The Eastern Voice Correspondent

Raipur. Legendary Pandavani folk singer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai passed away at the age of 70 at AIIMS Raipur after a prolonged illness, marking the end of an iconic chapter in Indian folk culture. Widely regarded as the greatest exponent of Pandavani, Chhattisgarh’s traditional musical storytelling art based on the Mahabharata, Teejan Bai brought the centuries-old folk form to global recognition through her powerful performances, dramatic narration, and commanding stage presence.

Born in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, she broke social and gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated art form and became an international cultural icon, representing India in countries including France, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, her contribution to Indian folk arts remains unparalleled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief, calling her demise an “irreparable loss” to India’s cultural and artistic heritage.