Raga Bhimpalasi: Aroha, Avaroha, Time and Practice Tips
A student's guide to Raga Bhimpalasi of the Kafi thaat, from the teachers at Surmandal, Kolkata.
About Raga Bhimpalasi
Bhimpalasi is an afternoon raga with a tender, longing mood. It leaves out Re and Dha in the ascent, and Ma and Sa are its important notes. It belongs to the Kafi thaat and is presented in both khayal and light classical forms. It is also written Bhimpalasree.
Aroha and avaroha
Aroha (ascent)
Avaroha (descent)
Notation: (k) = komal (flat), (t) = tivra Ma (sharp), an apostrophe after a note (Sa') = upper octave.
Raga Bhimpalasi at a glance
| Thaat | Kafi |
|---|---|
| Jati | Audav-Sampurna (five notes up, seven down) |
| Vadi / Samvadi | Ma / Sa |
| Swaras | Komal Ga and komal Ni. Re and Dha are skipped in ascent |
| Time of singing | Afternoon (roughly 12 to 3 pm) |
| Mood | Tender, longing and devotional |
| Typical phrases (pakad) | Ni(k) Sa Ma, Ma Ga(k) Ma Pa, Ga(k) Ma Ga(k) Re Sa |
Timings are traditional guidelines and singers vary. Phrases are typical examples. Your teacher will show the exact form they teach.
Practice tips
- In the ascent skip Re and Dha: Ni(k) Sa Ga(k) Ma Pa Ni(k) Sa. In the descent use every note.
- Rest on Ma, the vadi, and return to Sa often, the samvadi.
- Keep the voice soft and the pace unhurried to bring out the longing mood.
- Practise Ga(k) Ma Pa slowly, since this is where the raga takes its character.
Where Raga Bhimpalasi appears in syllabi
RBU B.A. (Hons) Vocal Music: Semester 1 and the Semester 3 Dhrupad ragas (written Bhimpalasree). Visva-Bharati B.Mus: the later khayal and Dhrupad groups.
From the official curricula. See our university music courses guide and the Pracheen Kala Kendra exams page. Spellings follow each university.
Learn Raga Bhimpalasi with a teacher
Ragas are best learned by listening to a teacher and being corrected. Surmandal teaches Hindustani classical and semi-classical vocal one-to-one at Sonarpur, Bansdroni and online. Book a free trial class.
Raga Bhimpalasi FAQ
What is the aroha and avaroha of Raga Bhimpalasi? Aroha: Ni(k) Sa Ga(k) Ma Pa Ni(k) Sa'. Avaroha: Sa' Ni(k) Dha Pa Ma Ga(k) Re Sa.
What is the best time to sing Raga Bhimpalasi? Afternoon (roughly 12 to 3 pm). These timings are traditional guidelines.
What are the vadi and samvadi of Raga Bhimpalasi? Vadi: Ma. Samvadi: Sa.
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