If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to bring the soulful sounds of the Shehnai to a gathering of thousands, let me take you behind the scenes of my recent performance at the JAINA Convention in Chicago—a true celebration of Indian culture, tradition, and unity.
As an Indian wedding Shehnai player, I’m used to creating magical moments for couples and families. But this time, the stage was set for something even bigger: the opening ceremony of the JAINA Convention, one of the largest Jain gatherings in North America. The energy in the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center was electric, and my mission was simple—set the mood and create an unforgettable ambience for everyone attending.
Setting the Scene with Shehnai
From the moment I played the first note, the Shehnai’s warm, melodic sound filled the hall, instantly transporting everyone to the heart of a traditional Indian celebration. As a Hindu wedding music performer, I know how important it is to create the right atmosphere, and it was an honor to do this for such a vibrant community event.
Keynote Magic: Welcoming Gyanvatsal Swami
One of the highlights was performing for the introduction and opening of keynote speaker Gyanvatsal Swami from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The Shehnai added a touch of elegance and reverence to the moment, perfectly complementing the wisdom and inspiration shared by Swamiji. It’s these moments that remind me why I love being an Indian ceremony musician—music truly brings people together.
Lunchtime Beats with Tabla Fusion
But let’s talk about the real crowd-pleaser: traditional music entertainment during lunch! I teamed up with Chicago’s own Ravi Patel, a talented Tabla player, to deliver a fusion Indian wedding music performance that had everyone tapping their feet (and maybe even sneaking a quick dance between bites). Whether it’s a Hindu wedding entrance music set or a lively lunch performance, the combination of Shehnai and Tabla never fails to create joy.
Connecting with the Community
One of the best parts of performing live Shehnai for Indian weddings and events like this is the opportunity to meet incredible people from all walks of life. The JAINA community welcomed us with open arms, and the appreciation for traditional music was truly heartwarming. It’s moments like these that fuel my passion for being an Indian Shehnai player in Chicago and beyond.
If you’d like to see a glimpse of the event, check out this awesome video recap by a local media source: Watch on YouTube.
Lunchtime Beats with Tabla Fusion
Whether you’re planning an Indian wedding, a Hindu ceremony, or a special community event, I’d love to help make your celebration unforgettable with live Shehnai performance. I’m always happy to collaborate with local musicians, take special song requests, and create custom tracks for every occasion.
For booking information, pricing, or to chat about your event, head over to my website or connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s make some music—and memories—together!