Music can be a communal activity as well as a very spiritual experience. Ancient Indians were profoundly moved by the spiritual influence of music, and Indian classical music arose as a result. Classical music demands unwavering passion and a lifetime commitment for those who take it seriously. However, the beauty of music is that you may take it as seriously or as lightly as you like. Whatever level of engagement you have, it is a gratifying experience.

Melody, rhythm, and harmony are the three essential components of most music. Indian classical music is a solitary activity that focuses mostly on melodic development due to its meditative, spiritual aspect. Rhythm is also vital in performance, providing texture, and a feeling of purpose to the song. Harmony in Indian classical music is mostly achieved by the tanpura playing the tonic (sa) and a set pattern of the fifth (pa) or fourth (ma) in the background, similar to an arpeggiated chord. Traditional Indian music does not have harmony in the Western sense, and it is crucial not to search for it.

  

  

 

A raga may be compared to a scale, which is a musical subject constructed by selecting a certain collection of sounds from an octave. Music has the ability to move us because the atmosphere it produces may speak to our deepest emotions. Distinct sets of notes elicit different moods and sentiments in the listener. Ragas are frameworks of keynotes - a set of musical notes put together in a singing pattern - that denote them.

In Hindustani (North Indian) classical music, an octave is called saptak and has seven notes called swara. These notes are sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni (similar to the Western do re mi fa so la ti).

Rehearsals and planning aren't really a part of classical concert preparation. The spontaneity of Indian classical music is its charm. The music is created in real-time, using the energy of the audience as well as the energy on stage.

Primary divisions of Ragas are:

1.Raag Asaravi
2. Raag Bhairav
3. Raag Bhairavi
4. Raag Bilawal
5. Raag Kafi
6. Raag Kalyan
7. Raag Khamaj
8. Raag Marwa
9. Raag Purvi
10. Raag Todi 

Some of the most beautiful raagas in Indian classical music are

Raag Malhar – A raag of rains. Malhar depicts the romanticism associated with pensive torrential rains.

Raag Desh – A raag of patriotism, Desh represents the essence of India with all its diversity and cultural treasure.

Raag Bahar – A raag recited to welcome the beautiful onset of spring.

Raag Darbari – A raag of grave and profund emotions played int the deeper hours of night, usually at the courts or “Darbars” of the majesty.

Raag Bageshri - A raag that depicts the emotions of a woman on the occasion of her reunion with her lover

Raag Bhairavi – A raag of the morning which includes all 12 notes in a composition keeping it vivacious as mornings should be