Raag Bhairavi | Trinity Trio | Live at Kala Festival 2025, Cambridge

Bhairavi

भैरवी

There’s something special about Raga Bhairavi. Often called the Queen of Ragas, it holds a place in Hindustani Classical Music that feels timeless and unique. What’s appealing about this raga is how it weaves together all four Komal Swaras, Rishabh, Gandhar, Dhaivat, and Nishad, creating a sound of melancholic and peacefulness. Although it is technically a morning raga, Bhairavi is traditionally played at the end of any concert, irrespective of the hour, as a gentle, graceful way to say goodbye.What fascinates someone about Bhairavi is how it uses all seven notes, ascending and descending, with Madhyam and Shadaj at its heart. It’s a raga that can move you in many ways, sometimes bringing peace, sometimes devotion, and sometimes a touch of romance. Each time we listen, we can find a new emotion ensconced within its notes.These days, you’ll often hear Mishra Bhairavi, where a few Shuddha notes are woven in to add more colour. Its influence is everywhere, in soulful Thumris, heartfelt Bhajans, or unforgettable Bollywood melodies we grew up with. It’s no wonder Bhairavi is one of the most loved and instantly recognisable ragas across the Indian subcontinent.