Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 5th July 2026, 10:59 PM
India’s cultural landscape is mourning the loss of one of its most luminous figures. Teejan Bai, the legendary exponent of the traditional Pandavani folk art form, passed away on Sunday following a prolonged illness. The 70-year-old artist breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where she had been undergoing intensive treatment for various age-related health complications.
Medical officials reported that her health took a critical turn early on Sunday morning. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, she could not be revived. Teejan Bai had originally been admitted to the facility on 27 May, presenting with severe breathing difficulties and acute physical exhaustion. She spent her final weeks under close clinical observation in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Teejan Bai was widely celebrated for single-handedly elevating Pandavani—a traditional musical narration of the Hindu epic Mahabharata—from the rural courtyards of Chhattisgarh to prestigious international stages. Her distinctive style was characterised by a powerful, resonant voice combined with intense, animated theatricality. Holding a decorated tambura in her hand as a prop to represent characters or weapons, her performances captivated audiences worldwide, effectively challenging the historical male dominance within the art form.
Her passing triggered a wave of tributes from across the nation’s political and cultural spheres. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over her demise, acknowledging her monumental impact on Indian heritage. Writing on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister stated that the renowned Pandavani artist had introduced Chhattisgarh’s traditional folk art to the world through her unique performances. He described her passing as an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture, while offering deep condolences to her family and vast network of admirers.
The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, also expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the state’s most prominent cultural icon. He remarked that Teejan Bai’s contributions to showcasing Chhattisgarhi culture on both national and international platforms remained unparalleled, adding that the state had lost an extraordinary cultural ambassador. Echoing these sentiments, State Minister Kedar Kashyap stated that the singer was the pride of the entire nation, having elevated Indian heritage to a position of immense respect globally.
Throughout her illustrious career, Teejan Bai received extensive institutional recognition for her role in preserving and promoting indigenous folklore. The Government of India honoured her with three of the country’s highest civilian awards: the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan. Her departure marks the end of an era for Indian folk traditions, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of traditional performers.
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