Legendary Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai established Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity on the global stage through her unique singing style, extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment to preserving folk traditions.Her commanding voice, dramatic stage presence and vivid retelling of stories from the Mahabharata made her one of India’s most celebrated folk artistes. The versatile singer passed away in Raipur on Jattvibeday after a prolonged illness at the age of 70.A Padma Vibhushan awardee, Teejan Bai transformed Pandavani from a regional folk tradition into a globally recognised performance art.Born in 1956 in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in present-day Chhattisgarh, she developed an interest in Pandavani as a child after watching her maternal grandfather perform the art form. At a time when the art form was almost entirely dominated by men, she chose to pursue it despite social barriers.Traditionally, Pandavani was performed either in the seated Vedamati style or the more theatrical standing Kapalik style, both largely practised by male performers. Teejan Bai broke that convention, becoming the first woman to perform in the Kapalik style. Her energetic performances, marked by expressive acting and powerful narration, redefined the art form and inspired generations of artistes.In recognition of her contribution to the Indian folk culture, she received the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour.She was named Teejan because she was born on the day of the Teej festival. She belonged to the Pardhi community, one of the communities that had been notified as a “criminal tribe” under the British-era Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. The law was repealed in 1952.Despite never attending school as a child, she later completed her education up to Class V through an adult literacy programme. Her artistic achievements earned her four honorary Doctor of Literature degrees. Over the course of her career, she performed across India and in several countries, including France and Germany.Paying tribute to the legendary artiste, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai. She gave Chhattisgarh’s folk art a unique global identity through her magnificent performances. 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.”President Droupadi Murmu hailed Teejan for bringing stories of the ‘Mahabharata’ to life with her “powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and distinctive style”.“Her dedication and years of practice helped carry Chhattisgarh’s Pandavani tradition to audiences across India and abroad. Her contribution to preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage will always be remembered,” she added.Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described her death as an irreparable loss not only to the world of folk art but also to the cultural heritage of the state and the nation.“It is deeply saddening to learn about the demise of Padma Vibhushan awardee and world-renowned Pandavani artist Dr Teejan Bai, the immortal storyteller of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture. Her passing is an irreparable loss not only to the world of folk art but also to the cultural heritage of the entire state of Chhattisgarh and the nation,” Sai said on X.“I pray to Lord Ram to grant the departed soul a place at his divine feet and give strength and courage to her bereaved family, countless admirers and the entire folk art fraternity to bear this profound loss. Om Shanti,” he added.