"The Soothing Notes of Brindavani Sarang: Learn Your First Aalap on the Bansuri"

Sharanya naidu
Oct 21
2 min read

The raga Brindavani Sarang is one of the most soothing and uplifting melodies in Hindustani classical music. It evokes a sense of calmness, devotion, and freshness — like a gentle afternoon breeze or the sound of temple bells echoing in the distance. For beginners learning the Hindustani flute (bansuri), Brindavani Sarang is a wonderful raga to start exploring the beauty of Aalap — the slow, melodic unfolding of a raga.

🎵 Understanding the Raga

Brindavani Sarang is a pentatonic (audav) raga, which means it uses five notes in both ascent (Aaroh) and descent (Avaroh).

Aaroh (Ascent): S R M P N S'Avaroh (Descent): S' N P M R S

Vadi (most important note): RSamvadi (second important note): P

This raga is generally performed during the midday and carries a shanta (peaceful) and devotional mood.

🪈 Tone and Feel on the Flute

When you play Brindavani Sarang on the bansuri, focus on producing a sweet and clear tone. The raga thrives on purity of sound and gentle transitions between notes. Avoid harsh blowing — let the notes flow naturally.

Try to imagine you’re painting a calm afternoon scene — soft sunlight, rustling leaves, and the peaceful energy of Vrindavan, the sacred land of Krishna. This visualization helps you connect emotionally with the raga’s essence.

🎶 Aalap for Beginners: Step-by-Step

The Aalap is the introductory section of a raga performance, played without rhythm (laya). It sets the mood and introduces the listener to the melodic character of the raga.

Here’s a simple Aalap sequence for beginners:

Start from the lower octave (mandra sthayi):
- Play S R M P N slowly, holding each note gently.
- Focus on a smooth, continuous air flow.
Explore the middle octave (madhya sthayi):
- Gradually move from R M P N S’ and back to N P M R S.
- Try subtle meends (glides) between R→M and P→N.
Add emotional touches:
- Let R and P linger — they are the soul of this raga.
- Avoid G and D, as they are not used in Brindavani Sarang.
End softly:
- Return to S with a peaceful fade-out, symbolizing closure.

💡 Tips for Practice

Practice long notes (sustained blowing) daily to build control.
Use slow tempo — Aalap is about expression, not speed.
Record your practice to observe tone stability and intonation.
Listen to masters like Hariprasad Chaurasia to understand phrasing.

🌼 Why This Raga Is Great for Beginners

Brindavani Sarang’s simplicity — with only five notes and no complex ornamentations — makes it ideal for new learners. Yet, its depth lies in how you phrase and emote each note. It teaches patience, breath control, and aesthetic sensitivity, all of which are essential skills for any flautist.

✨ In Essence

Learning Brindavani Sarang Aalap on the bansuri is not just a technical exercise — it’s a meditative experience. The raga invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and find music in simplicity. As you practice, let every note resonate with peace and devotion, just as the raga intends.

Practice with love, and let the flute speak your emotions. 🌿