In Mirzapur and surrounding villages of Madhaura block in Bihar's Saran district, the ancestral art of flute making is still thriving. This is not merely a craft but a tradition passed down through generations, forming the backbone of many families' livelihoods and local culture. With the approach of the Dussehra fair, the work of making flutes has intensified in these villages. From morning till late evening, bamboo is shaped and tuned in homes.

Craftsman Noor Hasan explains that this work has been in his family for generations, and dozens of families in the region depend on this small cottage industry. Festivals and fairs are significant opportunities for them to bring their year-long efforts to the market. Flutes made in Mirzapur are not only sold in local markets but also have high demand at fairs in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.

However, this traditional craft faces several challenges. Plastic toys and cheaper alternatives available in the market have impacted the sales of traditional flutes. Additionally, the scarcity of raw materials like bamboo and natural disasters, especially floods, have increased the difficulties for artisan families. Despite these challenges, the artisans of Mirzapur have not abandoned their ancestral skill. For them, a flute is not just an object but a legacy tied to their identity, culture, and family's livelihood. Every flute prepared for the Dussehra fair during Durga Puja carries the hope that this melody and this skill will remain alive for the next generation.