TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 25, 2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that Pandwani, the traditional art form of Chhattisgarh, has brought the state international acclaim and stands as a living symbol of India’s cultural depth, women’s empowerment, and artistic excellence. Addressing the closing ceremony of the Pandwani Mahasammelan held in Medesara village, Durg district, on the occasion of International Artists’ Day, the Chief Minister lauded generations of Pandwani performers who have carried the essence of the Mahabharata from the heart of Chhattisgarh to global stages in cities such as New York, Paris, and London.
He said, “Pandwani is not merely a performance—it is the voice of our soil, a reflection of our collective consciousness, and a testament to the talent of our women artists who have taken Chhattisgarh’s name to the world. Through their art, they have preserved our traditions while spreading the spirit of Indian culture globally.”
The event was organized by the Department of Culture, Government of Chhattisgarh, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Caste Development Authority and Ahivara MLA Domanlal Korsewada, Vice Chairman of the State Rural and Other Backward Classes Area Development Authority and Durg Rural MLA Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of the State Oilseed Board Jitendra Sahu, former ministers Ramshila Sahu and Jageshwar Sahu, former MLAs Labhchand Bafna and Dr. Dayaram Sahu, Durg Zila Panchayat President Saraswati Banjare, and Mayor of Durg Municipal Corporation Alka Baghmare, among others.
Chief Minister Sai paid rich tributes to the pioneers of Pandwani, including the late Jhaduram Dewangan and the late Lakshmi Banjare, whose performances, he said, enthralled audiences across generations. He spoke with admiration of Padma Vibhushan Teejan Bai, saying, “When Teejan Bai sings with her tambura in hand, it feels as if even the gods and goddesses pause to listen.” The Chief Minister also acknowledged Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle, who coordinated the event and delivered a captivating performance.
Sai emphasized that Pandwani transcends gender and social barriers, representing equality, creativity, and the spirit of Chhattisgarh. “The success of women artists like Teejan Bai and Usha Barle in this field proves that Pandwani is not just an art—it is a movement of empowerment,” he said. He also reflected on how, in his childhood, people learned moral and spiritual values from folk forms like Ramlila and Pandwani, which carried the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata to remote villages.
Highlighting his government’s efforts to promote art and culture, the Chief Minister said that preserving Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions is among the government’s top priorities. He noted that the state has increased artists’ pensions and expanded opportunities for them to perform. He also spoke about the decision to establish the “Chitrotpala Film City” to strengthen the Chhattisgarhi film industry and promote regional cinema.
The Chief Minister said that the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who created the state of Chhattisgarh, was not only to ensure development but also to preserve its cultural identity. “Today, seeing such a magnificent event that celebrates our heritage, I feel proud that Atal Ji’s vision is being realized. The silver jubilee of our state on November 1 will be celebrated as a festival of Chhattisgarhi folk culture, and our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also grace the occasion,” Sai announced, inviting citizens to participate in the upcoming state festival.
In a series of major announcements made during the ceremony, the Chief Minister declared the commencement of postgraduate classes at Nandini’s Citizen Welfare College, the opening of a new B.Ed college in Achhoti, the development of Medesara as a model village, the sanction of ₹20 lakh for a community hall, and the construction of cement concrete roads in all panchayats of the area. He also announced that the recruitment process for 5,000 teaching positions would begin soon to address the shortage of educators, particularly in rural and tribal regions.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, who chaired the event, congratulated all participating artists and praised Chhattisgarh’s vibrant artistic heritage, noting that the state has carved a distinct identity for itself in India and abroad. He said that Pandwani, like other folk traditions of the region, is a living expression of the state’s culture, community values, and artistic legacy.
Dr. Usha Barle, in her welcome address, spoke about the objectives of the International Artists’ Day and the importance of organizing the Pandwani Mahasammelan as a platform for artists to exchange knowledge and inspire younger generations. She thanked Chief Minister Sai and all dignitaries for their support in preserving and promoting Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions.
The event concluded with a mesmerizing Pandwani performance that drew standing ovations from the large audience gathered in Medesara. The ceremony was also attended by Divisional Commissioner S.N. Rathore, IG R.G. Garg, Collector Abhijeet Singh, SSP Vijay Agarwal, and a large number of artists, local representatives, and villagers.
As the lights dimmed over the open-air stage, the rhythmic beats of the tambura echoed through the night—reminding everyone that Pandwani, the voice of Chhattisgarh, continues to inspire the world with its timeless stories, soulful music, and enduring spirit.
