Flute player Paras Nath believes that music of the ‘Bansuri’ can calm anxiety and depression

Nath perceives that music can not only help endure the coronavirus quarantine but also heal from anxiety & depression triggered due to the pandemic. Born and hailing from a renowned family of musicians of Varanasi who have traditionally played for over two and half centuries, Paras has taken to music by inheritance. He mastered his inherited musical genius with the help of his gurus- his grandfather- Late Pt. Shiv Nath, his father -living legend Pt. Amar Nath and his brother- Shri Pankaj Nath.

Paras who has delved into the realms of Shashtriya Sangeet (Indian Classical Music) for many years now believes that the sound of flute captivates the interest of people and has done so since ages since the time of Lord Krishna. “Flute is a great way to feel de-stressed. We might be living in the digital age today, but the beautiful sound produced by the flute cannot be replaced by any digital device” confesses Paras. At the very young age, he possessed a good command over the flute. His recitals were methodical with emphasis on Gayaki Ang. Consistency in sur and laya is the hallmark of his playing. He is at ease with the light classical modes like thumri, chaiti, kajri, dhun and can play them with equal aplomb and telling effects.

For Paras playing the flute is a form of meditation that enhances his spiritual awareness “Playing the flute helps me improve the energy flow through my body and leads me to the spiritual awakening of my soul. The regular breath movements done while playing the instrument is similar to that of Pranayam breathing movements. Overall it offers a positive effect on my body”. “Music can calm anxiety and depression and provide a pleasant diversion and it may even help the rest of us to cope with the novel coronavirus pandemic. The gentle music of the bansuri helps in the removal of emotional blockages and reduces tensions” concludes Nath.