Pandavani legend Teejan Bai dies at 70 in Raipur after prolonged illness

Chhattisgarh is famous for its Dandakaranya forests, its massive mineral wealth, its coveted title as India's rice bowl, and its rich tribal culture. Among its towering personalities, the state has come to be associated with Teejan Bai, the much-acclaimed folk artist adorned with a multitude of awards, including the nation's top honours such as the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2003), and Padma Vibhushan (2019). That voice fell silent yesterday, leaving behind a legacy few can match.Breaking Social BarriersIt is not easy for a man, let alone a woman coming from a marginalised community, to reach the heights Teejan Bai did. Her introduction to music happened early on when she heard her maternal grandfather recite the Mahabharata in the Kapalik style of Pandavani, written by Sabal Singh Chauhan in Chhattisgarhi. Deeply influenced by the rendition, she started learning the art. However, it was not just her ability to sing that made her the legend she was, but also her ability to break numerous norms imposed on women by society at large.Unlike other women of her community, who sang devotional songs and narrated the Mahabharata in the Vedamati style, a restrained form of storytelling while sitting cross-legged on the floor, she performed in the Pandavani style, which was a male bastion, standing on the stage and singing in a loud, guttural voice. In true Pandavani style, her renditions were accompanied by dramatic gestures, impromptu dancing, and the enactment of characters from the Mahabharata. She broke the glass ceiling at the tender age of 13 and faced grave consequences, as her year-old marriage broke down and she was expelled by the Pardhi community to which she belonged. But she stood her ground, literally. Alone and penniless, she rebuilt her life and continued singing in Pandavani, creating history.A Masterful PerformerThe most fascinating aspect of her performance was the way she enacted her characters most convincingly using just her expressions, her tenor, and her tambura. When playing Arjun, the tambura in her hands transformed into Gandiva, Arjun's preferred weapon, while playing Bheem, the same tambura appeared as a mace, and while playing Krishna, one could imagine it to be a flute, held ever so gently in her hands.Teejan Bai's life was as dramatic as her profession. Once, while she was performing, her second husband got onto the stage and, in an aggressive voice, demanded that she stop the act. In reply, she simply picked up her tambura and announced that since he had not only insulted her but her art as well, and she could not forgive him, she was choosing her art over him. And that henceforth he was “a nobody to her”. She ended the marriage there and then, on the stage, in front of the audience.An Enduring LegacySuch was the persona of Teejan Bai—an individual who dared to dream, an artist who kept a legacy alive, but above all a woman who broke conventions and lived life on her own terms.

Iconic Pandwani vocalist Teejan Bai, a revered Padma Vibhushan awardee, has sadly passed away at AIIMS Raipur following a lengthy illness. Her family praised her as the unwavering backbone of their lives, adeptly handling all matters. Even though she lost her voice in later years, her influential spirit continues to resonate with countless admirers. Tributes poured in from national leaders and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, honoring her remarkable contributions.

India has lost one of its most celebrated folk artists as renowned Pandavani singer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai passed away, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in the world of traditional performing arts. She had been suffering from a prolonged illness and was undergoing treatment at AIIMS Raipur. She breathed her last at around 3:15 AM today. With her powerful voice, compelling stage presence, and distinctive style of narration, Teejan Bai gave Pandavani a new identity not only across India but also internationally. View this post on Instagram Pandavani singer dies Pandavani singer Teejan Bai died in the early hours of Saturday, July 5, 2026, at the age of 70. She had been suffering from a prolonged illness and was undergoing treatment at AIIMS Raipur since May 27, 2026. A large number of people gathered at her residence in Durg to pay their last respects. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also paid homage to the legendary folk singer and said, "She brought immense pride to Chhattisgarh and earned nationwide recognition through her extraordinary contributions to Indian folk art and culture."Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai pays homage to Pandavani legend Teejan Bai.CM Vishnu Deo Sai said-"She brought immense pride to Chhattisgarh and earned nationwide recognition through her extraordinary contributions to Indian folk art and culture."The Padma Vibhushan… pic.twitter.com/kEgU4eUa1s— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 5, 2026 About PandavaniWidely regarded as the face of Pandavani, the folk storytelling tradition of Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai devoted her life to preserving and popularising this centuries-old art form. Born in the village of Ganiyari in present-day Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai displayed a passion for storytelling and singing from a young age. At a time when Pandavani performances were largely dominated by men, she broke social barriers and emerged as one of the most influential exponents of the tradition.Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai pays homage to Pandavani legend Teejan Bai.CM Vishnu Deo Sai said-"She brought immense pride to Chhattisgarh and earned nationwide recognition through her extraordinary contributions to Indian folk art and culture."The Padma Vibhushan… pic.twitter.com/kEgU4eUa1s— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 5, 2026 Ability to bring the stories of the Mahabharata to lifePandavani had a remarkable ability to bring the stories of the Mahabharata to life on stage. Her musical narration was based on episodes from the Mahabharata, combining powerful vocals, dramatic expressions, and theatrical storytelling. Teejan Bai captivated audiences with her energetic performances, often using a tambura as a symbolic prop to portray different characters from the epic. The Prime Minister also mourned her demise in a post shared on X.Indian Theatre Pioneer Vijaya Mehta Dies At 91; Shabana Azmi & Bharati Achrekar Lead Emotional Tributes'Irreplaceable loss to art and culture'.- PM Modi mourns demise of Pandavani singer Teejan Bai pic.twitter.com/GdMDWn2TLW— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 5, 2026 Honoured with Padma ShriIn recognition of her contribution to Indian folk art, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, the country's fourth, third, and second-highest civilian awards, respectively. Throughout her career, Teejan Bai inspired generations of artists by proving that dedication and talent could overcome social and cultural barriers. She also mentored young performers, ensuring that the Pandavani tradition continued to flourish.

The Padma Vibhushan recipient breathed her last at 3.15 am in the hospital, where she had been undergoing treatment since May 27

Teejan Bai, who originally hailed from the Durg district, brought Chattisgarh's traditional storytelling art to global audiences.

Legendary Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai, who brought Chhattisgarh's folk art to global acclaim, passed away at 70 after a prolonged illness. The Padma Vibhushan awardee, known for her captivating renditions of the Mahabharata, breathed her last early Sunday at AIIMS Raipur. Her unique Kapalik style and expressive performances redefined the art form, earning her national and international recognition. Her demise marks an irreparable loss to India's cultural heritage.