A most pleasing and enjoyable raga, Bihag is at once a very popular and common raga. On the sarod, practically everyone has played this at some time or the other. Associated ragas include: Maru Bihag, Nat Bihag, Hem Bihag and Pat Bihag (I heard the last one once, and have no idea of the repertoire…. will find out if I get the time)….
Bihag, also spelt Behag etc… is a straightforward raga
Aarohan: N(lower) S G M P N S(upper)
Avrohan: S (upper) N P, G M G
Bihag employs both the Major (Shudda) M and Teevra (Sharp) M…
The phrase GMG is a signature of Bihag …..
It evokes feelings of happiness, joy and celebration. According to some musicians (notably Ud Vilayat Khan), this is a raga for weddings.
Here’s a quick compostion in Vilambit Teentaal
Followed by a few compositions in Drut Teentaal (16 beats)
I really should move these to their own page-…
Bihag Jhaptaal composition is still in the works…
Nikhil Banerjee playing Hem-Bihag…I can’t find the words to express how extraordinary it is.