Ragas are similar to musical scales, and in Western classical music, they may be compared to the concept of a mode. However, ragas are more complex than scales, as they include not only the notes of a scale, but also the way they are played, the emotions they are associated with, and the time of day when they are traditionally performed.
There are many different ragas, each with its own unique character. Some ragas are associated with specific seasons, times of day, or moods. For example, the raga Darbari Kanada is associated with the monsoon season, while the raga Bhairav is associated with the early morning. Some ragas are considered to be more calming, while others are more energizing.
Ragas are an essential part of Indian classical music. They are used in both vocal and instrumental music, and they are often improvised upon by musicians. The ability to play a raga correctly and expressively is a sign of great musical skill.