Teejan Bai, the legendary Pandavani folk singer from Chhattisgarh, died at the age of 70 on 5 July 2026. Hailing from Durg district, she was widely regarded as the foremost exponent of Pandavani, a traditional performing art that narrates stories from the Mahabharata.
Life and career
Born in 1956 in a small village in Durg, Teejan Bai began performing Pandavani at a young age. She broke gender barriers in a male-dominated tradition and gained national and international acclaim. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019 for her contributions to Indian folk art.
Impact and legacy
Teejan Bai performed in over 20 countries and was known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. According to the Chhattisgarh government, she inspired countless young artists, especially women, to take up folk traditions. Her death marks the end of an era in Indian folk music.
Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling her a "cultural icon." Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced a state funeral and a day of mourning. The state government declared that a museum will be built in her memory.
