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Rag Bahar

by David Courtney working tools

Description

Bahar is a very popular springtime rag.  During the spring, it may be sung at any time of the day.  There are a number of film songs which use this rag; “Chham Chham Nachat Ayi Bahar” and “Sakal Bana Gagan Chalat Puravai” are two examples (more examples).  However during any other season, it is a night time ragBahar has a very distinctive character.  It uses both Nishads; it uses shuddha Ni (natural 7th) in the arohana and the komal Ni in the avarohana.  For those who are still inclined towards the Vadi / Samvadi theory, it has been suggested that Ma is the vadi and Sa is the samvadi.  This rag cannot be performed straight but must be executed in a vakra fashion; for it is the characteristic twists which give this rag its form.  The pakad is therefore extremely important.


Arohana

Ascending structure for Bahar

(general discussion of arohana)(general discussion of notation)


Avarohana

Descending structure of Bahar

(general discussion of avarohana)


Jati

Shadav – Sampurna – (general discussion of jati)


Vadi

Ma – (general discussion of vadi)


Samvadi

Sa – (general discussion of samvadi)


Time

Spring – (general discussion of time and rag)


That

Kafi That – (general discussion of that)


Pakad

Pakad of Bahar

(general discussion of pakad)


Drone

Sa – Pa – (general discussion of drone)


Popular Songs

Film songs in Rag Bahar


For more information check out “Elementary North Indian Vocal: Vol 1” and “Elementary North Indian Vocal: Vol 2”



Selected Video