A raga is a melodic recipe for a mood. Raga could be described as a "super scale" using a set of notes in ascending (arohi) and descending (avarohi) order, sometimes including prescribed alternate routes, a hierarchy of note importance, and a key phrase that shows the heart of the movement of the raga. This ancient system is both an art and a science of how musical notes create certain moods. The recipe for each raga holds the key to an unlimited number of potential melodies, each perpetuating the mood contained in the raga.
The solfege syllables Sa-Ri-Ga-Ma-Pa-Da-Ni-Sa are used for all scales.
Raag Marwa (hexatonic)
Raag Marwa is sung during the late afternoon hours up to sunset. It is one of the major ragas in Hindustani classical music and is sung widely and taken very seriously. One of the interesting things about Raag Marwa is that it de-emphasizes the root note "sa." Probably because of this, it is a somewhat unsettling raga, and mainly evokes dark moods of foreboding and anxiety. It can also portray compassion or resignation in the face of some inner struggle.
Raag Bhairav (heptatonic)
Bhairav is another very important raga in the Hindustani classical tradition. It is a morning raga, and solemn peacefulness is its ideal mood.
Raag Gaud-Sarang (oxatonic)
Gaud-Sarang is a sunshiny, lively early-afternoon raga.
Raag Pahadi
Pahadi is an evening raga that combines both playful and pensive aspects. It is characterized by a very charming, folksy flavor. The notes Sa Ri Ga Pa Da form the backbone of Raag Pahadi, which makes it a very close cousin of the pentatonic raga Bhupali. The other notes of the octave are incorporated into this framework judiciously.
