Bilawal is a very flexible rag, capable invoking a variety of moods. In the Sikh tradition, it is said that it is particularly effective in conveying a mood of happiness.If we wish to be very restrictive in its definition, Bilawal is sometimes referred to as Shuddha Bilawal. This name is chosen to suggest this restrictive approach. But there is often confusion as to what this means. Some suggest that Shuddha Bilawal is really Lom Bilawal; some suggest Alhiya Bilawal; while others put forth entirely different structures. The plurality of opinion has Bilawal as being the same as Alhiya Bilawal. This is the position that we will take here. Regardless of our nomenclature, according to this restrictive definition, Bilawal has been declining in popularity over the years.