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.


Shadav - Sampurna - (general discussion of jati)
Spring - (general discussion of time and rag)
Kafi That - (general discussion of that)

Sa - Pa - (general discussion of drone)
For more information check out "Elementary North Indian Vocal"
Penn Intermediate Sitar Spring '07- Bahar
SMF 2007 - Shashank Maktedar - Bahar
Ustad Mohammad Hussain Khan Sarahang-Bahar
Budhwa Mangal - Benaras 2004
Raag Bahar By Ustad Munshi Raziuddin & His Great Sons.
Pt. Yashpaul Ji of Agra Gharana - Raga Bahar 'Rutt Basant'
Raag Bahar - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 1/3
Raag Bahar - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 2/3
Raag Bahar - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 3/3
Live in Concert- Ustad Sarahang (Bahar)
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© 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 David and Chandrakantha Courtney
For comments, corrections, and suggestions, kindly contact David Courtney at david@chandrakantha.com