About Malhar
Malhar is a family of Hindustani classical ragas associated with the monsoon season, traditionally believed to evoke rainfall. Miyan Ki Malhar, attributed to Miyan Tansen, is its most famous variant, alongside Megh Malhar, Gaud Malhar and Anand Malhar.
In 2026, MALHAR was also the name of a youth-centric cultural festival celebrating Indian classical music and monsoon traditions.
Raga Malhar — The Classical Tradition
- Definition: A ragang (family of ragas) belonging to the Kafi Thaat, traditionally performed during the monsoon season in the late evening, with the signature phrase m(m)R(m)RP.
- Legend: Regarded as an invitation to rain, believed capable of summoning downpour when sung correctly.
- Exponents: Miyan Tansen (one of Akbar’s Navratnas) is credited with creating Miyan Ki Malhar; other variants include Gaud Malhar, Megh Malhar, Anand Malhar (Kishori Amonkar) and Mishra Mel ki Malhar (Ustad Bismillah Khan on Shehnai).
MALHAR 2026 — The Cultural Festival
- Inaugurated: By Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on 21 August 2026 in New Delhi.
- Organiser: Antar Hriday Connect, as a free, youth-centric, monsoon-themed celebration of Indian classical music.
- Award: The Antar Hriday Cultural Diplomacy Award was presented to Saurav Sharma (Nepal); artists Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar and Pt. Rajendra Gangani were felicitated.
Conclusion
Malhar represents India’s rich musical heritage and its deep cultural connection with the monsoon. Knowing about it helps appreciate Indian classical music, traditions and cultural diversity that continue to shape India’s identity.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article – Vice President Inaugurates ‘MALHAR’: Celebrating India’s Classical Music Heritage |