Legendary Pandavani Folk Singer Teejan Bai Dies at 70
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- Legendary Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away at 70 in Raipur after a prolonged illness.
- She was a renowned exponent of the Mahabharata-based folk art form, transforming it into an internationally acclaimed art.
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Why It Matters
Teejan Bai was a renowned exponent of Pandavani, a folk art form from Chhattisgarh that narrates episodes from the Mahabharata. She was awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
Legendary Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai died at the age of 70 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur on Sunday after a prolonged illness. The Padma Vibhushan awardee breathed her last at 3.15am. She had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS Raipur since May 27, news agency PTI reported. Hailing from Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, Teejan Bai was widely regarded as the foremost exponent of Pandavani, the state’s traditional folk art form that narrates episodes from the Mahabharata through dramatic storytelling, singing and musical accompaniment. Known for her powerful voice, commanding stage presence and expressive performance style, she transformed Pandavani from a regional tradition into an internationally acclaimed art form. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to Indian folk arts, Teejan Bai was conferred the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour.