Kala Gaurav Puraskar is a state award presented by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, to honor artists who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields of art and culture. In 2026 the department invited fresh applications for the 2026-27 cycle, and the award continues to recognize veteran artists with a financial purse and state-level appreciation.
The scheme honors artists aged 60 and above who have spent years working in fields such as music, dance, drama, tiatr, folk art, painting, craft, sculpture, bhajan, kirtan, literature and film. Every year the department selects 20 deserving artists for this honor, and each awardee receives a shawl, shrifal, memento, a certificate of appreciation and a cash purse of ₹25,000.
Kala Gaurav Puraskar - Introduction
Kala Gaurav Puraskar is presented by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, to appreciate artists who have given outstanding contributions in their fields. The scheme provides formal appreciation and financial support to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and talent of local artists. For the 2026-27 cycle, the department invited recommendations for Kala Gaurav, Kala Sanman and Yuva Srujan awards, and the last date for submitting application or recommendation forms was extended to 17 July 2026.
The main aims of the scheme are listed below.
- To provide state-level appreciation to artists who have made big contributions to art and culture.
- To felicitate veteran artists for their lifetime achievements.
- To appreciate, preserve and promote age-old artistic traditions in Goa.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Kala Gaurav Puraskar |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Sports & Culture |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| Financial Purse | ₹25,000 per awardee |
| Awardees Per Year | 20 |
| Nodal Department | Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa |
Benefits
This scheme rewards the dedication of an artist to the arts through the following benefits.
- Each awardee receives a shawl, shrifal, memento, a certificate of appreciation and a financial purse of ₹25,000.
- The government selects a maximum of 20 awardees every year, subject to the availability of funds.
- The award gives state-level recognition that adds to the reputation of the artist in the cultural community.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this honor, an artist should meet the criteria given below.
- The applicant should be an individual artist.
- The applicant should be at least 60 years of age.
- The artist should have made a deep and big effect in a specific field of art such as music, dance, drama, tiatr, folk art, painting, craft, sculpture, bhajan, kirtan, literature or film.
- The artist should have actively practiced and contributed to the art scene in Goa for a minimum of 10 years during the career.
Exclusions
An artist will not be eligible in the following cases.
- If the artist has previously received a State Cultural Award.
- If the artist has already availed the benefit of this scheme in the past, as no individual shall receive it for a second time.
Application Process
The application is submitted offline through the Directorate of Art and Culture. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, 5th Floor, Shram Shakti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa - 403001.
STEP 2 - Download the official application form 2026-27 from the official portal or obtain a hard copy from the departmental office. The form carries a charge of ₹10.
STEP 3 - Fill in all required fields accurately, attach a passport-sized photograph, and provide self-attested copies of all required documents along with the recommendation letter.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application to ACO-III, Directorate of Art and Culture (Phone: 0832-2404606, E-mail: aco6-dac.goa@nic.in).
Application Deadline
Applications should be submitted within 30 days from the official advertisement date in the newspaper. For the 2026-27 cycle, the last date for submitting application or recommendation forms was extended to 17 July 2026.
Documents
The following documents are required while submitting the application.
- For the nominator: ID proof of the recommender and a formal recommendation letter from an individual or institution.
- For the nominee: passport-size photograph, birth proof or age certificate, Aadhaar card copy, PAN card copy, detailed biodata of the artistic career, photographic evidence of past performances and certificates of achievement or merit.
- For NRI or OCI applicants: valid passport copies and proof of legal visa or permit status to confirm the history of activity in Goa.
References
Additional details can be viewed through these official resources.
- Official scheme page - Directorate of Art and Culture
- Official Application Form 2026-27
- Citizen's Charter
FAQ's
Is there any provision for Kala Gaurav Puraskar beneficiaries to apply for other art-related schemes like the Kala Samman Scheme?
Yes, if the eligibility requirements for the Kala Samman Scheme are met, an artist can apply for it regardless of the previous award status.
Are there any exclusions?
Yes, if an artist has already received the State Cultural Award or has been a previous recipient of the Kala Gaurav Puraskar, the artist cannot reapply.
What are the core eligibility requirements for an artist?
An artist must be at least 60 years old and have spent a minimum of 10 years actively working in the field of arts within Goa.
What is the objective of this scheme?
The main aim is to provide state-wide appreciation and financial support to local artists for their lifelong dedication and big contributions to art and culture in Goa.
Can artists from different art forms apply?
Yes, the scheme is open to all artists, whether involved in traditional, contemporary, visual or performing arts.
How are contributions evaluated for lesser-known art forms?
The department assesses the impact of the artist, the reputation within the field, and the role in the development or preservation of that specific art form.
Can international award winners apply?
Yes, if an artist has received international acclaim but still meets the local criteria for working within Goa, the artist is eligible to apply.
How is the impact on the local community assessed?
The evaluation is based on submitted documentation, community testimonials and proof of an active role in preserving local cultural practices.
Is there an upper age limit?
No, there is only a minimum age requirement of 60 years.
Can artists with disabilities apply?
Yes, artists with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and their specific artistic achievements and challenges are treated with the same regard.
Does having other awards disqualify an artist?
Not at all. An artist can still apply; holding other awards may show sustained excellence in the field.
What should the recommendation letter include?
It should be a formal letter from a respected figure or peer in the arts community explaining the importance of the work and why the committee should consider the artist.
What should the biodata contain?
The biodata should present a clear journey of the career, highlighting major achievements, notable works and personal background.
What documentation is required for NRI or OCI status holders?
Under this category, valid passport copies and proof of legal visa or permit status must be provided to confirm the history of activity in Goa.