Crazy about Krishna

"Lord Krishna is my only guru. The message of love and devotion he conveyed through the humble bansuri (flute) has a universal appeal," says Padma Vibhushan flautist and Krishna devotee Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
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On the occasion of Janmashtami and Dahi Handi, Panditji chats with CS about his love for the lord:

Calling the flute

I first became aware of the presence of Lord Krishna when I was five or six year old. Looking at the lord's idol, I used to wonder about this master flautist who seemed so lost in his flute even when the world around was in total commotion. He was my first guru.

I loved the stories where the animals, flowers, gopis and Yadavas were left spellbound by his notes on the flute. I was also very impressed that he made such a great instrument from something as simple as the branch of a tree. He has given a unique message of love, devotion and spirituality to the world through the flute.



It's Lord Krishna who has graced a mere flautist like me with fame, money, a home and this wonderful gurukul.

Whatever I am today, it is because of his blessings. We all know that he was a clever God who liked to reward his devotees without any intimation (laughs).

Lost in the festive fervour

I hail from Allahabad where Janmashtami used to be celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. We used to make the delicious makhane ki kheer at home. One kulhar (mud pot) of makhane ki kheer would fill our stomachs for hours.

The women used to immerse silver utensils and coins in haldi ka paani and later throw them at the devotees. I celebrate Janmashtami in my gurukul every year. My wife observes a fast on that day while I survive on fruits.

Then I sit down and play before Lord Krishna for a full 24 hours, right from the midnight of Janmashtami till the midnight of Dahi Handi. When I take a break for half an hour or so, my students keep playing so the conversation with swars goes on. A lot of other musicians also participate in the celebrations.

My prayer

This Janmashtami, I wish that every child is taught the Bhagavad Gita in school. She will learn values like non-violence, love and respect, which will be of greater use in life than just history, geography or civics.

I feel while many of the Hindu Gods were somewhat political minded, Krishna was the most impartial and loving of the lot. I also want people to develop a love for music. Even if a person cannot play an instrument or sing, simply listening to good music can heal his heart and soul.

Who: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia

What: Speaks about his guruu00a0-- Lord Krishna

Where: At his gurukul