Shehnai

The shehnai is a popular musical instrument in India and falls in the category of aero phonic instruments. Shehnai is believed to bring good luck that is why in North Indian marriages and processions Shenani is predominantly played. Shehnai is a tube-like instrument that gradually widens towards its lower end. For rhythm, resonance and sound Sarangi generally has between six and nine holes and employs two sets of double reeds, making it a quadruple reed woodwind. By controlling the breath, various tunes can be played on shehnai. According to the scholars of the Indian music, the present day shehnai was developed by improving upon the pungi.

Breath control is the keyword for playing shehnai and all the tunes of full tone, half-tone and sharp notes can be played on shenai through breath control. The notes are continuous and are generally used in classical and light classical music. Sehnai closely resembles the Nadaswaram, a prominent musical instrument of South India. Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan was a great shehnai player.