Pandavani is a form that has brought Chhattisgarh global recognition – Chief Minister Sai

In Short

*Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the closing ceremony of the Pandavani Mahasammelan

*Announcement of postgraduate classes at the Citizen Welfare College Nandini, a B.Ed. college in Achhoti, making Medesara an ideal village, ₹20 lakh for a community building, and the construction of concrete roads in all panchayats

Raipur: Pandvani is a form that has brought Chhattisgarh global recognition. Our Pandavani artists have mesmerised audiences in New York, Paris, and London with performances based on stories from the Mahabharata. Through their art, they have not only kept Chhattisgarh’s traditions alive but also brought the soul of Indian culture to global platforms. Pandavani has today become a symbol of our public consciousness, women’s empowerment, and cultural pride.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said this while addressing the closing ceremony of the Pandavani Mahasammelan held in Medesara village of Durg district on the occasion of International Artists’ Day on Saturday October 25, 2025 .

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Caste Development Authority and Ahiwara MLA Domanlal Korsevada, Vice Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Classes Area Development Authority and Durg Rural MLA Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of the State Oil Mill Board Jitendra Sahu, former Ministers Ramshila Sahu and Jageshwar Sahu, former MLAs Labhchand Bafna and Dr. Dayaram Sahu, District Panchayat Durg President Saraswati Banjare, and Durg Municipal Corporation Mayor Alka Baghmar were also present at this event, organised by the Chhattisgarh Government’s Culture Department, Raipur.

Chief Minister Sai said, “Today I am also remembering the late Jhaduram Dewangan, the pioneer of Pandavani. When he performed with a tanpura in his hand, the audience was mesmerised. The success of female artists in Pandavani singing has been particularly notable. I am also remembering the late Lakshmi Banjare.” Chhattisgarh is fortunate to have a personality like Teejan Bai, who has received all three honors: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. When she sings with her tanpura, it feels as if even the gods and goddesses are listening to her from the seven heavens .

Chief Minister Sai said, “I have heard Teejan Bai’s Pandavani on many occasions. Her Pandavani rendition in Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj fills the heart with joy and excitement. Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle is present among us, captivating all listeners with her amazing Pandavani singing.”

Chief Minister Sai said, “Pandvani is our invaluable heritage. By organising this grand conference today, you have done a commendable job of preserving this heritage and passing it on to future generations.”

He said, “In our childhood, we heard the stories of Ramayana through Ramlila groups and the stories of Mahabharata through Pandavani.” Generation after generation, these folk artists have brought great tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to the masses.

The Chief Minister said that Pandavani singing is unique in that it discriminates between men and women. Artists like Teejan Bai and Dr. Usha Barle have proven through their talent that this genre is a symbol of women’s skill and sensitivity. Pandavani singing also reflects the social nature of Chhattisgarh – the participation of women in the field of art is at the forefront and is always encouraged.

Chief Minister further Sai said that every region, from Surguja to Bastar, has its own unique culture. Our government gives top priority to Chhattisgarhi folk art and culture. The pension amount for artists has been increased and the number of opportunities has also been expanded. By deciding to establish Chitrotpala Film City, we have strived to strengthen Chhattisgarhi cinema.

He said that when Atal ji created the state of Chhattisgarh, he had a deep desire to preserve the culture along with development. Today, when I see such a beautiful event, I feel a sense of satisfaction that Atal ji’s vision has been fulfilled. He informed that the state’s silver jubilee will be celebrated on November 1st, a festival of our folk culture. Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be present on this occasion. The Chief Minister urged everyone to participate in the State Festival and enhance the glory of Chhattisgarh, CM added.

Chief Minister Sai said that the Education Department will soon begin the recruitment process for 5,000 posts. Filling these posts will significantly address the teacher shortage in rural and tribal areas, significantly improving the quality and continuity of education.

Chief Minister Sai announced the introduction of postgraduate classes at the Citizen Welfare College, Nandini, the opening of a B.Ed. college in Achhoti, the development of Medesara as an ideal village, ₹20 lakh for a community building, and the construction of concrete roads in all the panchayats of the area.

In his brief address, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, the program’s chairman, felicitated all Pandavani artists on the occasion of International Artists’ Day. He said that Chhattisgarh holds a unique identity in the country and the world for its art and culture. It is a state rich with artists. He invited everyone to Raipur for the State Festival on November 1st.

Program coordinator Padmashree Dr. Usha Barle delivered a welcome address, highlighting the objectives of International Artists’ Day and the Pandavani Mahasammelan. She expressed her gratitude to all the guests, including the Chief Guest, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai .

Local public representatives, Divisional Commissioner S.N. Rathore, Inspector General R.G. Garg, Collector Abhijeet Singh, SSP Vijay Agarwal, and other officials, Pandavani folk artists, and a large number of dignitaries were present on the occasion.