievements are not considered for the award
Documents required
- Bio-Data of the Artist
- Proof of Achievements/Merits in the art disciplines of Tamil Literature, Music, Bharathanatyam, Drama, Film, Folk arts, Painting, Sculptures, Vigadam etc.
- Any other document if required
How to apply
- 1Visit the office of the Manram during office hours and request the hard copy of the application form.
- 2Fill in all mandatory fields and attach copies of required documents.
- 3Submit the signed application form and documents to Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Ponni, 31, P.S. Kumarasamy Raja Salai, Chennai-600 028.
- 4Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the authority, ensuring it contains date, time and unique identification number if applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Who implements the Kalaimamani Award scheme?+
The Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram in Chennai implements the scheme.
What benefits do awardees receive at the Kalaimamani Award Investiture Function?+
Awardees receive a gold pendant of three sovereign Ponnadai and a citation.
What are the eligibility criteria for receiving the Kalaimamani Award?+
Eligibility is based on the artist's popularity and significant contributions to traditional arts.
In which art disciplines are artists recognized for the Kalaimamani Award?+
Disciplines include Tamil literature, music, Bharathanatyam, drama, film, folk arts, painting, sculptures, Vigadam, etc.
Can an artist receive the Kalaimamani Award multiple times?+
An artist can only receive the award once, even if proficient in multiple disciplines.
Are there any restrictions based on caste, religion, race, or age for receiving the Kalaimamani Award?+
The award is given regardless of caste, religion, race or age.
What happens if an artist passes away after being announced as an awardee?+
If an artist passes away after announcement but before investiture, the award is given to their dependent.
How are artists selected for the Kalaimamani Award?+
Selection involves recommendations from senior artists, voluntary cultural organisations, experts, and final decision by the General Council of the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)