In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the celebrated artist and acknowledged her contribution to preserving and popularising Pandavani, a unique folk tradition based on episodes from the Mahabharata.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai. Through her magnificent performances, she gave Chhattisgarh’s folk art a distinct identity across the world. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture. My condolences are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled her death and remembered her as one of India’s most influential folk artists. In his message, Singh said Teejan Bai left an indelible mark on the world of folk arts through her exceptional performances and played a significant role in bringing recognition to Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage at both national and international levels.

Teejan Bai had been undergoing treatment for health-related issues and breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur. Her death marks the end of an era in Indian folk performance traditions, particularly for Pandavani, a narrative art form that combines storytelling, singing and dramatic expression to recount episodes from the Mahabharata.

Born in 1956 in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in present-day Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated folk artists in the country. At a time when women rarely performed Pandavani publicly, she broke social barriers and established herself as a leading performer through her powerful voice, commanding stage presence and innovative style.

Over the decades, she became synonymous with Pandavani and introduced the art form to audiences far beyond central India. Her performances captivated spectators across India and abroad, earning widespread appreciation for their emotional depth and dramatic intensity.

Cultural experts often credit Teejan Bai with transforming Pandavani from a regional folk tradition into a globally recognised art form. Through numerous national and international tours, she helped showcase India’s rich cultural heritage on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Her extraordinary contribution to Indian arts was recognised with several of the country’s highest honours. The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on her in 1988, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2003. In 2019, she received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting folk culture.

Apart from the Padma awards, Teejan Bai was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and several other prestigious accolades throughout her career. Her influence extended beyond performance, inspiring generations of artists to embrace and preserve traditional Indian art forms.

The passing of Teejan Bai has prompted tributes from across the country, with political leaders, artists and cultural institutions remembering her as a towering figure in Indian folk music and storytelling. Her legacy is expected to continue through the countless performers and admirers inspired by her work.

With her death, India loses not only a celebrated artist but also a cultural ambassador who dedicated her life to keeping a centuries-old tradition alive for future generations.