Chai Bansuri - The Tea Flute
The steam activates mechanized fingers on the flute, releasing it in a precise sequence to play the melodious raag. Chai Bansuri is truly a masterpiece that marries tradition with innovation and music, turning the act of brewing tea into a musical symphony.
The Design
The Chai Bansuri’s design is crafted on three essential components—a superheater, a brewer, and a flute—all working together to harness the kettle’s steam and bring music to life.
It begins with the superheater, located at the base of the kettle, which gently boils the water to create just the right amount of steam inside the brewer. The gathered steam then travels to the metal flute tucked inside the spout, where it is carefully released in a sequence—just like a flute player controlling their breath—to bring the notes to life.
Tiny mechanical fingers rest along the flute, opening & closing its holes in perfect rhythm. As the steam flows through, these fingers precisely play each note of Raag Hamsadhwani, one by one. The result is a serene melody that turns a timeless ritual into an enchanting performance
The Art
The Chai Bansuri draws its inspiration from one of India’s most iconic structures—the Taj Mahal. Its shape mirrors the grandeur of the monument’s main dome, while the pristine white body pays homage to the marble used in its construction.
The base of the kettle is a deep blue hue and the intricate patterns are not just decorative—they mimic the motifs of the monument and are crafted from actual musical notes. Every detail is a celebration of India’s rich heritage, weaving together the worlds of art, music and tradition.
The Blueprint
A closer look at the 500-litre tea flute that plays the flute while brewing tea.
Raag Hamsadhwani
Meaning & Significance
Raag Hamsadhwani is an Indian classical raga that originates from Carnatic tradition and was later embraced by Hindustani music. Meaning "sound of the swan," this raga features a pentatonic melody with five notes: Sa, Re, Ga, Pa, Ni, (omitting Ma and Dha). Known for its serene and uplifting mood, it’s often associated with devotion and auspicious beginnings.
Creator of the Raag
Raag Hamsadhwani is credited to the legendary Carnatic composer Ramaswami Dikshitar, a pioneer who enriched Indian classical music with his innovative genius. His creation reflects a perfect blend of technical mastery and melodic beauty, offering a timeless connection between music and spirituality.
The Location
Meet Our Partners
Taufiq Qureshi
Indian Classical Music Maestro
Hrishikesh Majumdar
Professional Flautist
Rajneesh Bolia
Creative Technologist
Frequently Asked Questions
Chai Bansuri draws inspiration from Taj Mahal Tea, a brand renowned for embracing and celebrating India’s rich heritage over the years. With its deep-rooted connection to Indian classical music on a global stage, Taj Mahal Tea continues to honor the nation’s cultural legacy through its distinctive taste and commitment to music.
It took 8 months to bring the Chai Bansuri to life after the concept was finalized. Every little step, from designing its components to perfecting the intricate details, was carefully crafted to create an installation that seamlessly blends innovation with the essence of Indian culture and music.
It is made from high-quality galvanized steel to ensure it is sturdy and durable. This material was chosen not only for its strength but also to withstand the immense heat as the steam flows through the spout, ensuring the kettle performs efficiently.
It stands an impressive 12 feet tall, with the kettle measuring 8 feet and resting on a sturdy base spanning 21 feet in width. The scale was thoughtfully designed to reflect its grandeur while ensuring stability and presence befitting for its unique purpose.
It can brew up to 500 litres of tea inside the kettle. This capacity ensures there’s enough steam to sustain the musical performance while honoring the art of brewing tea.
It can create up to 90 litres of steam per minute, ensuring a steady flow to power the flute as it brings the melody to life, creating an immersive musical experience
It plays the raag using a G-scale variant metal flute, specially crafted to produce its precise and melodious pentatonic notes.
It performed at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The audience was instantly captivated by the magical experience of witnessing the Chai Bansuri bring music to life through steam.
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