Raga refers to melodic modes in carnatic music. A series of five to seven notes is called a raga. Ragas are very peculiar in nature. Each ragas has a unique feature which when invoked in a proper fashion elevates the listener. The 16 notes that are important in a raga are as follows:-

  Name                  Symbol  Note    Western note   
 
* Shadja                 S       Sa        C
* Shuddha Rishabba       R1                D Flat
* Chatussruti Rishabba   R2      Ri        D natural
* Shatsruti Rishabba     R3                D Sharp
* Shuddha Gandhara       G1                E Double flat
* Sadharana Gandhara     G2      Ga        E Flat 
* Antara Gandhara        G3                E Natural 
* Shuddha Madhyama       M1                F Natural
* Prati Madhyama         M2      Ma        F Sharp 
* Panchama               P       P         G Natural
* Shuddha Dhaivata       D1                A Flat
* Chatussruti Dhaivata   D2      Dha       A Natural
* Shatsruti Dhaivata     D3                A Sharp
* Shuddha Nishada        N1                B Double Flat
* Kaisiki  Nishada       N2      Ni        B Flat  
* Kakali  Nishada        N3                B Natural