Pungi Snake Charmers Flute Like Indian Music Instrument

The pungi, also called the been, or bin is a wind instrument played by snake charmers in India. The pungi is similar to the Chinese Hulusi but has only two reed pipes, known as the "jivala". The pungi was improved to produce the Shehnai. The pungi originated in India and is still played by snake charmers in street performances. ShalinIndia's pungis come in two varieties, one made of gourd, and the other made of coconut shell. Snake charmers generally use pungis made of gourd. However, this is very delicate and risks breaking at the joints with the flute like pipe. Pungis made of gourd often produce better quality sound than the one made with coconut shell. Pungis made with coconut shell are stronger and last longer. However, they produce inferior quality sound and are used only by the hobbyists.

NB: This is a folk music instrument and is handcrafted by the artisans of village India. The folk music instruments are usually meant for sale in the rural local markets. The artisans use very simple and age old tools to make folk music instruments. Almost all folk music instruments therefore lack the finesse that we often see in classical instruments.