Folk artist Devadas Chimakode has been selected for the Janapada Award

Veteran folk artist Devadas Chimakode of Chimakod village in Bidar taluk has been selected for the 2026 Karnataka Janapada Academy Annual Honorary Award.

Mr. Chimakode has been active in folk art for the past 35 years. The 56-year-old folk artist was selected for the award from Bidar district in recognition of his contribution to folk singing, instrumental music, Suggi Kunitha and Halage, among other traditional art forms.

The award carries a cash prize of ₹25,000 and a citation.

Karnataka Janapada Academy member Vijay Kumar Sonare said the recognition was a matter of pride for Bidar district as Mr. Chimakode worked tirelessly to preserve and promote folk traditions by taking them to villages across the region.

He said this award at the state level recognizes the artist’s sustained dedication to folk art for more than three decades and will encourage other folk artists as well.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 21:32 IST