Raipur, New Delhi: Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Pandwani singer Teejan Bai passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur on Sunday after battling a prolonged illness.

According to hospital officials, Teejan Bai breathed her last at 3:15 a.m. on Sunday. She had been undergoing treatment since May 27 and was suffering from a severe lung infection, bloodstream infection (sepsis), and acute kidney injury.

सुप्रसिद्ध पंडवानी गायिका तीजन बाई जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उन्होंने छत्तीसगढ़ की इस लोक कला को अपनी भव्य प्रस्तुति से दुनियाभर में एक विशिष्ट पहचान दिलाई। उनका जाना कला एवं संस्कृति जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2026

The 70-year-old folk icon was widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of Pandwani, a traditional folk singing style from Chhattisgarh that narrates stories from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata.

PM Modi Pays Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Teejan Bai’s passing, calling it an “irreplaceable loss to the world of art and culture.”

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned Pandavani singer Teejan 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!”

A Global Ambassador of Pandwani

Born in 1956 in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai rose from humble beginnings to become an internationally acclaimed artist. Her powerful performances helped popularise Pandwani on the global stage, earning her recognition as one of India’s foremost folk artists.

Honoured with India’s Highest Civilian Awards

Over her distinguished career, Teejan Bai received several of India’s highest honours, including the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2003) and Padma Vibhushan (2019). She was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1995) for her outstanding contribution to Indian folk culture.

Her passing marks the end of an era for Indian folk music and leaves behind a rich cultural legacy that inspired generations of artists.