Renowned Rai Dancer Padma Shri Ram Sahai Pandey Dies at 97: Ram Sahai Pandey, the legendary artist who gave Bundelkhand’s Rai dance international recognition, has passed away at the age of 97. He had been battling illness for several days and was under treatment at a private hospital.
In 2022, the Government of India honored Pandey with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his extraordinary contribution to folk art, particularly the traditional Rai dance, which is performed to the rhythm of the mridang (percussion instrument).
Turning Folk Dance Into a Cultural Identity
For over six decades, Pandey preserved and promoted Rai—a traditional folk dance rooted in the villages of Bundelkhand. With his dedication, the art form, once limited to local communities, found its place on international platforms. He transformed the Rai into a symbol of Bundelkhand’s cultural pride.
Sources reveal that Pandey gave over 100 performances of Rai dance across 18 countries, carrying India’s cultural heritage to global audiences. His efforts not only revived a fading art form but also gave it worldwide recognition.
Honored With India’s Fourth Highest Civilian Award
Recognizing his impact, the Indian government conferred the Padma Shri on him in 2022. Prior to this, he was the recipient of several state and national awards for his unmatched dedication to folk arts.
A Legacy Mourned
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over his demise. He stated, “Ram Sahai Pandey Ji never gave up on folk dance even in difficult times. Swimming against the tide, he gave Bundelkhand’s Rai its rightful recognition at national and international levels.”
Survived by Family, Remembered by Admirers
Ram Sahai Pandey is survived by his wife and son. His death has left the folk art community and his followers in deep grief. Fans, disciples, and art lovers across the country bid him a tearful farewell, remembering the man who gave rhythm and recognition to Bundelkhand’s cultural soul.
बुंदेलखंड के गौरव, लोकनृत्य राई को वैश्विक पहचान दिलाने वाले लोक कलाकार पद्मश्री श्री रामसहाय पांडे जी का निधन मध्यप्रदेश और कला जगत के लिए अपूरणीय क्षति है।
लोक कला एवं संस्कृति को समर्पित आपका सम्पूर्ण जीवन हमें सदैव प्रेरित करता रहेगा। परमपिता परमेश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि… pic.twitter.com/rzu9Lg1blL
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) April 8, 2025