All Raags
Raag
Desh
Spirit of the Monsoon
Arohana (Ascending)
S R M P N Ṡ
Avarohana (Descending)
Ṡ n D P M G R S
Tradition
Hindustani
Thaat
Khamaj
Jaati
Audava–Sampurna
Time of Performance
Second prahar of the night
About This Raag
Desh is a raga that captures the essence of the Indian monsoon and the spirit of the homeland — its very name means "country" or "homeland" in Hindi. Belonging to the Khamaj thaat, Desh omits Ga and Dha in the arohana, creating distinctive melodic leaps that give it a buoyant, uplifting quality. Like other Khamaj-thaat ragas, it uses shuddha Ni in the ascent and komal Ni in the descent. Desh is one of the most recognizable ragas in popular Indian music, with its evocative phrases forming the basis of countless film songs and patriotic compositions.
Mood & Character
Patriotic, romantic, evocative, uplifting
Notable Facts
- The name means "homeland" or "country" in Hindi
- Ga and Dha are omitted in the arohana, giving the ascent its distinctive leaps
- Strongly associated with the monsoon season and patriotic sentiment
- Uses shuddha Ni in ascent and komal Ni in descent
- One of the most recognizable ragas in Bollywood, used in countless film songs