Raga Kafi
Intermediateसमय
Midnight (12–3 AM)
भाव
Folk
वादी
Pa
संवादी
Sa
Kafi is a folk-influenced raga with a warm, earthy character. It uses flat Ga and flat Ni, making it equivalent to the Western natural minor scale. It is the basis of many popular bhajans, thumris, and folk songs. Holi songs are often composed in Kafi.
Scale (Swar)
आरोह (आरोहण)
Sa Re Ga♭ Ma Pa Dha Ni♭ Sa
e r 4 y u i 9 pअवरोह (अवरोहण)
Sa Ni♭ Dha Pa Ma Ga♭ Re Sa
p 9 i u y 4 r eपकड़ (विशिष्ट वाक्य)
Sa Ga♭ Ma Pa, Ni♭ Dha Pa
e 4 y u, 9 i uThe pakad is the signature phrase that identifies this raga. Memorize it first.
How to Practice
Kafi sounds very natural to Western ears because it resembles the natural minor scale. If you know minor scales, you'll pick this up quickly. Focus on the flat Ga (key "4") — it gives the raga its characteristic folk quality.
Famous Compositions
♪
Hori Khele Raghuveera
Baghban (2003)
♪
Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo
Teesri Kasam (1966)
♪
Piya Tose Naina Laage Re
Guide (1965)