Music That Makes It Rain: A Cultural Treasure
In India, monsoon is not just a season—it’s a celebration. And one of the most powerful ways this joy is expressed is through Indian classical music. Raagas like Megh Malhar, Miyan ki Malhar, and others are known not just for their beauty but for their power to evoke rain, both literally and emotionally.
“Raagas don’t just accompany the rains; they summon them,” says classical vocalist Dr. Aruna Joshi.
Whether you follow Hindustani or Carnatic traditions, monsoon melodies are deeply rooted in India’s musical identity.
🌧️ What Are Raagas, and Why Are They Seasonal?
A Raag (or Raga) is a melodic framework for improvisation and composition in Indian classical music. Each raag is associated with a particular mood, time of day, or season.
- Spring Raagas: Evoke new life and energy (e.g., Basant)
- Summer Raagas: Offer relief and introspection (e.g., Desh)
- Monsoon Raagas: Express longing, joy, fertility, and nostalgia
In the monsoon, artists typically lean toward Malhar family raagas, believed to be capable of bringing actual rain according to folklore and legend.
🌩️ Top Monsoon Raagas That Celebrate the Rains
1. Megh Malhar – The Rainmaker
- Believed to possess mystical powers to invoke rain.
- Used in countless film songs and classical performances.
- Mood: Joyful, divine, nourishing.
Listen: Ustad Rashid Khan’s rendition is widely celebrated.
2. Miyan ki Malhar – Created by Tansen
- A powerful, dramatic raag with deep emotional resonance.
- Often performed in evening concerts during monsoon season.
- Combines the serenity of Megh and the grandeur of Malhar.
Legend: Tansen supposedly brought rain with this raag in Akbar’s court.
3. Gaud Malhar – Expressing Romance
- Delicate and graceful.
- Often used in compositions about lovers reuniting under stormy skies.
- Perfect for twilight or early evening.
4. Des Malhar – A Blend of Playfulness and Longing
- Merges elements of Raag Des with Malhar.
- Popular in semi-classical forms like Thumri and Dadra.
🎼 Carnatic Raagas for the Monsoon
Though Carnatic music doesn’t align raagas with seasons as strictly as Hindustani, some raagas are still favored during the rains:
- Amrithavarshini – Associated with rain and blessings.
- Revati – Meditative, often performed during cloudy evenings.
- Kambhoji – Used in compositions celebrating nature.
Composer Muthuswami Dikshitar is said to have invoked rain with Amrithavarshini in Ettayapuram.
🎬 From Classical to Cinema: Monsoon Raagas in Films
Indian cinema has long borrowed from these classical roots:
- “Ghanan Ghanan” (Lagaan) – Inspired by Malhar.
- “Bole Re Papihara” (Guddi) – Based on Raag Miyan ki Malhar.
- “Megha Re Megha” (Dil Se) – Builds on the raag’s moody essence.
These songs not only pay homage to tradition but make raagas accessible to mass audiences.
🌱 Why It Resonates: The Science Behind the Sentiment
Psychologists and musicologists have shown that monsoon raagas reduce anxiety, evoke nostalgia, and enhance emotional regulation. Their repetitive note cycles and gradual builds mirror the rhythm of rain, inducing a calming effect.
Recent studies from NIMHANS (2023) suggest raagas like Megh Malhar lower cortisol levels and boost serotonin, especially in urban listeners.
🎤 Tips for Listeners & Learners
- Start with recordings by legends like Bhimsen Joshi, Kishori Amonkar, or Shubha Mudgal.
- Use apps like Raga Surabhi or Sangeethapriya for guided listening.
- Try monsoon playlists curated by All India Radio or Spotify India.
- Attend live baithaks (intimate concerts) if available in your city.
📈 India’s Growing Raaga Revival
With YouTube, social media, and music festivals, interest in seasonal raagas is growing among the youth. In 2024, over 3 million people streamed monsoon raagas during July–August alone.
Organizations like SPIC MACAY and Indian Music Experience are integrating raaga education into schools and colleges.
🧾 Final Note: Raagas That Rain on the Soul
In the fast-paced world of digital noise, monsoon raagas offer a return to slow, mindful listening. They connect generations and bridge tradition with emotion.
So this monsoon, skip the pop hits for a while. Put on a raag. Let it rain inside you.
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