Pandwani is an art form through which Chhattisgarh has gained recognition worldwide – Chief Minister Shri Sai.

Pandwani is an art form that has brought global recognition to Chhattisgarh. Our Pandwani artists have mesmerized audiences in New York, Paris, and London with performances based on the Mahabharata. Through their art, they have not only preserved Chhattisgarh’s traditions but also carried the essence of Indian culture to international platforms. Today, Pandwani has become a symbol of our folk consciousness, women empowerment, and cultural pride.

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

The event was organized by the Culture Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, Raipur. Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Caste Development Authority & Ahivara MLA Shri Domanlal Korsewada, Vice Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Classes Development Authority & Durg Rural MLA Shri Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Shri Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of the State Oilseeds Board Shri Jitendra Sahu, former Minister Smt. Ramshila Sahu and Shri Jageshwar Sahu, former MLA Shri Labhchand Bafna and Dr. Dayaram Sahu, Chairperson of the District Council Durg Smt. Saraswati Banjare, and Mayor of Durg Municipal Corporation Smt. Alka Baghmar.

Chief Minister Shri Sai recalled the eminent Pandwani exponent late Jhaduram Devangan, saying that when he performed with his tambura, audiences were spellbound. He also remembered the contributions of female artists, especially the late Laxmi Banjare. He highlighted the pride of Chhattisgarh in producing luminaries like Teejan Bai, who has been honored with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. When she sings while playing the tambura, it feels as if even the gods of the heavens are listening.

The Chief Minister said he had many opportunities to listen to Teejan Bai’s Pandwani. Her performance in Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj fills the heart with joy and curiosity. Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle, who enchanted all listeners with her extraordinary Pandwani singing, was also present at the event.

He emphasized that Pandwani is a priceless heritage, and organizing this Mahasammelan is a commendable effort to preserve it and pass it on to future generations. He recalled how people grew up listening to Ramayana stories through Ramleela groups and Mahabharata stories through Pandwani, and how generations of folk artists have conveyed these epics to the masses.

Chief Minister Sai noted that Pandwani singing is unique in that it transcends gender. Artists like Teejan Bai and Dr. Usha Barle have demonstrated that this art form reflects women’s skill and sensitivity. Through Pandwani, the social ethos of Chhattisgarh is also evident — here, women actively participate in the arts and are continuously encouraged.

He added that every region, from Surguja to Bastar, has its distinct culture. The government gives the highest priority to Chhattisgarhi folk art and culture. Pension amounts for artists have been increased, and more opportunities are being provided. The establishment of Chitrotpala Film City is a step to strengthen Chhattisgarhi cinema.

Recalling the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the formation of Chhattisgarh, he said that the state was meant to promote both development and preserve culture. Seeing such a beautiful event today brings peace of mind, showing that Vajpayee’s vision has been realized. He announced that the state’s silver jubilee will be celebrated on 1st November as a festival of folk culture, which will be attended by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He urged everyone to participate and enhance the pride of Chhattisgarh.

Chief Minister Sai also mentioned that the Education Department will soon begin recruitment for 5,000 posts, which will help address teacher shortages in rural and tribal areas, improving the quality and continuity of education.

He announced the commencement of postgraduate classes at Nandini Civic Welfare College, opening a B.Ed college in Achhoti, making Medesra a model village, providing ₹20 lakh for community buildings, and constructing CC roads in all panchayats in the area.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, in his brief address as the president of the program, congratulated all Pandwani artists on International Artists Day. He stated that Chhattisgarh holds a distinct identity in arts and culture nationally and internationally, being a state full of talented artists, and invited everyone to Raipur for the 1st November state festival.

The program coordinator, Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the objectives of International Artists Day and the Pandwani Mahasammelan, and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Sai and all other dignitaries.

Local representatives, Divisional Commissioner Shri S.N. Rathore, IG Shri R.G. Garg, Collector Shri Abhijeet Singh, SSP Shri Vijay Agrawal, other officials, Pandwani folk artists, and a large number of citizens were also present on the occasion.