5 Indian Raagas That Bring the Monsoon to Life Through Music
There’s something about the first drop of rain that makes the world pause. It feels as if the sky finally exhales, and everything beneath it breathes a little easier. The earth smells sweeter, conversations linger longer, and the soul, without quite knowing why, feels like swaying.
It’s no surprise, then, that Indian classical music, with its uncanny ability to mirror life, has a whole season wrapped in sound. Monsoon raagas aren’t just tunes; they are moods, stories, and emotions distilled into melody. Some sing of longing, some thunder with drama, while others tiptoe like the rain on a tin roof.
These are not songs you simply hear. These are songs you feel like wet grass underfoot, or the scent of soaked pages in an old diary.
So if you’re curled up indoors with a cup of chai, here are five monsoon raagas to keep you company, each one a drizzle of feeling, a cloudburst of memory.
1. Raag Megh
Mood and emotion:
A raaga that carries the hush of clouds gathering, Megh is filled with quiet anticipation. It evokes the moment just before the sky opens up, denoting a deep, calm laced with longing.
Historical note:
Rooted in the ancient times, Raag Megh has long been believed to possess rain-summoning powers. It’s associated with Lord Indra and features prominently in classical compositions celebrating the monsoon.
Where to listen:
Listen to Pandit Jasraj’s rendition of Raag Megh on YouTube. The depth in his voice mirrors thunder rolling in the distance. It’s also available in curated Spotify playlists.
Bollywood song reference:
Remember the upbeat track “Ghanan Ghanan” from Lagaan? The song channels the drama and hope of Megh. It builds like a storm, capturing the collective anticipation of rain in a parched village.
2. Raag Miyan Ki Malhar
Mood and emotion:
If Megh is the promise, Miyan Ki Malhar is the downpour itself. Bold, sweeping, and unrestrained, it evokes the dramatic energy of a storm in full swing.
Historical note:
Legend attributes this raaga to Tansen, the famed musician in Akbar’s court. It is said he could summon rain simply by singing this majestic raaga, a tale that refuses to dry out with time.
Where to listen:
Ustad Amir Khan’s performance is a masterclass in vocal precision and emotional force. Find it on YouTube or on classical playlists dedicated to the Malhar family.
Bollywood song reference:
“Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re” by Mohammad Rafi is bathed in the spirit of Miyan Ki Malhar. Its playful energy and dramatic musical phrasing echo the joy of dancing in the rain.
3. Raag Desh
Mood and emotion:
Light-hearted and lyrical, Desh is kind of the musical version of catching raindrops on your hand or stealing a walk under a shared umbrella. It’s about love, nostalgia, and all things quietly beautiful.
Historical note:
A favourite in semi-classical forms like thumri and dadra, Raag Desh is often sung in the evening. Its fluidity makes it a darling of both classical purists and experimental artists.
Where to Listen:
Shubha Mudgal’s thumris in Desh are a delight. Listen to her monsoon collections on Apple Music or YouTube. Her voice adds just the right touch of playfulness and pathos.
Bollywood song reference:
“Bole Re Papihara” from Guddi captures Desh in its purest cinematic form. The song mimics the call of the bird, evoking longing and the soft ache of waiting during rain.
4. Raag Gaud Malhar
Mood and emotion:
This raaga carries the aftertaste of rain, the moment when the storm passes, and everything smells new. It’s mellow, comforting, and touched with introspection.
Historical note:
A confluence of Raag Gaud and Malhar, it is a nuanced blend of power and delicacy. Though not as frequently performed, it has a quiet intensity that makes it stand apart.
Where to listen:
Bhimsen Joshi’s rendition is a treasure. His voice weaves through the raaga like light through wet leaves. Search for his live recordings on YouTube.
Bollywood song reference:
All 90s kids assemble, as you all know this song too well! “Ab Ke Sawan” by Shubha Mudgal resonates with the raaga’s spirited yet haunting energy. It captures the monsoon as both wild and beautiful.
5. Raag Amritvarshini
Mood and emotion:
Joyful and bright, Amritvarshini is like the first rainbow after a storm. Its name means “shower of nectar,” and the raaga feels exactly like that.
Historical note:
Originally from the Carnatic tradition, Amritvarshini has seeped into Hindustani music as well. In South India, it’s famously believed to bring rain when sung with sincerity.
Where to Listen:
M. S. Subbulakshmi’s version is a timeless gem, listen on YouTube.
Bollywood song reference:
“Satyam Shivam Sundaram” echoes the spiritual richness of this raaga. It feels soaked in the same purity and peace.
Edited by Vidya Gowri Venkatesh
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