Raz Ohara & The Odd Orchestra Varsha (2009)
Varsha, also known as the monsoon season, is a time of renewal and abundance in India. It typically lasts from June to September and is one of the six seasons recognized in the Hindu calendar, marking a significant shift in both weather and the agricultural cycle. The festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, Krishna Janmashtami, also takes place during this season. It falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) and is marked by fasting, singing devotional songs and reenacting scenes from Krishna’s life. Given that Krishna was born at midnight amidst heavy rains, the monsoon season adds to the spiritual significance of the celebration.
Speaking of divine vibes and rain, “Varsha” is also the title of today’s song by Berlin-based musician Raz Ohara and his project The Odd Orchestra. Known for blending electronica, folk and experimental sounds into something that feels like it was recorded inside a cloud, Ohara’s music has a captivating quality, kind of like staring at rain for too long and starting to question everything in life and beyond.
Whether celebrating Krishna’s birth or just staring out the window in an existential crisis, “Varsha”—both the season and the song—has a way of making everything feel just a little more poetic.
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