India lost one of its most celebrated folk artistes on Sunday as Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Pandwani exponent Teejan Bai passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, after a prolonged illness. She was 70.
Hospital officials said Teejan Bai breathed her last at 3.15 am. She had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS since 27 May for a severe lung infection, bloodstream infection (sepsis) and acute kidney injury.
How Teejan Bai Transformed Pandwani into a Global Art Form
A towering figure in Indian folk culture, Teejan Bai transformed Pandwani — the traditional storytelling art of Chhattisgarh based on episodes from the Mahabharata — from a regional folk tradition into a globally celebrated performance form. With her commanding voice, dramatic narration and deeply expressive stage presence, she captivated audiences across the world.
According to Zee News English, Teejan Bai carried India's culture to the world and earned the highest honors — Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
Her Journey from a Small Village to National Recognition
Teejan Bai's journey began in a small village in Chhattisgarh, where she picked up the tambura and embraced her calling. With unwavering passion, she gave her voice to a tradition that might have otherwise faded away, as noted in a tribute on Instagram.
Her voice carried the weight of ancient epics, and her soul sang for the people, as the DD Morning Show paid heartfelt tribute to the legendary artist, according to a YouTube post.
Our Take: A Loss That Echoes Beyond Chhattisgarh
Teejan Bai's death is not just the loss of a folk singer — it is the silencing of a voice that carried centuries of tradition. In our view, her greatest achievement was making Pandwani accessible to audiences who had never heard of Chhattisgarh's storytelling heritage. She proved that regional art, when performed with passion and skill, can speak to the entire world.
Her passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. But her recordings and performances will continue to inspire future generations of folk artists. The government and cultural institutions must now work to preserve and promote Pandwani, ensuring that Teejan Bai's legacy lives on.
