Padma Vibhushan Legend Teejan Bai Passes Away at 70

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Jul 05, 2026 1,800 Views

Legendary Pandavani folk singer and Padma Vibhushan recipient Teejan Bai passed away at age 70 in Raipur on July 5, 2026. A cultural icon from Chhattisgarh, she was celebrated for taking traditional Mahabharata storytelling to global audiences and will be accorded full state honors for her immense contributions.

The iconic Pandavani exponent, who brought Chhattisgarh’s traditional storytelling to global stages, died in Raipur after a prolonged illness.

RAIPUR — Teejan Bai, the legendary folk artist and foremost practitioner of Pandavani, passed away on Sunday morning at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur. She was 70. The celebrated performer, who was instrumental in transforming the regional art of Pandavani into a globally recognized tradition, had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for several weeks following a prolonged battle with health issues.

According to medical staff at AIIMS, Raipur, Teejan Bai breathed her last at 3:15 a.m. on July 5, 2026. Her death has sparked a nationwide outpouring of grief, with leaders and cultural icons acknowledging her unparalleled contribution to preserving India’s rich folklore and epic traditions.

A Trailblazer of Pandavani

Born in 1956 in the Ganiyari village of Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, Teejan Bai belonged to the Pardhi tribal community. Her journey as a performer began at a young age, defying traditional societal norms that discouraged women from performing the "Kapalika" style of Pandavani—a rigorous, standing performance style once dominated by male artists.

By adopting the theatrical and high-energy Kapalika style, which involves dramatic narration and singing episodes from the Mahabharata, she shattered cultural barriers. Her commanding stage presence, accompanied by her signature tambura, captivated audiences across Asia, Europe, and beyond for over five decades. Her efforts were recognized with some of India's highest civilian honors, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2003, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2019.

Official Tributes and State Honors

Following the confirmation of her passing, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the hospital to pay his final respects to the artist. In a statement to the public, the Chief Minister announced that Teejan Bai would be accorded full state honors during her final rites.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. In a message shared on social media, President Murmu described the news as "extremely heartbreaking," highlighting how Teejan Bai brought the tales of the Mahabharata to life through her powerful voice and rigorous dedication. Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments, terming her departure an "irreplaceable loss" to the global art and culture landscape.

Impact on Cultural Heritage

Teejan Bai’s legacy extends beyond her performances; she served as a mentor to younger generations, ensuring that the oral tradition of Pandavani would continue to thrive. Her ability to translate complex epic narratives into accessible, emotive storytelling allowed the art form to bridge the gap between rural roots and international stages. For fans and researchers alike, her death marks the end of an era in Indian folk music.

Key Facts at a Glance

Passing: Teejan Bai died at age 70 at AIIMS, Raipur, on July 5, 2026, following a prolonged illness.
Artistic Contribution: She was the foremost exponent of Pandavani, a traditional storytelling art from Chhattisgarh based on the Mahabharata.
Pioneering Style: She was the first woman to perform in the high-energy "Kapalika" (standing) style, breaking male-dominated traditions.
Civilian Honors: She was a recipient of the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2003), and Padma Vibhushan (2019).
Final Rites: The Government of Chhattisgarh has announced that she will be laid to rest with full state honors.

FAQ

What is Pandavani?

Pandavani is a traditional folk art form from Chhattisgarh that involves the dramatic narration of the Mahabharata through singing, music, and performance.

Why was Teejan Bai’s performance style considered groundbreaking?

Traditionally, women performed Pandavani in a seated "Vedamati" style. Teejan Bai adopted the "Kapalika" style, characterized by standing, energetic movement, and powerful vocal delivery, which was previously practiced only by men.

How will the state honor her memory?

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has confirmed that the veteran artist will receive full state honors during her final funeral rites.

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