This State Awards Ceremonywas initiated in 1984 under the guidance of the then Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and the Director of Cultural Affairs to give due accolade to the artistes who sacrifice their entire life to the field of arts but not evaluated with state patronage. The number of artistes who are evaluated is increased each year. This is an annually held ceremony which is jointly organised with the assistance of the Department of Muslim religious and Cultural Affairs together with the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.