Rasa in literature

In literature, "rasa" is a concept from Indian art and drama that refers to the emotional flavor or mood experienced by the audience. It represents the specific feeling or aesthetic essence—such as happiness, sadness, or devotion—that a work aims to evoke. Think of rasa as the emotional core that guides both the creation and appreciation of a story, allowing the audience to connect deeply with the characters and themes. It helps writers craft narratives that evoke particular responses and enables readers to experience a range of profound emotional states.