Sahnai (also Sanai, Shahnai, Shehnai) is a double-reeded wind instrument similar to the western Oboe. The name Sahnai is of Persian origin (In Persian, "Sah" means "King" and "Nai" means "Wind Instrument"), and some theorize that the instrument may have been taken to India from Persia by the Mughals, a tribe of Mongolian origin, which occupied much of northern India from the 16th century to the 18th century. Others believe the Sahnai may have developed from an earlier Indian instrument.

The Sahnai or Shehnai, double-reeded instrument of the wind instrument category is one of the most ancient instruments used in India. Sahnai or Shehnai is mainly an outdoor instrument played particularly on occasions considered auspicious such as processions and weddings. The Shehnai is a tube that gradually widens towards the lower end. It usually has eight or nine holes. The Sahnai has a wooden tubular body of about 45 to 60 cm (1.5 to 2 ft) in length, backed by metal, ending in a wider bell shape. Of its or nine holes, only seven are used for playing; the others are left open or are closed with wax to define the pitch of the instrument. The reed is fixed at the narrow blowing end. The reeds used in Shehnai are made of pala grass. Spare reeds and an ivory needle with which the reeds are adjusted are attached to the mouth piece.

The Sahnai produces a rich, expressive sound, with the characteristic timbre of the reed. It is considered to be an auspicious instrument and is used in celebrations and festivals, particularly at weddings. It is often paired with a shruti, a Sahnai with several closed holes, with the shruti supplying a drone (a continuous accompanying tone) at a suitable pitch.

The origin of Shehnai instrument is shrouded in controversy; it does not seem to be more than three-four centuries old. We see similar-looking instruments in ancient carvings and paintings, but it is in the 20th century that the instrument has attained concert level status. Closely related to the Sahnai is the nagasvaram of South India, which is also double-reeded but longer at 60 to 76 cm (2 to 2.5 ft). The nagasvaram has 12 holes, of which 7 are used for playing, and the body ends in a metal bell. It produces a higher-pitched, sharper sound than the Sahnai, and is usually only performed outdoors. Also considered auspicious, the nagasvaram is frequently played at temple festivals and processions, and on ceremonial occasions.

SHEHNAI: STRUCTURE AND NATURE

The Shehnai is a wind instrument blown through the mouth. Made out of dark, black wood, it is about one and a half to two feet long and cylindrical in shape some curved cylindrical. It has eight or nine holes. There is a separate metallic or wooden contraption called the reed, which is added to one end of the cylinder. The other end of the cylinder has a metallic bell-like structure, which gives out the sound.

SHEHNAI: TECHNIQUE OF PLAYING

A player holds the Shehnai vertically. He blows into the reed and closes and releases the holes with his fingers while he blows. Semi-tones are produced by partially closing the holes with the fingers as well as by adjusting the blowing pressure in the pipe. It is actually the way the lips and tongue play upon the reed mouthpiece and the manner in which the holes are opened or closed with the fingers which render the semitone and quarter tones very effectively and attractively. The Shehnai is an extremely difficult instrument to play and calls for great breath control, training and dexterity. The method of playing the Sahnai is complex and strenuous, involving the partial closing of the holes to create semitones and qartertones, and requiring considerable lung capacity and breath control. Shehnai or Sahnai is a most sensitive musical instrument.

USE OF SHENAI:

Shehnai or Sahnai has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries. Any special occasion, with or without auspicious ceremonies began with the Shehnai or Sahnai. So strong is the association between this instrument and festivities that the very word Shehnai has become synonymous with celebrations and happiness. Perhaps no Indian wedding is complete without the sound of the Shehnai permeating the wedding venue. Because of its auspicious quality, it's a must in every Indian wedding. Since ancient times, the Shehnai has been regarded as an auspicius instrumenet and featured in religious ceremonies. In fact in several parts of the country even today the temples resonate with the sound of the Shehnai in the early hours of morning, to awaken the deiteis. A small wind instrument, Shehnai looks somewhat similar to Oboe, but instead of furnished keys as in Oboe, it has eight or nine open holes.

The Shehnai is an integral part of the temple music of every part of India. The Shehnai found a place in every palace in every region of Nepal and India, whether in the palace of temple or on the top of fort.

SHEHNAIS WE OFFER:

We offer varieties of Sahnais in different designs and price range. Sahnais we offer are of great quality at reasonable price. This fascinating musical instrument "Sahnai" is found enjoyed mostly in India especially in marriage or other ceremony. The Sahnais we offer are beautifully decorated with handcarvings. Though simple yet great Sahnais at reasonable price are available in our stock. The Sahanis are made from finest wood, brass or copper in some case. Other material such as bone, cotton pieces are also added to make it more beautiful. Our Sahnais have perfect sounds which come in excellent quality. Since sound is the primary concern so to be a good Sahnai it has to produce perfect sound therefore our Sahnais are selected and tested for a perfect sound. All our Sahnais are tested, rechecked and selected for the quality and sound. Our Sahnais are shipped within 12 hours of order received through DHL and reached to the customer within 5 to 6 business days after it is shipped. We also have Shehnai Wholesale Offer. Please Contact Us for detail.