Raag - Melodious Hue

Raag, or raga, refers to the shade or hue of a color infused in dyeing, moods, expressions, or various rhythmic tones of melodies and harmonies in traditional classic scales of Indian Music.

A raag is composed of notes Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni Sa, similar to Do Re Mi So Fa La Ti Do. The starting note Sa may be adjusted to suit the voice and may be any keynote including sharps or flats of the Western scale C D E F G A B C. In Western terms, a specific raag written in a minor scale may be referred to as being in the scale of B flat or E flat etc. Raag is very complex, as each raag may have any number of possible tunes or variations, and the various raag correspond to melodious moods set by the tone of day, time, or season. It may require years of training for a *ragi to master all the complexities of classical raag.

The poetic compositions of Sikhism's holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, commonly referred to as Gurbani, are composed by 43 authors in 31 raags. Compositions are written to be performed in a specific raag so that they may be sung as hymns accompanied by musical instruments. Hymms of Guru Granth Sahib are arranged in sequence grouped according to the raag they are written in.

The Sikhism code of conduct advises that kirtan, or hymns, being sung in the gurdwara worship place, or before the congregation during any worship service, ought to be performed according to traditional in the raag in which they are composed, so as to inspire the mood according to the significance of each particular raag.

More:
What is the Significance of Raag in Gurbani?

Related words:

*Ragi - singer of raag, one schooled in raag.

Bairaag, Baraag, Vairaag, Viraag - An expression of detached separation, subduing passion, an act of devotion, renunciation, or penance.

Biaragi, Baragi, Biragi, Vairagi, Viragi - One detached from the world, an ascetic devotee, a renunciate of passion and sensual pleasure, or a recluse.