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Flute
There are two main types of flutes - Bansuri and Venu.
Bansuri: This type of flute originates from North India
and is used for the North Indian system. The Indian flute uses no
keys. Tone control is a matter of breath control and careful fingering
on the six or seven holes in the flute.
Venu: This type of flute originates from the South India
and is used for the Carnatic system.
The flute has a special significance to Hindu culture because it
was the musical instrument depicted in the scriptures played by
Lord Krishna.
Harmonium
The harmonium is a classical musical instrument which originates from
Europe. The hand pumped harmonium drone is also referred to as sruti
or sruti box. This is a secondary melody instrument which is used
in vocal music such as bhajanas and kirtanas. Many Hare
Krishna devotees have mastered this instrument and offer their services
by playing beautiful music during the kirtana services and
ceremonies at the temples.
Karatalas
Karatalas (manjira) are small Indian hand cymbals used
at most ISKCON temples during devotional songs. They are used to emphasis
the tal (or beat) of the songs. These cymbals are an easy musical
instrument which all devotees can use, they involve banging the two
cymbals in rhythmic fashion to the song.
Mrdanga
The mridanga is a folk drum which originates from Bengal. This
twin-headed drum is also referred to as Khol. It has a body made of
clay and a very small head (approx. 10cm) on the right side and a
larger head (20–30cm) on the left side . This instrument has
been modernised and is now made from fibreglass. Hare Krishna devotees
worldwide use it for their chanting on the streets and in temples.
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