Namaste, my dear creative flute players!
You’ve learned ragas, alaaps, and bandishes composed by great masters. But have you ever wished you could create your own music on the bansuri?
The beautiful truth is — you can. Creating your own simple bandish is one of the most liberating and joyful stages in your bansuri journey. It transforms you from a player into a true artist.
In this blog, I’m sharing a simple, step-by-step method that even complete beginners can follow.
What is a Bandish?
A bandish is a short, fixed composition set to a specific raga and tala (rhythmic cycle). It usually has two parts:
Sthayi — The main theme (lower and middle octave)
Antara — The higher section that expands the raga
Think of it as a “song without words” — pure melody that captures the soul of the raga.
Why You Should Create Your Own Bandish?
It deepens your understanding of the raga
It boosts creativity and confidence
It makes practice more exciting
Your own composition always feels more emotional than someone else’s
How to Create Your First Simple Bandish
Step 1: Choose an Easy Raga
Start with beginner-friendly ragas:
Bhupali
Yaman
Recommendation for first attempt: Raga Bhupali (only 5 notes — very forgiving).
Step 2: Fix the Tala (Rhythm)
Beginners should use simple cycles:
Keherwa (8 beats) — easiest
Teentaal (16 beats) — most common
Step 3: Create the Sthayi (Main Line)
Rules for beginners:
Use mostly shuddha (natural) swaras in the beginning
Keep the melody simple and singable
Repeat a catchy phrase
Example Sthayi in Raga Bhupali (Keherwa):
Sa Ga Pa Dha | Pa Ga Re Sa
Re Ga Pa Dha | Sa Re Ga Pa
(You can sing it as “Mere man mein baso” or create your own words later)
Step 4: Create the Antara (Upper Octave)
This part should feel like it’s “rising” emotionally.
Example Antara:
Ga Pa Dha Sa’ | Dha Pa Ga Re
Sa’ Dha Pa Ga | Re Ga Pa Dha
Step 5: Add Simple Ornaments
Make it beautiful by adding:
Gentle meend (glides)
Light andolan on important notes
Small pauses for breathing
Step 6: Give It a Name & Emotion
Name your bandish based on its mood.
Examples:
“River of Peace” (Bhupali)
Pro Tips for Creating Beautiful Bandishes
Always sing first, then play on flute
Keep it short (8–16 beats per section)
Record your composition immediately
Don’t aim for perfection — aim for feeling
Start with 4–6 swaras only
7-Day "My First Bandish" Challenge
Day 1–2: Choose raga + create Sthayi
Day 3–4: Create Antara
Day 5: Add meend & gamakas
Day 6: Record it
Day 7: Perform it for someone (even family)
Final Words as a Flute Teacher
Your own composition, no matter how simple, carries your emotions and your story. That makes it more precious than any famous bandish.
Don’t wait to become “advanced” before creating. The best time to start composing is now.
If you create your first bandish using this method, I would love to hear it!
Record a small clip and send it to me on WhatsApp or through the contact page on my website. I personally listen to every student’s composition and give feedback.
Now tell me in the comments:
Which raga are you going to use for your first original bandish? Share the name you give it if you’ve already thought of one!
Let your creativity flow. The world needs to hear your unique bansuri voice.
Until next time — create, play, and celebrate your own music!