Shehnai

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The shehnai is an aerophonic instrument which is thought to bring good luck, and as a result, is widely used in North India for marriages and processions.

This tube-like instrument gradually widens towards the lower end. It usually has between six and nine holes. It employs two sets of double reeds, making it a quadruple reed woodwind. By controlling the breath various tunes can be played on it.

Bismillah Khan is a well-known shehnai player.

Origin of the shehnai

The shehnai was created by improving upon the pungi. There are two common stories. In the first, a Shah banned the playing of the pungi in his court due to its shrill sound. A barber, belonging to a family of musicians, improved on it and created the shehnai. As it was played in the Shah's court and giving due reference to the 'nai' or barber, it was called shehnai.

In the other story, it was named after a player of the shehnai, called Saina.Template:India-culture-stub Template:Musical-instrument-stub