India on Sunday (July 5) mourned the loss of celebrated Pandavani artist Teejan Bai, who passed away at a hospital in Raipur after a prolonged illness. She was widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of the traditional storytelling art form and played a pivotal role in taking Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage to audiences across the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over her demise and paid tribute to her immense contribution to Indian folk traditions.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said Teejan Bai’s performances had given Pandavani a unique global identity and enriched India’s cultural landscape.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned Pandavani singer Tijan Bai ji. Through her grand performances, she gave this folk art form of Chhattisgarh a unique identity across the world. Her departure is an irreplaceable loss to the world of art and culture. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with her family and admirers. Om Shanti!” the Prime Minister wrote.
सुप्रसिद्ध पंडवानी गायिका तीजन बाई जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उन्होंने छत्तीसगढ़ की इस लोक कला को अपनी भव्य प्रस्तुति से दुनियाभर में एक विशिष्ट पहचान दिलाई। उनका जाना कला एवं संस्कृति जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2026
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Teejan Bai’s contribution had brought immense recognition and pride to Chhattisgarh on both national and international platforms.
Paying tribute to the artist, Sai said her achievements had elevated the state’s cultural identity and inspired generations of performers.
State minister Kedar Kashyap also expressed grief over her passing, describing it as a major loss not only for Chhattisgarh but for the entire country.
He said Teejan Bai had upheld the honour and prestige of the state through her performances and remained one of India’s most respected cultural ambassadors.
Teejan Bai was one of the most celebrated practitioners of Pandavani, a centuries-old oral storytelling tradition based on episodes from the Mahabharata.
VIDEO | Raipur: On the passing away of Veteran Pandavani singer Teejan Bai after prolonged illness, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai says, “She brought glory to Chhattisgarh’s name across the country and the world. We humbly pay our respects to her.” pic.twitter.com/bcB5XlRdWt
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 5, 2026
Known for her powerful voice, dramatic narration and commanding stage presence, she transformed Pandavani from a regional folk art into an internationally recognised cultural form.
Her performances captivated audiences across India and abroad, earning her widespread acclaim and establishing her as one of the foremost custodians of India’s folk traditions.
Over a career spanning several decades, Teejan Bai received numerous prestigious awards for her contribution to Indian art and culture.
#WATCH | Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh: On the demise of Teejan Bai, state minister Kedar Kashyap says, “The passing of Teejan Bai is deeply saddening. This morning brought extremely sorrowful news for all of us and the entire nation regarding the artist who upheld the honour and… pic.twitter.com/VKs1kMGc8q
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2026
She was honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and later the Padma Vibhushan, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
Her achievements helped place Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions on the global cultural map and inspired countless artists to pursue and preserve indigenous art forms.
With Teejan Bai’s passing, India has lost one of its most influential folk artists and cultural icons. Her contribution to preserving and popularising Pandavani will continue to resonate through generations, ensuring that her legacy remains an enduring part of the country’s artistic heritage.
