2017-02-09 Thu

Every breath is a pendulum between life and death, but when this pendulum is attached with a Bansuri it creates the most melodious sounds in the universe.

Bansuri is considered to be the oldest Indian classical instrument. It is made from a flawless and straight piece of bamboo cylindrical in shape and holes are placed at uniform distances. The flute is closed on one end. It is said to be the traditional instrument of cow herders and shepherds.

This instrument has many names like venu, bansi, murali, vansi, etc. The origin of Bansuri can be traced to primitive period. The Indus valley civilization, Vedic period, Jain and Buddhist show evidence of bansuri through literature, archaeological survey, iconography or paintings.

Bansuri is associated with lord Krishna and as a symbol of Radha and Krishna’s love. It was said the beautiful melody which originated from the lord’s flute was a reflection of universal sound (AUM). The sound of Bansuri can stir the Anahat Chakra (unstirred sound in causal body).

According to Natya Shastra musical instruments are classified into four categories. The Sushira (Aerophones) is distinguished for the wind instrument Bansuri. The gestures for playing Bansuri are depicted in almost all dance forms in India. The Alpa (slower passage) of Indian music can be played beautifully on a horizontal Bansuri.

To praise this simple and ancient musical instrument India Post had issued a commemorative stamp in 1998. It depicts a stone sculpture of celestial musical beings, the gandharvas along with the bansuris in the foreground.