Legendary Pandavani Singer Teejan Bai Dies At 70

Renowned

Pandavani singer Teejan Bai, who helped bring Chhattisgarh’s folk tradition to global audiences, passed away early Sunday morning at AIIMS Raipur. She had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness and died around 3:15 am. Her passing has left the cultural and artistic community across India saddened. With her powerful voice and expressive storytelling, Teejan Bai carried the Pandavani tradition to audiences worldwide.

Legendary Pandavani Singer Teejan Bai Passes Away at 70

Through her powerful voice, expressive acting, and storytelling, she brought episodes from the Mahabharata to life, elevating the stature of Chhattisgarh’s folk tradition through thousands of performances in India and abroad. Speaking on her passing, her daughter-in-law Renu Teejan Bai said that she died earlier in the day and that the last rites will be performed in Ganiyari village as per tradition. In recognition of her immense contribution to folk arts, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and later the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award.

She also received several national and international accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. In 2007, she was conferred the title of Nritya Shiromani. A decade later, in 2017, she received an honorary D.Litt. degree from Khairagarh Music University. Over her lifetime, she was also conferred four honorary D.Litt. degrees and received the prestigious Fukuoka Prize in Japan for her contribution to the arts.One of her most celebrated performances, depicting the slaying of Dushasana in the Pandavani tradition, earned widespread acclaim. In 1980, she also represented Indian culture abroad, performing as a cultural ambassador in countries such as England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, Malta, Cyprus, Romania, and Mauritius.

PM Modi Mourns Loss Of Pandavani SInger Teejan Bai

Tributes poured in from across the country, with leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing grief. He expressed sorrow over the passing of legendary Pandavani singer Teejan Bai. In a post on X, he said he was deeply saddened by her demise, noting that her powerful performances gave Chhattisgarh’s folk art a distinct identity on the global stage. He mentioned that her loss is an irreparable blow to the world of art and culture and extended his condolences to her family and admirers, praying for peace to her soul.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also paid homage. He mentioned that Teejan Bai, a recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan, brought national and global recognition to Chhattisgarh through her Pandavani folk performances. He paid tribute to her contribution to the arts and prayed for peace to her soul, while also extending strength and support to her grieving family in this difficult time.