Pandavani

About Pandavani

• Pandavani is a traditional folk-narrative and musical performance art from Chhattisgarh based on the Mahabharata.
• Origin: Pandavani originated from the rural oral traditions of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha to help common people understand the moral teachings of the Mahabharata.
• Naming: The word ‘Pandavani’ is derived from “Pandava” and “Vani,” which together mean “the voice or narration of the Pandavas.”
• Core Theme: Pandavani presents episodes from the Mahabharata through storytelling, music, acting, and improvisation.
• Key Elements of a Performance:
  • Narrator (Gayak): The main performer sings, narrates, and enacts different characters through voice, expressions, and gestures.
  • Musical Accompaniment: Instruments such as the tambura, tabla, harmonium, manjira, and kartal provide rhythm and melody during the performance.
  • Improvisation: The performer adds local humour, contemporary references, or social commentary to connect with the audience.
  • Language and Expression: The narration uses the Chhattisgarhi dialect with expressive facial expressions, body movements, and hand gestures.
• Performance Styles:
  • Vedamati Style: The performer sits and narrates the story in a composed and devotional manner.
    • This style gives greater importance to storytelling than dramatization.
  • Kapalik Style: The performer stands, moves around, and enacts different characters in a lively manner.
    • This style is highly theatrical, interactive, and was popularised by Teejan Bai.
• Notable Artists: Teejan Bai,  Ritu Verma and Jhaduram Devangan are renowned artists who have contributed significantly to the popularity of Pandavani.