Raga Pahadi
Description
Raga Pahadi is one of those ragas that is hard to define an ascent or descent for, so here is a simple sol-fa song to demonstrate a few typical note combinations. In this example I have only combined the nine most prominent notes used. It is characterized by a very charming, folksy flavor. Peace, power, pathos, poignancy: these words together constitute an apposite expression of the aesthetics of the raga Pahadi.
The raga is like a lover, unruffled in union, serene in separation, powerful enough to achieve eternal union, but resigned to the painful parting ordained by destiny.
Pahadi, a Kashimiri folk melody in its origin, is a simple raga — one may think of it as a ‘dhoon’.
Raga Pahadi is said to belong to Bilawal thaat. It is sung at all times. Its Aroha and Avaroha are as follows:
Aroha:
S R G P D S'
Avaroha:
S' D P G R S.
This is, of course, oversimplification, because any of the twelve notes of the octave can be skillfully included to enhance Pahadi’s ethereal appeal.
Typical phrases in Pahadi:
The notation with Ma as the Sa] S, 'D 'P, 'G 'P 'D S. S, 'D 'D 'P, 'D S R G, G R G S.
Thaat
Bhairav
Prahar
5 (6 pm - 9 pm)
Aaroha
'P-'D-S-R-G-P-D-S' Bhaav Shadj-Pancham
Avaroha
S'-N-D-P-m-G-R-s-'n-'d-'P-'d-S Saptak-pradhaanata Mandra-Madhya
Pakad
S-'D-'P-'D-'m-'G-'P-'D-S
Tanpura Tuning
m
Jaati
Audav-Sampoorn
Other Characteristics Performance time is not strictly defined. Can be performed at any time of the day or night.
---------
Click for filmy, vocal and instrumental videos