[4][5] The award carries a cash prize of 1,50,000 Indian Rupees, a citation, and a statuette.

[1] It is presented annually on behalf of the Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival, a cultural programme organized by the Tourism Department of Kerala every year.

[10] Dr Padma Subrahmanyam, an exponent in Bharata Natyam, won the award in 2015.

[11] Musician Ilayaraja won the award in 2016 for his contribution to the Indian film music industry.

[12] The Governor of Kerala P. Sathasivam presented the Nishagandhi Puraskaram to Bharati Shivaji, an exponent in Mohiniyattom, in 2017.