Pandavani is an Art Form that Gave Chhattisgarh Global Recognition: Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai

Chief Minister attends the concluding ceremony of the Pandavani Mahasammelan

Raipur, Oct 2025 : Pandavani is an art form through which Chhattisgarh has earned recognition across the world. Our Pandavani artists have mesmerized audiences in New York, Paris, and London with performances based on stories from the Mahabharata. Through their art, they have not only kept alive the traditions of Chhattisgarh but also carried the soul of Indian culture to global platforms. Today, Pandavani stands as a symbol of folk consciousness, women’s empowerment, and cultural pride.

Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said this while addressing the concluding ceremony of the Pandavani Mahasammelan organized at village Medesra in Durg district on the occasion of International Artists’ Day.

The event was organized with the support of the Department of Culture, Government of Chhattisgarh, Raipur. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Caste Development Authority and Ahivara MLA Domanlal Korsewada, Vice Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Area Development Authority and Durg Rural MLA Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of the State Telghani Board Jitendra Sahu, former ministers Ramshila Sahu and Jageshwar Sahu, former MLA Labhchand Bafna, Dr. Dayaram Sahu, Chairperson of Durg Zila Panchayat Saraswati Banjare, and Mayor of Durg Municipal Corporation Alka Baghmar were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that he remembered the legendary Pandavani pioneer, late Jhaduram Devangan, whose tambura performances left audiences spellbound. He also recalled late Laxmi Banjare, who made a special mark as a female Pandavani artist. It is the good fortune of Chhattisgarh, he said, that a great artist like Teejan Bai was born here — who has been honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards. When she begins her alaap with the tambura, it feels as if even the gods in heaven are listening.

The Chief Minister further said that he had the opportunity to listen to Teejan Bai’s Pandavani many times. Her performance in Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj filled viewers with joy and curiosity. He also appreciated Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle, who was present at the event, for captivating audiences with her brilliant Pandavani singing.

He said that Pandavani is our priceless heritage. Through this grand conference, all of you have done a commendable job of preserving this heritage and passing it on to future generations.

Recalling his childhood, he said, “We used to hear the stories of the Ramayana through Ramlila groups and the Mahabharata through Pandavani artists. For generations, these folk artists have carried such great epics to every household.”

He emphasized that Pandavani singing is unique because it transcends gender barriers. Artists like Teejan Bai and Dr. Usha Barle have proven that this art form symbolizes the skill and sensitivity of women. Pandavani also reflects the social essence of Chhattisgarh — where the participation of women, or Matrishakti, in the field of art has always been strong and encouraged.

The Chief Minister said that from Surguja to Bastar, every region has its own unique culture. The state government gives the highest priority to Chhattisgarhi folk art and culture. The artists’ pension amount has been increased, and opportunities for performances have also grown. The decision to establish the Chitrotpala Film City is a step towards strengthening Chhattisgarhi cinema.

He said that when Atal Bihari Vajpayee created the state of Chhattisgarh, his vision included not only development but also the preservation of culture. “Seeing such beautiful events today gives peace to the mind — it feels as if Atal Ji’s dream has been fulfilled,” he said.

The Chief Minister announced that the state will celebrate its Silver Jubilee on November 1, which will be a festival of folk culture. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also visit the state. He urged everyone to participate in the Rajyotsava celebrations to enhance the pride of Chhattisgarh.

He also announced that the Education Department will soon initiate the recruitment process for 5,000 posts, which will help reduce the shortage of teachers in rural and tribal areas, significantly improving the quality and continuity of education.

Further, the Chief Minister announced the start of postgraduate classes at the Nagarik Kalyan College in Nandini, the opening of a B.Ed college in Achhoti, the development of Medesra as an ideal village, ₹20 lakh for the construction of a community hall, and CC road construction in all panchayats of the region.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, presiding over the event, congratulated all Pandavani artists on the occasion of International Artists’ Day. He said that Chhattisgarh holds a special place in India and the world for its art and culture and is a state rich in artistic talent. He invited everyone to Raipur to participate in the Rajyotsava celebrations on November 1.

Program convener Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle delivered the welcome address and highlighted the objectives of International Artists’ Day and the Pandavani Mahasammelan. She expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sai and all the guests.

The event was attended by local public representatives, Divisional Commissioner S.N. Rathore, IG R.G. Garg, Collector Abhijeet Singh, SSP Vijay Agarwal, other officials, Pandavani folk artists, and a large number of distinguished citizens.