The on-going, extended ‘Saavan ka mahina’ inspired
me to mull over this amazing season, and its influence over so many
aspects of our life.
For us Indians, the monsoon plays a major role. Historically we're a
country that prides on growing our own indigenous crops and grains. And for a
healthy harvest,
the rain Gods have to be benevolent. Did you know that there are special
mantras chanted or ‘yagnas’ performed to invoke the rains?
Well, with so much happening around the rains, it is only natural that
the 'monsoons' have seeped into every facet of our life....music, khaana, peena….
Monsoon ragas....
Garma garam chai....
Baarish & pakoras - an 'ek duje ke liye' combo
Saavan ke gaane....
Monsoons, as an inspiration:
Rains have often been a muse to many poets and authors.
It is believed that the monsoons inspired the Sanskrit poet Kalidasa to
create the romantic poem ‘Meghadoota’ (the Cloud Messenger). As the story goes,
a ‘Yaksha’ who commits a blunder in his daily rituals is banished into exile
for a year. Unable to endure the pangs of separation from his wife, he reaches
out to a large monsoon cloud, pleading for it to carry a message to his beloved
wife.
In more recent times, the magic of the rains have compelled poets such
as Gulzar, Shailendra, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Anand Bakshi, Javed Akhtar and many
others to also put pen to paper.
Monsoon Music & Moods
Indian classical music is based on the raga system. Since different
ragas are known to evoke different emotions, they are rendered during different
time cycles and also seasons.
The monsoons have played a major role in helping the yesteryear masters
classify music in an altogether separate section.
It is believed that a family of at least 36 ragas are classified together
as Raga Malhar. Some of the popular ones being:
Miyan Malhar, Gaud Malhar, Shuddha Malhar, Megh Malhar, and others.
Here's some music from our classical legends who have rendered
musical pieces based on monsoon ragas:
Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia
Pt. Jasraj
In fact, there are even popular songs based on Monsoon Ragas:
Raga Megh Malhar.
Raga Gaur Malhar
Raga Mian Ki Malhar
Raga Sur Malhar
Moreover, there are Ghazals also which
romanticize the rains.
Raga Mian Ki Malhar
Monsoon Healing:
As soon as the dark clouds appear, we crave for a hot cup of tea – garma
garam chai!
Did you know that Indian diversity seeps down to even different
varieties of ‘Chai’ that have therapeutic effects?
Masala Chai – A blend of cardamom, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger
and nutmeg, the masala chai is soothing as it trickles down a sore throat.
Ginger Chai – Grated ginger is added while the tea is brewing. Helps
fight colds too.
Elaichi or Cardamom Chai – Freshly powdered Cardamom is added to the
brew. Cardamom is an antioxidant and also a diuretic, helps in lowering BP.
Bombay Cutting Chai – A strong concoction, this variety is served by the
half-glass.
Kashmiri Kahwa – A speciality of Kashmir, this is a green tea prepared
with exotic spices. The special flavour is derived from strands of saffron, and
added to the blend. Saffron is known to improve mood and treat depressive
symptoms.
Sulaimani Chai – A great digestive, this is a type of black tea with
lemon.
Tulsi Chai – Fresh Tulsi leaves when added to the brew, is said to
strengthen the immune system.
Monsoon ‘Soul Food’
A cup of hot Chai and a plate of pakoras is every person’s indulgence
during the monsoon. Pakoras/Pakodis/Bhajiya…..call it by any name, and yet it
tastes divine.
Monsoon Music for relaxation:
Saavan ke Gaane:
Bollywood has been hugely inspired by the rains. Every Indian at some
time or the other, has broken into song, as soon as the dark clouds burst open
and rain showers drench the parched land. Some of the memorable songs being:
1 Aha Rimjhim Ke Ye
Pyare Pyare Geet Liye
2 Barsaat Mein Humse
Mile Tum Sajan, Tumse Mile Hum
3 Zindagi Bhar Nahi
Bhoolegi Woh Barsaat Ki Raat
4 Saawan Ke Jhoole
Pade, Tum Chale Aao
Rimjhim Gire Saawan, Sulag Sulag Jaaya Mann
Rimjhim Gire Saawan, Sulag Sulag Jaaya Mann
Rimjhim Ke Tarane
Le Ke Aayi Barsaat
Umad Ghumad Kar
Aayi Re Ghata
8 Dum Dum Diga Diga
9 Ek Ladki Bheegi
Bhagi Si
1 Chhatari Na Khol,
Udd Jaayege
Saawan Ka Mahina, Pawan Kare Sor
Sajna, Barkha Bahaar Aayi
Saawan Ka Mahina, Pawan Kare Sor
Sajna, Barkha Bahaar Aayi
Ghar Aaja Ghir Aaye
Badra Saanwariya
1 Lagi Aaj Saawan Ki
Phir Who Jhadi Hai
1 Garjat Barsat
Saawan Aayo Re
And as we get ready to bid adieu to the rains, get your playlist ready
and play these songs on a loop. Drench yourselves in the joy that these
monsoons bring us. Visualize yourself being soaked to the bones in the rains….
Allow yourself to be cleansed, both, mentally and physically!
