Teejan Bai is a renowned Pandavani artist and folk singer from the state of Chhattisgarh in India. She was born on April 7, 1956, in Ganiyari village in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh.

Teejan Bai was born into a traditional Muslim family of the Pardhi community, who were traditionally performers of the Pandavani art form. Pandavani is a folk ballad form from Chhattisgarh, where the singer narrates stories from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, with a unique blend of music and drama.

Teejan Bai was introduced to Pandavani at a very young age, learning from her mother, who was also a Pandavani artist. She displayed exceptional talent and enthusiasm for this art form. Despite coming from a marginalized community and facing societal challenges, she pursued her passion for Pandavani with determination.

Teejan Bai’s performances gained recognition for her storytelling skills, powerful voice, and dynamic stage presence. She has not only preserved the traditional Pandavani style but also added her unique interpretations and innovations to it. She became a prominent folk artist, performing not only in local festivals but also on national and international stages.

Her performances have been widely appreciated, earning her numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Shri (the fourth-highest civilian award in India) in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan (the third-highest civilian award in India) in 2003. She has also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, one of the most prestigious awards for performing artists in India.

Award to Teejan Bai

Teejan Bai’s success as a female folk artist from a marginalized community has been inspirational. She has become a symbol of empowerment, breaking gender and societal barriers through her art. She has actively worked towards the upliftment of her community and has been an advocate for preserving traditional folk arts.

Teejan Bai’s life and achievements stand as a testament to the power of art in transcending social boundaries and inspiring generations. Through her storytelling, she has not only entertained audiences but also preserved and promoted the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh.