State to institute folk arts award in her name from this year; her native village Ganiyari to be developed as an art village
70 troupes participating in Pandavani Mahasammelan to receive an incentive of Rs 25,000 each
Banbard Middle School to be upgraded to high school; BT road to be built from Ahiwara railway crossing to Atal Parisar
Raipur, October 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday said the state government would take steps to preserve the memory and rich cultural legacy of Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai, the legendary folk artist who brought the traditional Pandavani art form to international prominence.
Addressing the Pandavani Mahasammelan organised at Banbard village in the Ahiwara Assembly constituency of Durg district on the occasion of International Artists Day, the Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh was a land of rich folk art and culture. Its traditional art forms represented the state’s history, values and cultural identity, and preserving them and passing them on to future generations was a collective responsibility.
The state government was continuously working to protect and promote folk arts while providing artists with encouragement and wider platforms to showcase their talent, he said.
Welcoming folk artists who had arrived from across Chhattisgarh, Sai said the state had produced several eminent artists whose talent and dedication had earned its folk culture recognition across India and around the world.
Teejan Bai’s Legacy to Be Preserved
Remembering the legendary Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai, the Chief Minister said her exceptional artistic dedication had given Chhattisgarh’s traditional storytelling form a distinctive identity on the world stage.
Pandavani is a unique folk performance tradition in which artists bring stories from the Mahabharata and its characters to life through singing, acting and expressive gestures. Teejan Bai took this remarkable art form to stages across the world, bringing pride and recognition to Chhattisgarh.
Sai said the state government was undertaking important initiatives to ensure that her memories and rich cultural heritage were preserved for future generations.
Her native village, Ganiyari, will be developed as an art village, and efforts will be made to name the local high school after her. The government will also institute a folk arts award in Teejan Bai’s name, beginning this year, to be presented during the Rajyotsava celebrations.
The award will honour her extraordinary contribution to folk art while inspiring artists across the state to preserve and carry forward their traditional art forms.
Incentives for 70 Folk Art Troupes
The Chief Minister praised the contribution of Gyan Shrot Kala Manch, describing its continuous work over 46 years to preserve folk art and culture as a significant achievement.
The organisation has played an important role in keeping Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions alive, providing platforms for artists and connecting younger generations with their cultural roots.
Sai congratulated Padma Shri awardee Dr Usha Barle and everyone associated with Gyan Shrot Lok Kala Manch for organising the event successfully.
Responding to the organisers’ demand, the Chief Minister announced an incentive of Rs 25,000 each for all 70 troupes participating in the Pandavani Mahasammelan. These included Pandavani performers, four Panthi dance troupes and three tribal dance troupes.
Film City to Create Opportunities for Local Artists
Sai said the state government was also working to open up new opportunities for Chhattisgarh’s artists and film industry.
The Chhattisgarh Film Development Board has been established to provide a wider platform for Chhattisgarhi cinema and local artists. Work is also underway to develop a film city in Nava Raipur.
These initiatives are expected to promote Chhattisgarhi cinema and other film-production activities, creating new employment and creative opportunities for artists and young people in the state, he said.
Education and Road Infrastructure Announced
Addressing local development needs, the Chief Minister announced that Banbard Middle School would be upgraded to a high school. He also announced the construction of a bituminous road connecting the Ahiwara railway crossing with Atal Parisar.
School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav said local artists had played a vital role in promoting Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage. Traditional forms such as Pandavani, Panthi, Bharthari, Dadariya and Suva were integral to the state’s way of life and social traditions.
“These are not merely songs and dances but the cultural soul of Chhattisgarh,” he said, urging artists to continue the tradition of organising the Mahasammelan with the same enthusiasm in the coming years.
MLA Rikesh Sen also addressed the gathering. Padma Shri awardee Dr Usha Barle delivered the welcome address and drew the Chief Minister’s attention to various demands concerning artists.
Durg Rural MLA Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Ishwar Sahu and other public representatives attended the programme. Folk artists from different parts of Chhattisgarh and a large number of distinguished citizens were also present.
