Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai ( Center ) , along with public representatives and dignitaries, observes a moment of silence during the condolence meeting held in Ganiyari, Durg district on Tuesday July 14, 2026 , to pay homage to Padma Vibhushan Dr. Teejan Bai, celebrating her unparalleled contribution to India’s folk arts and cultural heritage-Photo Credit -channel24india.com via CMO
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai pays heartfelt tribute at the Dashgatra ceremony in Ganiyari; announces lasting initiatives to honour the legendary Pandavani exponent
Raipur: Chhattisgarh bid an emotional farewell to one of its greatest cultural icons as Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Dashgatra and condolence meeting of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Teejan Bai in her native village Ganiyari in Durg district on Tuesday July 14, 2026 . Paying floral tributes before her portrait, the Chief Minister remembered the legendary Pandavani maestro as a cultural ambassador whose voice carried the soul of Chhattisgarh to audiences across the globe.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai offers floral tributes before the portrait of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Teejan Bai during the Dashgatra ceremony in her native village Ganiyari on Tuesday July 14, 2026 , reaffirming the Chhattisgarh Government’s commitment to preserving the legendary Pandavani exponent’s enduring cultural legacy-Photo Credit -channel24india.com via CMO
Offering condolences to the bereaved family, the Chief Minister met Dr. Teejan Bai’s son, Dilharan Pardhi, and other family members, expressing the state’s solidarity in their moment of grief.
A Legacy That Will Live Forever
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sai described Dr. Teejan Bai as far more than a celebrated artist. He said she embodied the cultural identity of Chhattisgarh and India’s rich folk traditions. Through her unmatched mastery of the Kapalik style of Pandavani, she transformed an ancient oral tradition into an internationally acclaimed performing art, earning the nation’s highest civilian honours and worldwide admiration.
He noted that her life was dedicated to preserving, promoting and popularising India’s folk heritage, ensuring that future generations would continue to draw inspiration from her extraordinary journey.
State Announces Permanent Memorial Initiatives
To ensure that Dr. Teejan Bai’s contribution remains an enduring part of Chhattisgarh’s cultural history, the Chief Minister announced a series of initiatives:
- ‘Dr. Teejan Bai Lok Kala Alankaran’ will be instituted and presented every year during the State Foundation Day celebrations to honour outstanding contributions in folk arts.
- The Government Higher Secondary School at Ganiyari will be renamed after Dr. Teejan Bai, allowing students to remain inspired by her remarkable life and achievements.
- The legendary tambura, which symbolised her lifelong devotion to Pandavani, will be preserved with full honour in the Raipur Museum as a priceless cultural treasure for future generations.
Tributes Pour In
The condolence meeting was also addressed by Member of Parliament Vijay Baghel, Tourism, Culture and Religious Trust Minister Rajesh Agrawal, and Padma Shri awardee and MLA Anuj Sharma, who paid rich tributes to Dr. Teejan Bai’s unmatched contribution to Indian folk art and culture.
The gathering observed a two-minute silence in memory of the departed artist, offering collective prayers for eternal peace.
Among those present were Padma Shri R.S. Barle, School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, MLA Doman Lal Korsewada, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Chairperson Mona Sen, artists from across the state, local public representatives, and a large number of citizens.
Our Insight
Dr. Teejan Bai’s passing marks the end of an era, but her artistic legacy remains immortal. By institutionalising awards in her name, preserving her iconic tambura, and associating educational institutions with her memory, the Chhattisgarh government has taken significant steps to ensure that her extraordinary contribution to Indian folk culture continues to inspire generations. Her powerful voice may have fallen silent, but the timeless spirit of Pandavani will continue to resonate through the cultural landscape of India.
