- Chhattisgarh’s folk tradition, Pandavani enthralled the audience at India Habitat Centre,
Chhattisgarh’s Pandavani was presented in full vibrancy at the India Habitat Centre, the prestigious cultural platform in the national capital, Delhi. The IHC Folk Music Conference 2026 opened with a special performance dedicated to the memory of the late Teejan Bai, the legendary Pandavani artist and Padma Vibhushan awardee. This Pandavani presentation once again brought Chhattisgarh’s folk tradition to the forefront of Delhi’s cultural landscape.
- Pandavani, the strength of Chhattisgarh’s unique folk genre, was evident
in the program held at the India Habitat Centre’s Stein Auditorium. Pandavani artist Prabha Yadav performed alongside traditional musicians. Based on tales from the Mahabharata, Pandavani showcased a unique combination of narrative, singing, dialogue, rhythm, and acting, highlighting the strength and breadth of this unique folk genre of Chhattisgarh.
Representatives of the Chhattisgarh government, along with prominent figures from the state’s art and culture, were present at the event. Senior journalist and Advisor to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, R. Krishna Das, Dharsiwa MLA and renowned Chhattisgarhi film artist Anuj Sharma, Prabal Pratap Singh Judev, and cultural activists participated. India Habitat Centre Director Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh and Anwesha Kala Kendra Secretary Anwesha Brahma were also present on the occasion.
- Remembering Teejan Bai’s contribution,
the presentation focused on Teejan Bai’s artistic journey and the national recognition that Pandavani received. Teejan Bai’s contribution in bringing Pandavani, a tradition originating from Chhattisgarh’s folk tradition, to major stages in the country and the world was extraordinary. With her distinctive style, she gave Pandavani a new identity and established it among the major genres of Indian folk performing arts.
- Pandavani, a medium for promoting cultural memories and values,
was remembered through the presentation dedicated to Teejan Bai, her artistic life, and the Chhattisgarhi tradition, where storytelling is not just a means of entertainment but also a means of promoting cultural memories and values passed down through generations. India Habitat Centre Director Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh stated that India’s folk arts are an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. They preserve stories, traditions, and values passed down through generations. He said that providing a platform for folk artists and traditions in the national capital is an important step towards bringing these heritages to a wider audience.
- Pandavani, a cultural heritage in India, has centuries of history.
Dharsiwa MLA Anuj Sharma said that Pandavani is an important folk art form integral to Chhattisgarh’s identity. Teejan Bai brought it from the villages to national and international platforms. He added that the recognition of this tradition in Delhi is a matter of pride for all of Chhattisgarh. Anwesha Brahma, Secretary of the Anwesha Kala Kendra, said that India’s folk traditions preserve centuries of history, collective memory, and philosophy of life. Such events serve to connect these traditions with new audiences and a new generation.
- A common platform for the country’s folk traditions.
The IHC Folk Music Conference is an annual event that brings together folk music, storytelling, and performance traditions from different parts of India. Its objective is to showcase the country’s diverse folk arts and provide traditional artists with an opportunity to reach a wider audience.
This year, the conference began with a performance dedicated to Chhattisgarh’s Pandavani and the memory of Teejan Bai. This presentation, held on the capital’s premier cultural platform, conveyed the message that India’s folk arts are not merely a heritage of the past, but are still an important part of the country’s cultural identity and creative energy. Anwesha Kala Kendra has been working in the fields of preservation, promotion, documentation, cultural exchange, and educational activities of India’s classical and folk arts for over 25 years.
