Chhatarpur: History was created at Bundelkhand’s largest folk singing platform, Bundeli Bavra, as women artists swept all the top three positions in the grand finale held on Sunday at Ambedkar Bhavan, Chhatarpur. Organised by popular regional channel Bundelkhand 24×7, the event celebrated the rich legacy of Bundeli folk music and emerged as a powerful platform for grassroots talent.
After a record 2,735 entries and rigorous audition rounds across six districts, five finalists reached the grand finale. Tikamgarh’s Savita Raj clinched the first prize, while Sejal Soni from Panna secured second place and Jyoti Patel from Banda finished third. The winner received prizes worth ₹50,000, including cash, gift hampers, branding support, and opportunities to collaborate with renowned YouTuber Ankit Pandey and feature in a music album by Viraj Photography.
Chhatarpur MLA Smt. Lalita Yadav, the chief guest, praised the performers and said the competition reflected Bundelkhand’s vibrant cultural identity, with every voice narrating a story rooted in tradition.
The competition, organised in memory of legendary folk singer Baiju Bawra, aimed to preserve and promote Bundeli folk heritage. The event also saw the presence of family members of folk maestro Pt. Deshraj Pathariya. The programme was hosted by Shivangi Tiwari and Rajendra Singh of Bundelkhand 24×7.
Expressing her emotions after winning, Savita Raj said the victory belonged to every daughter of Bundelkhand who carries folk music in her soul. Organisers and jury members highlighted that Bundeli Bavra is not just a competition but a cultural movement to honour regional art and artists.
With strong public response and overwhelming participation, the organisers announced that the next edition of Bundeli Bavra will be bigger and more inclusive, further strengthening Bundelkhand’s folk music legacy.
