Keharwa or Kaharva is one of the famous talas of Hindustani music. It is also one of the common taals in North India, used in various popular compositions of Indian music. Keherwa has many variations including dhumaali, "bhajani", and qawwali.
Contents
Arrangement
Keharwa is an 8-beat pattern used in ragas. It has eight beats in two equal divisions (vibhag). The period between every two beats is equal. The first beat out of 8 beats is called "sam" and the fifth beat out of 8 beats is called "khali". Sam is the Ist Division. Khali is the IInd Division. To exhibit the Keherwa, the audience claps on the first beat and then shows that fifth beat is waived (not clapped).
Cyclical series of equally periodical beats consisted of recurring claps and waves: clap, 2, 3, 4, waive, 2, 3, 4, clap, 2, 3, 4, waive, 6, 7, 8,
Theka
It has a characteristic pattern of bols (theka).
In popular culture
The popular Hindi film song, Rang Barse Bhige Chunar Wali from Silsila (1981), is also set in Keherwa by film's music composers duo, Shiv-Hari, who are noted classical musicians.