The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan c8.63

c8.63

In modern times this system, as far as the hour of the day is concerned, is still carried out, and no musician, unless specially ordered, will sing any râga out of the proper time of day apportioned for it. The reason given for this is, according to Willard, that musicians declare that the times and seasons allotted to each are those at which the divinities are at leisure to attend at the place where their favourite tune is sung, and to inspire the performer with due warmth in his execution. Superstition seems to have given birth to this absurd custom, and it still exercises a strong hold upon all professional musicians, principally from the fact that it has been handed down from time immemorial; therefore it would be considered improper to make any change. Even in educated circles among Hindus it would be thought a display of ignorance to call for a particular râga, unless for some special reason, at an improper season.