Raag Kedara is a melodic framework (raag) in South Asian classical music. It belongs to the Kalyan thaat. Traditionally performed during the 18:00-20:59. It evokes a devotion mood. Associated with winter. The vadi (dominant note) is Madham and the samvadi is Kharaj. Stream 6 renditions of Raag Kedara on Saarey Music.
Raag Kedara is an ancient raag placed on a high pedestal in classical music. Simple and melodious, the tune is said to represent the fluttering of a flag held by a great warrior. It is said to possess magical properties that can heal the sick.
The raag is highly significant in the Sikh tradition of Gurumat Sangeet and is part of the Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib.
How to recognize Raag Kedara
Identify the parent scale. Raag Kedara belongs to the Kalyan thaat — listening for the characteristic note pattern narrows the field.
Listen for the vadi. The dominant note is Madham, with the samvadi Kharaj supporting it. Emphasized in phrases and pauses, especially in the alap.
Note the time of performance. Raag Kedara is traditionally performed during the 18:00-20:59.
Feel the mood. Raag Kedara evokes a devotion rasa — one of the clearest cues.
Seasonal association. Raag Kedara is associated with winter.
Raag Kedara is a melodic framework in South Asian classical music belonging to the Kalyan thaat, traditionally performed during 18:00-20:59. It evokes a devotion mood. Raag Kedara is an ancient raag placed on a high pedestal in classical music. Simple and melodious, the tune is said to represent the fluttering of a flag held by a great warrior. It is said to possess magical properties that can heal the sick.
The raag is highly significant in the Sikh tradition of Gurumat Sangeet and is part of the Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib.
Raag Kedara is traditionally performed during 18:00-20:59. In South Asian classical music, each raag is associated with a specific time of day or night, believed to enhance its emotional impact and resonate with the natural rhythms of that period.
For the most authentic experience, listen to Raag Kedara during 18:00-20:59. South Asian classical music theory holds that each raag resonates most powerfully at its designated time, aligning with the listener's emotional and physiological state during that period. However, great performances of Raag Kedara can be appreciated at any time.
Raag Kedara evokes a devotion mood. In South Asian classical music, each raag is associated with a specific emotional quality (rasa) that the performer seeks to communicate through melodic phrases and ornamentations. The devotion character of Raag Kedara is expressed through its particular combination of notes, emphasis patterns, and characteristic phrases (pakad).
Raag Kedara belongs to the Kalyan thaat. A thaat is a parent scale in South Asian classical music from which raags are derived. The Kalyan thaat provides the foundational note set that Kedara elaborates upon with its specific ascending and descending patterns.
The vadi (most important note) of Raag Kedara is Madham and the samvadi (second most important note) is Kharaj. The vadi and samvadi are the two dominant notes around which the raag's melodic phrases revolve, giving it its distinctive character.
Raag Kedara is traditionally associated with winter. Many raags in South Asian classical music are linked to specific seasons, reflecting the deep connection between music, nature, and human emotion in this tradition.
