28 ` L x 1` W. The Professional Bansuri has a mouthpiece that is played in a similar way as the western transverse flute. It is made from a single piece of bamboo with seven holes. The pitch noted for the bansuri means the flute will play that pitch with the first 3 holes covered.

The pitch noted for the bansuri means the flute will play that pitch with the first 3 holes covered.

This Professional Bansuri flute is hand crafted by Anand Dhotre. He is the noted Karigar, or flute-maker, for maestros like Ronu Majumdar, Arvind Ganjendragadkar, Naresh Kumta and Keshav Ginde among others. Anand Dhotre was taught the craft of flute making from his father, Ramchandra, even before he was taught to walk. Becoming a perfect flute maker takes a long time. One must know the materials as well as the craft; and one must have patience. Each flute requires years of preparation and then concentrated attention to details. The professional Bansuri flutes are made from only one type of bamboo, called cinchor. This bamboo only grows in the interior forests of Assam. Only straight Bamboo of 3 to 4 years old and of the proper diameter can be used. The cut bamboo is then treated, dried and stored for years until it is properly seasoned. The longer it is seasoned the better the flute. The correct notes are achieved by piercing the seasoned bamboo with hot iron rods in precise positions along the length of the flute. After testing each note for correct pitch, the flute is polished for up to eight hours. The Bansuri is the most common Indian flute and is one of the oldest musical instruments. They have a special significance in India because of their association with Lord Krishna. Although they are a simple piece of bamboo or reed, they produce quite a beautiful sound. The transverse blown, embouchure, gives the flexibility and control necessary for classical music. The traditional North Indian Bansuri, associated with Hindustani music, had six holes. In recent years a seventh hole has been adopted to add flexibility and a more accurate pitch when overblown to produce the higher octaves.