The bansuri is one of the oldest and most original instruments. It is suited for playing sonorous, soft and protracted tones that have a calming effect and a longing note to them. In many cultures the flute is ascribed magical significance. Thus, in Indian mythology it is associated with Lord Krishna, who as a sheperd's child filled the forests of Vrindaban with soulful melodies at night. The richness of refined nuances in tone pitch is accomplished through a subtle blowing technique and gradual covering of the 7 to 8 grip holes, which requires decades of practice, though. The flutist possesses several bamboo flutes for different pitches, which he sometimes even interchanges during the course of a Raga.
