Keep an eye on Swar Systems during Black Friday or holiday sales, where they often offer significant discounts for students and home producers!

There are several free plugins that, while not as exhaustive as SwarPlug 5, offer excellent quality:

If you are serious about Indian classical or fusion music, SwarPlug 5 is a "buy it once, use it forever" tool. The time you save trying to find "free" versions is better spent mastering the features that make the virtual Sitar sound like the real thing. Unmatched authenticity in articulation.

Allows for deep expression and realistic slides (Meends).

Works seamlessly in FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Cubase. The Search for "SwarPlug 5 Free": The Truth

Over 100 instruments including percussions, strings, and winds.