Bamboo Flute Making — Northeast India

Bamboo flutes (venu, bansuri, pepa) are made in the craft clusters of Assam, Manipur, and Tripura from mature Dendrocalamus or Bambusa internodes. Craftsmen select straight internodes of 2–3cm diameter, dry for 30–60 days, then drill holes at precise positions calculated for musical scale. The pepa (Assam's hornbill instrument) uses a buffalo-horn bell. Bansuri makers in Vrindavan UP and northeastern artisans serve different music markets. Export demand from diaspora communities and music instrument retailers in Europe is growing. KVIC and NE Handloom & Handicrafts support flute craft cooperatives.