A Blessed Life

Yatindra Misra: Considered the king among Persian wind instruments (shah-e-nai), the shehnai is widely regarded an auspicious instrument. Its very mention instantly evokes scenes of joyous occasions and rituals in one's mind. Therefore, one is led to believe that certain ragas or raginis were specially created to mark auspicious occasions and that some ragas can be considered auspicious by nature. Puriya Dhanasri, for example, is performed at dusk, when Nature seems to be quietening down. The sun begins to set at this hour, and birds return to their nests. Yet, while it can evoke a mood of peace, the raga does not evoke an atmosphere of joyous celebration. Can you tell us how music can create the appropriate mood to suit a particular occasion?