The Bansuri

The bansuri, one of the oldest musical instruments in India, is a transverse flute made of a single length of bamboo. It has either six or seven open finger holes and no keys. A unique fingering technique is used to produce the microtonal sliding and other ornaments which are so characteristic of the instrument.

The bansuri has always held a mystic fascination in India because of the playful cow-herder God, Krishna. His flute playing is not only a call of the lover to the gopis (milk-maids), but an invitation to the soul of man for union with the Divine.

Still must I like a homeless bird

Wander, forsking all

The earthy loves and worldy lures

That held my life in thrall,

And follow, follow, answering

The magincal flute-call.

Sarojini Naidu

Catherine Potter offers individual bansuri lessons. For more information contact info@catherinepotter.net

Catherine Potter plays bansuri fabricated by master flute-maker Pratap Gujar. For more information about these instruments or interest in purchasing one, please contact info@catherinepotter.net