Chhattisgarh's Pandwani Tradition Comes Alive on Delhi Stage
Raipur / Chhattisgarh's Pandwani was presented with full vibrancy at the prestigious cultural stage of India Habitat Centre in the national capital, Delhi. The IHC Lok Sangeet Sammelan 2026 commenced with a special presentation dedicated to the memory of the great Pandwani artist and Padma Vibhushan recipient, the late Teejan Bai. This Pandwani presentation once again prominently showcased Chhattisgarh's folk tradition in Delhi's cultural landscape.
Chhattisgarh's unique folk style's strength: Pandwani
At the event held in the Stein Auditorium of India Habitat Centre, Pandwani artist Prabha Yadav performed with traditional musicians. Pandwani, based on the tales of the Mahabharata, presented a blend of narration, singing, dialogue, rhythm, and acting, which highlighted the strength and breadth of this unique folk style of Chhattisgarh.
Along with representatives from the Chhattisgarh government, prominent personalities associated with the state's art and culture were also present at the program. Senior journalist and advisor to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, R. Krishna Das, Dharamsauwa MLA and famous Chhattisgarhi film artist Anuj Sharma, Prabal Pratap Singh Judev, and cultural activists participated in the event. Director of India Habitat Centre, Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh, and Secretary of Anwesha Kala Kendra, Anwesha Brahma, were also present on this occasion.
Remembering Teejan Bai's contribution
The focus of this presentation was Teejan Bai's artistic journey and the national recognition Pandwani received. Teejan Bai's contribution has been extraordinary in taking Pandwani, which emerged from Chhattisgarh's folk tradition, to major stages across the country and the world. With her distinctive style, she gave Pandwani a new identity and established it as one of the prominent forms of Indian folk performing arts.
Pandwani: A medium for carrying forward cultural memories and life values
Through the presentation dedicated to Teejan Bai, her artistic life and the tradition of Chhattisgarh, where storytelling is not just entertainment but a medium for carrying forward cultural memories and life values passed down through generations, was remembered. Director of India Habitat Centre, Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh, said that India's folk arts are an important part of the country's cultural heritage. Stories, traditions, and values passed down through generations are preserved in them. He added that providing a platform in the national capital to folk artists and traditions is an important effort towards taking these heritages to a wider audience.
Pandwani: Centuries of history in India's folk traditions
Dharamsauwa MLA Anuj Sharma said that Pandwani is an important folk art associated with Chhattisgarh's identity. Teejan Bai took it from the villages to national and international stages. He said that the respect shown to this tradition in Delhi is a matter of pride for all of Chhattisgarh. Secretary of Anwesha Kala Kendra, Anwesha Brahma, said that India's folk traditions preserve centuries of history, collective memory, and life philosophy. Such events help in connecting these traditions with new audiences and the new generation.
A shared platform for the country's folk traditions
The IHC Lok Sangeet Sammelan is an annual event that brings together folk music, storytelling, and performance traditions from different parts of India on one platform. Its aim is to showcase the diverse folk arts of the country and provide traditional artists with an opportunity to reach a wider audience.
The commencement of this year's sammelan with a presentation dedicated to Chhattisgarh's Pandwani and the memory of Teejan Bai holds special significance. This performance on a major cultural stage in the capital sent out the message that India's folk arts are not just relics of the past but are still an important part of the country's cultural identity and creative energy. Anwesha Kala Kendra has been working for over 25 years in the fields of preservation, promotion, documentation, cultural exchange, and educational activities of India's classical and folk arts.