newspop
Mumbai : India has lost one of its greatest cultural treasures as legendary Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai passed away at the age of 70 on Sunday after a prolonged illness. The Padma Vibhushan awardee breathed her last at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in Indian folk arts.
Born in Ganiyari, Teejan Bai transformed the traditional storytelling form of Pandavani—an oral performance based on the Mahabharata—into a globally celebrated art. With her commanding voice, expressive narration, and dramatic stage presence, she captivated audiences across continents, taking the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh to the world stage.
Her extraordinary contribution to preserving and promoting India’s folk traditions earned her the country’s highest civilian honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.Paying tribute, Narendra Modi described her demise as an “irreplaceable loss” to the world of art and culture, praising her lifelong dedication to keeping India’s storytelling traditions alive.
Her passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from artists, political leaders, and admirers across the country. Tributes have poured in celebrating a woman who not only preserved an ancient tradition but also redefined it for modern audiences.
Though the voice that echoed the tales of the Pandavas has fallen silent, Teejan Bai’s legacy will continue to resonate through generations of performers and lovers of Indian folk culture. Her remarkable journey ensured that Pandavani was not merely preserved—it was immortalised on the global stage.
