Renowned Pandavani singer of Chhattisgarh and Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai has passed away. She had been suffering from a prolonged illness and was undergoing treatment at AIIMS Raipur. She breathed her last at around 3:15 a.m. today. With her powerful voice, compelling stage presence and distinctive style of narration, Teejan Bai gave Pandavani a new identity not only across India but also internationally.
Her remarkable ability to bring the stories of the Mahabharata to life on stage made her one of the most celebrated exponents of Indian folk culture. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian folk art, she was honoured with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award.