Pandavani Legend Teejan Bai passes away at 70, leaves behind enduring cultural legacy

India has lost one of its most celebrated folk artists with the passing of Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai, the legendary exponent of Pandavani, at the age of 70. She died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, after battling a prolonged illness.

Teejan Bai was widely credited with transforming Pandavani—a traditional storytelling art form based on the Mahabharata from Chhattisgarh—into a globally recognised cultural tradition through her powerful performances and distinctive style.

Born in Chhattisgarh's Durg district, Teejan Bai began performing at a young age and broke social barriers by becoming one of the first women to perform Pandavani in the dynamic Kapalik style, traditionally dominated by men.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, she represented Indian folk culture on international stages and received numerous honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several leaders paid tribute to the iconic artist, describing her death as an "irreplaceable loss" to India's cultural heritage. Her contributions to preserving and popularising Chhattisgarh's rich folk traditions will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.