What is Raga Kedar?

Raga Kedar is a late evening raga in Hindustani classical music known for its serene, devotional, and meditative mood. It is characterized by the use of shuddha and tivra Ma with graceful phrases that revolve around Ma and Pa.

Key Facts:

Thaat: Kalyan

Jaati: Sampoorna-Sampoorna

Aroh (Ascending): Sa Ma Ma Ga Pa Ma Pa Dha Pa Sa

Avaroh (Descending): Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Pa Dha Pa Ma Pa Ma Re Sa

Vadi (Primary note): Ma

Samvadi (Secondary note): Sa or Pa (traditionally Ma-Pa pair)

Time: Late evening to early night (first prahar of the night)

Mood/Emotion: Devotional, serene, and contemplative

Pakad (Signature phrase): Ma Ma Pa, Ni Sa, Ni Dha Pa, Ma Pa; Pa Ma Ga, Ma Re Sa

Important notes or usage tips: Emphasize Ma with oscillations and characteristic double Ma movements; avoid straight scale runs that dilute its distinct identity.

Raga Kedar is a popular and prominent raga in the Hindustani classical music tradition of North India. It is often associated with a devotional and meditative mood and is traditionally performed during the late evening or early night.

Key characteristics of Raga Kedar include:

Time of Performance: Kedar is typically performed during the third part of the night, approximately from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Scale and Structure: The scale of Raga Kedar includes all seven swaras (notes) in both ascent (Arohana) and descent (Avarohana). The swaras used are: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni. The specific pattern of ascent and descent, as well as certain characteristic phrases, contribute to the identity of Raga Kedar.

Mood and Emotion: Kedar is known for its serene, contemplative, and devotional mood. It is often used for expressing deep emotions and evoking a sense of spirituality.

Variants: There are different variants of Raga Kedar, including Kedar, Kedar Kanada, and Shuddha Kedar. Each variant may have variations in the use of certain notes or phrases.

Association with Season: Kedar is sometimes associated with the monsoon season and is considered suitable for expressing the emotions associated with the rainy season.

Raag Kedar / Raga Kedara

Time of Singing: First Prahar of The Night

Lower Octave - sa re ga ma pa dha ne
Middle Octave - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ne
High Octave - SA RE GA MA PA DHA NE

Aaroh:

Sa Ma Ma Ga Pa Ma Pa Dha Pa SA

Avaroh:

SA Ne Dha Pa Ma Pa Dha Pa Ma Pa Ma Re Sa

Pakad:

Ma Ma Pa, Ni SA, Ne Dha Pa, Ma Pa

Pa Ma Ga, Ma Re Sa

Sa Ma, Ma Pa, Ne SA Ne Dha Pa, Ma Pa, Ga Ma Re Sa

Lakshan Geet 1:

Kedar Ras Shant Gaat Guni, - 2

Dou Nishad Sur Tivar Madhyam - 2

Karat Varaj Gandhar Chadhat Ri - 2 (Back to first line)

Vaadi Rahat Nit Mahdyam Suswar - 2

Samvadi Puni Shadaj Manyavar - 2

Pratham Prahar Nis Gaat Chatur Jana - 2 (Back to first line)

Lakshan Geet 2:

Bol Bol Mose Nand Kunvarava, - 2

Rasbhari Batiyan Laag Madhur Tori - 2 (Back to first line)

Subhag Hath Tore Bansi Shaamasi - 2

Brijavasi Nirakhat Nayan Bahri - 2

Ati Aghat Jas Bhookh Bhikhari - 2 (Back to first line)