"A raga is a particular arrangement of sounds in which notes and melodic movement appear like ornaments to enchant the mind." (Sangita-darpana)

"Each of the notes of the scale has its own kind of expression and a distinct psychological or physical effect, and so it can be related to a colour, a mood, meter, a deity or one of the subtle centers, chakras, of the body. Accordingly, raga, which comes from the root ranga, to colour, to tinge, reflects particular emotions and flavours, rasa, as well as seasons and times of day or night." (Cheb I Sabbah)