Raag Desh or Des is an Audava-Sampurna (consists of 5 notes in Aroh and 7 notes in Avroh) raga from the Hindustani music tradition. Raag Desh has been used in well-known Indian Patriotic Compositions. The most identifiable is “Vande Mataram” which is the national song of India. The popular composition Baje Sargam from Doordarshan with many famous artists like Bhimsen Joshi, Ravi Shankar, and Hariprasad Chaurasia was also based on Raag Desh.
When is Raag Desh sung?
Raag Desh is sung in the 2nd night quarter of night from 9 pm to 12 am.
What is the nature of Raag Desh?
Raag Desh depicts the Shringar (beauty) and Veer Rasa (heroism and boldness).
What is the Thaat of Raag Desh?
The Thaat of Raag Desh is Khamaj.
What are the notes in Raag Desh?
The Arohana of the raga is Ni Sa Re, Ma Pa Ni, Sa.
The Avarohana of the raga is Sa ni Dha, Pa Dha Ma Ga Re, Pa Ma Ga, Re Ga Ni Sa.
What are the Vadi and Samvadi of Raag Desh?
The Vadi is Re and the Samvadi is Pa.
An Introductory Singing Course on Raag Desh
Course curated by Shri Sarfaraz Khan & Kum Hiranmayee Sharma
This is an introductory Hindustani singing course on Raag Desh. This course was recorded by very talented vocal coaches of this generation Shri Sarfaraz Khan and Kum Hiranmayee Sharma. This course contains important lessons in the raga for you to listen to and repeat after the Guru. You can practice each lesson till you have internalised the concepts covered. While singing you will receive instant visual feedback so you can correct yourself immediately and improve.
Concepts Covered: Aroh, Avroh, Pakad, Chalan, Alaap, Lakshangeet,Sargamgeet and Chhota Khayal.
Lesson Structure
1. Introduction
Download the Riyaz app to listen, practice, and learn
2. Practice of Aroh and Avroh (Ascent and Descent)
3. Practice Of Pakad (Phases)
4. Chalan Practice (Melodic Progression)
5. Alap of the Raag (Musical Phrases)
6. Sargamgeet
7. Lakshangeet
8. Bandishes – Beeti Jaat Barkha & Karam Kar Deeje (Compositions)
9. Paltas (Patterns)
This course is a must if you would like to sing a song in Raag Desh. You can learn Raag Desh as well as many other ragas like Bageshri, Bhimpalasi, Brindavani Sarang etc. Think of Riyaz as your very own mobile vocal coach. If you want to learn to sing at home, download the riyaz app now!
Other Hindustani Music Courses
Quick facts about Raag Desh
What is the origin of the raga Desh?
The origin of Raag Desh can be traced back to the North Indian classical music tradition. Like many other raagas in Indian classical music, Raag Desh has evolved over centuries from ancient musical practices, Vedic chants, and regional folk music.
Who composed Raag Desh?
Raag Desh is a traditional Indian classical raag, not composed by a specific individual.
What are the popular Raag Desh songs?
Some popular songs in Raag Desh are "Ae Watan Ae Watan" from the movie "Shaheed" and "Jagriti Ke Data" from the movie "Ghulami."
What is the nature of Raag Desh?
Raag Desh is an evening raag that evokes a feeling of patriotism and devotion.
Which Raag is Vande Mataram?
"Vande Mataram," India's national song, is based on the raag Desh.
