“I am deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned Pandavani singer Tijan Bai ji. Through her grand performances, she gave this folk art form of Chhattisgarh a unique identity across the world. Her departure is an irreplaceable loss to the world of art and culture. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with her family and admirers. Om Shanti!”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his X account on Sunday to mourn the death of Teejan Bai, a celebrated exponent of the Pandavani storytelling tradition from Chhattisgarh, noting that her passing represents a significant cultural loss. The artist died in a Raipur hospital after a long illness, according to doctors cited by PTI, and had previously received both the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan honors for her contributions. State leaders, including Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Minister Kedar Kashyap, also paid tribute, highlighting how her powerful performances elevated the regional folk form to national and international attention. The collective condolences underscore her role in shaping the cultural identity of Chhattisgarh and her impact on India’s artistic heritage.
- indiatimes.com ↗︎05 JUL 2026