Indian wind instruments are one of the more soulful and introspective musical instruments played by Indian musicians. One of these wind instruments is called Shehnai. Shehnai is a double reed instrument that has six to nine holes for the fingers. It is skinny on top and has a broad bottom. The bottom is encased with a metal encasing. This instrument is often played during weddings and happy occasions. The shehnai is often played when the bride leaves her father’s house to live with her husband. Since the sounds of the shehnai has a tendency to sound moving and poignant, it is the perfect instrument for such occasions.

The Pungi is a single reed instrument that is often played by snake charmers to hypnotize snakes. Traditional pungi instruments are made from dried gourds. There are two bamboo pipes that are attached to the gourd. One pipe plays the melody and the other pipe plays the drone. To modify the pitch, the pipes can be adjusted. The pungi is special because it is often played for religious reasons and is believed to be one of the modes of communication with a deity. Pungi players are exceptional at controlling their breath. They can play without pausing by breathing in through the nose while simultaneously blowing through the mouth.

The Bansuri is made of bamboo and has six or seven finger holes. Certain sounds are created by covering and uncovering the holes. Minor notes can be played by half covering, half uncovering the hole. The length of the notes are also controlled by the musician’s breath and the pace in which the fingers cover the holes. The bansuri differs in length. Longer bansuris will produce a lower pitch, while shorter ones will produce a higher pitch. Bansuri instruments are hard to make so they are very sought-after by musicians. The Bansuri is special because it is associated with the bond between Krishna and Radha. Supposedly the bansuri had a powerful and enchanting effect on women.