Umaria (Madhya Pradesh): The final rites of renowned Baiga tribal artist, Johdiya Bai Baiga, were held with full state honors on December 16, in her native village of Lodha, Umaria.
The Padma Shri awardee, who passed away on December 15 at the age of 87, had been struggling with paralysis for some time.
Bai, known for her unique Baiga tribal paintings, spent her later years preserving the rich cultural heritage of her community. Her contribution to Indian art remains invaluable, and she leaves behind an enduring legacy.
She began her artistic journey at the age of 70, created stunning paintings that depicted the rich traditions and life of the Baiga tribe.
She was mentored by Ashish Swami, a prominent artist from Shahdol, and soon became recognized for her unique style that blended nature and Baiga culture.
Her work not only celebrated tribal traditions but also preserved them for future generations.
Bai’s paintings, filled with stories of the Baiga community and their customs, gained widespread recognition. She was awarded several prestigious honors, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2022 and the Padma Shri in 2023 for her remarkable contributions to art and culture.
Her death is a huge loss for the art world, but her legacy will continue to inspire many. Johdiya Bai was also the first person from Shahdol division to receive the Padma Shri, cementing her place in Indian art history.
Her final rites were performed on December 16, 2024, with full state honors.
