Veteran folk artist Devadas Chimakode of Chimakod village in Bidar taluk has been selected for the Karnataka Janapada Academy’s annual honorary award for 2026.

Mr. Chimakode has been active in the folk arts for the past 35 years. The 56-year-old folk artist was selected for the award from Bidar district in recognition of his contributions 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 that the recognition is a matter of pride for Bidar district, as Mr. Chimakode has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote folk traditions by taking them to villages across the region.

He said that the State-level honour has recognised the artist’s sustained commitment to folk art over more than three decades and will encourage other folk artists as well.