Which Hindustani classical Raag is sung as an invitation to rain?

Raag Malhar is the primary Hindustani classical raga associated with the monsoon season and is traditionally sung as an invitation to rain [1]. The name 'Malhar' itself is derived from its association with the rainy season, and it encompasses a family of at least 36 variations, including Megh Malhar and Miyan ki Malhar. Legendarily, Miyan ki Malhar, composed by Tansen, was believed to possess the power to actually bring rain when performed. These ragas use specific melodic structures, such as glides (meend) and flat notes (komal), to mimic the sound and emotional resonance of rainfall and thunderclouds. While Raag Bahar is associated with spring and Raag Bhairavi is a morning raga often used as a concluding piece, Raag Malhar remains the definitive 'rain raga' in the Indian classical tradition.

Sources

1. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Climates of India > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 55