Padma Vibhushan Pandavani Exponent Dr. Teejan Bai Passes Away at 70
Raipur, 5 June, 2026: Renowned Pandavani exponent and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Teejan Bai passed away on Sunday at AIIMS Raipur after a prolonged illness. She was 70.
According to family sources, the legendary folk artist had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for several weeks. She had been battling multiple health complications, including fluid accumulation in her lungs, which caused severe breathing difficulties.
Born on April 24, 1956, in Ganiyari village of present-day Durg district in Chhattisgarh, Dr. Teejan Bai emerged as one of India’s most celebrated folk performers and played a pivotal role in taking the traditional art of Pandavani—a musical narration of the Mahabharata—to audiences across the globe.
Born into the Pardhi Scheduled Tribe community, she developed an interest in the Mahabharata during her childhood by listening to her grandfather, Brajlal Pardhi, narrate its stories. She later received informal training under Umed Singh Deshmukh.
Dr. Teejan Bai created history by becoming the first woman to perform Pandavani in the Kapalik style, a dynamic standing performance that was traditionally dominated by male artists. At a time when women largely performed the seated Vedamati style, her bold artistic choice transformed the genre and earned her widespread acclaim. She gave her first public performance at the age of 13.
Her talent flourished under the guidance of eminent theatre personality Habib Tanvir, and she later performed before then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as well as on prestigious stages in India and abroad, becoming a global ambassador of Chhattisgarh’s rich folk heritage.
In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to Indian folk arts, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2003, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2019.
Dr. Teejan Bai: At a Glance
– Born: April 24, 1956, Ganiyari village, Durg, Chhattisgarh
– Art Form: Pandavani (musical narration of the Mahabharata)
– Performance Style: Kapalik
– First Public Performance: At the age of 13
– Mentor: Umed Singh Deshmukh
– Major Honours: Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2003), Padma Vibhushan (2019)
– Died: July 5, 2026, at AIIMS Raipur
With the passing of Dr. Teejan Bai, India has lost one of its greatest folk artists. Her powerful performances and lifelong dedication to preserving and popularising Pandavani have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations of artists and admirers.
