Pandavani legend Teejan Bai dies at 70, PM Modi pays tribute

Teejan Bai, Chhattisgarh's foremost Pandavani singer, died in Raipur after a prolonged illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her death on X.

In Short

• She had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS Raipur since May 27
• Her performances took Pandavani from village stages to international cultural platforms
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her death an irreparable cultural loss

Padma Vibhushan awardee and celebrated Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai, who introduced Chhattisgarh's traditional storytelling art to audiences across India and the world, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur on Sunday after a prolonged illness. She was 70.

Teejan Bai died at 3.15 am while undergoing treatment at the hospital, where she had been admitted since May 27, doctors told PTI.

Widely regarded as the foremost exponent of Pandavani, Chhattisgarh's traditional folk storytelling form based on episodes from the Mahabharata, Teejan Bai was known for her commanding voice, dramatic stage presence and expressive performances. Through decades of performances in India and abroad, she helped transform Pandavani from a regional folk tradition into an internationally recognised art form.

Born in Chhattisgarh's Durg district, Teejan Bai became one of India's most celebrated folk artistes, earning acclaim for taking the state's cultural heritage to global audiences.

In recognition of her contribution to Indian folk arts, she was conferred the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her death and paid tribute to her contribution to Indian culture.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai ji. She gave Chhattisgarh's folk art a unique global identity through her magnificent performances. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture. My condolences are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti," he wrote on X.

Teejan Bai's death marks the end of an era for Pandavani, an art form she dedicated her life to preserving and popularising. Her performances ensured that one of Chhattisgarh's oldest storytelling traditions found audiences far beyond its place of origin, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of folk artistes.

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