Sohini

Raag Sohini is a captivating and melodious raga belonging to the Marwa Thhat. It is traditionally performed during the final quarter of the night, just before daybreak. As an 'Uttarang Pradhan' raga, its melodic expansion is centered in the upper tetrachord, reaching into the higher octaves with great brilliance. The raga employs Komal Rishabh, Shuddha Gandhaar, Teevra Madhyam, Shuddha Dhaivat, and Shuddha Nishad, while the note Pancham (Pa) is strictly forbidden. Sohini is characterized by its bright, yet restless and yearning nature, often evoking a sense of intense longing or separation. While it shares the same scale as Raag Marwa, its distinct emphasis on Dhaivat and Gandhaar sets it apart. It is highly popular in both Khayal singing and semi-classical forms like Thumri due to its expressive and ornamental potential.