Raag Bahar

Raag Bahar is a cheerful and playful raag that embodies the spirit of the spring season. Belonging to the Kafi family, it also displays shades of Kanada and Bageshree raag-angs. Raag Bahar is versatile and blends beautifully in many Jod raags, such as Basant Bahar.

Introduction to Raag Bahar

Key Features of Raag Bahar

(watch the above video for a demonstration of each feature)

  • Two ascending methods: Raag Bahar can ascend in two ways: one using Shuddh Ni and the other using Komal Ni.

  • Komal Ga andolan: The Komal Ga is sung or played with an Andolan (oscillation).

  • Re in aaroh: Re is absent in the aaroh. However, there is a special permissible way of using it in ascending phrases, but only in the taar saptak.

  • Pa in aaroh: Although Pa is present in the Aaroh it is always followed by a descent to komal Ga.

  • Jati classification: The Jati varies in different textbooks. We categorize it as Shadav-Sampoorna vakra due to the presence of Re in the taar saptak Aaroh and the absence of Pa in ascending phrases. The Sampoorna vakra is evident in the avroh where all notes are present, but arranged in a zigzag manner.

  • Raagang elements: Bahar contains two raagangs - Kanada Ang and Bageshri Ang evident in the use of the following phrases:

Bageshri Ang - G m d N su

Kanada Ang - N p G m r s

  • Mood:  cheerful, playful, depicts blooming season beautifully

  • Movement of notes: chanchal, vakra

  • Tempo: fast

Aaroh-Avroh

s m p G m D n su

OR

s m p G m D N su

ru n su d N p m p g m r s

Vadi, Samvadi

m, su
Nyaas Swars

m, su
Jati Shadav-Sampoorna vakra
Time Anytime of the day during spring season. 3rd prahar of the evening (1am-4am) rest of the year.
Pakad

s m p G m d n su N p
Thaat Kafi