A "Raga" is a melodic framework used in Indian classical music, characterized by a specific set of notes and a unique mood or emotion. Each raga is designed to evoke particular feelings and is often associated with different times of the day or seasons. Musicians use ragas as a basis for improvisation and composition, allowing for personal expression within a structured format. Ragas are built on a scale of five to seven notes, known as swaras, which can be played in ascending or descending order. The performance of a raga typically includes a slow introduction, called alap, followed by rhythmic sections that may involve instruments like the sitar or tabla.