If you’ve lived in India your whole life or been exposed to Indian cultures, you’re probably already aware of the Shehnai. You might have heard its melodious sounds during religious festivals, weddings, and other spiritually significant
events.
In fact, I’m sure you’ve seen it in Bollywood movies, where they focus heavily on the soul-stirring music of the Shehnai during wedding scenes.
But have you wondered why the Shehnai is such a significant part of many Indian cultures and traditions? What is it about this musical instrument that makes it a must-have during such events?
It’s All About The Soulful Vibrations
As we all know, music has a deep impact on our thoughts, emotions, and energy. The right music can make you feel like a new person even after an exhausting day. It can also lift your spirits up when you’re feeling down and distraught. Shehnai music happens to be one of these “right music.”
You see, the Shehnai produces profound vibrations that make the surroundings positive and sacred. It creates an auspicious atmosphere that feels pure and serene. Its melodious tunes not only captivate the senses but also create a deep spiritual experience. This has been known for centuries and is probably why it was popularly played by musicians for kings and royalty back in the day.
Also, the Shehnai has the ability to convey a range of emotions from joy and celebration to nostalgia and farewell. It leaves an emotional impact on the listener that stays with them for days. Anybody who has listened to Shehnai knows that it touches the heart and stirs the soul in a way that transcends the boundaries of language and culture.
It is because of these reasons that the Shehnai is held in high esteem in India and why it became an integral part of festivities in this part of the world.
Shehnai At Indian Wedding Ceremonies
Due to its ability to weave together tradition, spirituality, and emotions, the Shehnai has become an integral part of Vedic Hindu weddings. There are many ceremonies that are considered incomplete without it. Let’s take a peek into some of these ceremonies.
1) Welcoming The Baraat
2) The Mangal Dhwani
An Indian wedding consists of various ceremonies that involve prayers and religious rituals. Some of these ceremonies are designed to invite divine forces so that they can bless the new couple. And what better way to create the right atmosphere for the divine than by playing the Shehnai? It creates a sacred ambiance, where everyone present can witness a holy union.
3) The Bidaai
At the end of the wedding, the Bidaai is where the bride leaves her parent’s home to start her new life with her husband. During this ceremony, the Shehnai creates a solemn and melancholic environment that signifies the bittersweet farewell.
Final Thoughts
The Shehnai plays an integral role in Indian festivities, especially weddings. Its melodies bring a sense of divinity to the various ceremonies, creating a spiritual atmosphere that is both beautiful and sacred. It plays an important part in helping the couple have a memorable day that they will hold on to for the rest of their lives. In a way, it too, blesses the couple.