I spent my childhood around many people including my family who understand the beauty of Indian classical music. Everyone said you have a knack for it, you should learn it. I ended up learning it for more than 5 years. Listening to the music itself is such a Hygge experience for me that even though I stopped learning and practicing, I always kept in touch with it. The ragas, the bandish, the taranas, and the thoughtful use of musical instruments always spoke to me.

Indian classical music dates back to sacred Vedic scriptures over 6,000 years ago. During that time, chants were developed as a system with musical notes and rhythmic cycles. The journey from that to today’s well-developed classical music is worth exploring.

The division of ragas according to time zones

Did you know that every raga is specifically created for a specific time period of the day? It is believed that only when you sing or practice ragas in a specific time period, those Ragas let you experience their majestic splendor and melodic beauty. Now that’s ancient science helping us even today. Each raga is created with a specific intention to invoke certain emotions and moods. The power of musical notes moves you, makes you feel various emotions, just like a therapeutic experience.

For eg- Raga Bhairavi is considered a morning raga. Back in the time when all-night Indian classical music concerts were a thing, people often used to end the concert with Bhairavi. It makes us feel devotional, peaceful, and energetic, a perfect start to the day!

The creativity behind the construction of ragas

If you have a little idea about classical music, you know there are 7 musical notes and all the ragas are created from it. Imagine the creativity taking a leap here. Every raga, just by changing a few notes creates a different set of emotions. Even though the basic notes remain the same, their usage creates a huge difference.

The beatles got it right

The sensational 60s was all about The Beatles, isn’t it? The stars of rock music literally ruled the music world for around a decade. But did you know the deep connection between The Beatles and Indian classical music? George Harrison, one of the members of the world-famous band The Beatles, was majorly influenced by Indian music in the 60s. He spent a reasonable amount of time in India, learned more about Indian music, bought a sitar, and started using the notes of Indian music in his compositions. He in a way put Indian classical music in front of the global audience.

His devotion and love for Indian classical music can be clearly seen in his compositions. So much so that Indian music played a vital role in a tribute concert for him – Concert for George in 2003. Legends of the musical world like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr performed during the concert along with George’s son Dhani. Apparently, Dhani is named after the sixth and seventh notes of the Indian music scale.

Here’s a glimpse of Concert for George where performers like Anoushka Shankar paid a tribute to the legend himself – George Harrison

How do Raga appeal to different emotions?

Each raga is directly related to a corresponding rasa/emotion. When artists use those particular ragas and notes, with their creative usage of notes, they are able to invoke certain emotions. Thus, there are a few unique aspects of raga music that may be considered more therapeutic and recommended for healing. Even though they can’t fix broken bones, they can help in healing pain, keeping the right mindset, general mindfulness, and positive thinking.

So how can Indian classical music lead to a Hygge experience?

Indian classical music is a treat to your sense of sound. We get engaged in appreciating the beauty of the music itself, then the artists add their creativity, and together we experience Hygge through our sense of sound. According to the latest researches, we should be looking at Indian classical music in a new way as it has the power to control our emotions in a positive way. Listening to the right kind of music at the right time brings out the best in an individual, helping him/her/them reach the fullest of his potential. Now that’s Hyggelig right?

Here’s a playlist specially curated according to the different time periods of the day that’s filled with Indian Ragas. Have a go at it and don’t forget to let us know your experience.

Keep It Hygge is a platform for spreading happiness with the help of Hygge. We borrow the principles of A Danish lifestyle – Hygge is the Danish way of enjoying life’s simple pleasures and leading a contented life. It helps us be happy on an everyday basis. Being happy is about finding joy in smaller things in life and being grateful for things we have. You will be surprised to know how little it takes for us to be happy. Hygge helps us find and preserve this feeling of happiness. It tells us how we can find happiness by keeping our senses happy. And we’re here to take you on that journey!