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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 rag.  Bahar 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