Shehnai is synonymous with jubilant mood across India. It is especially played on the occasion of Hindu weddings. Apart from weddings in Rajasthan (and specifically in Jaipur), one can find Shehnai player on other special occasions as well. Of late, Shehnai players are also part of tourist festivals and events.
Considered as a part of a classical instrument, special performances are also held in the city by the renowned Shehnai performers. Even though the origin of Shehnai is believed to be from Iran, there are no records available to prove this theory. Some, on the contrary, believe that Shehnai is an improved adaptation of a wind instrument played by snake charmers in India called Pungi or Been. Irrespective of origin, it has formed a strong bond to the local culture & people so much so that lack of Shehnai tune playing during a Hindu wedding is deemed inauspicious.

The above picture features a Shehnai player along with a Dhol/ drum player.
This post is part of the Weekly Photo Challenge –Jubilant. Check out previous Weekly Photo Challenge
Where abouts is this? nice setting
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Rob, this one was at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur – popular tourist spot, a solar observatory which is 250- 300 years old. You can google on this one. I had posted another picture from this place, check it out:
https://jaipurthrumylens.wordpress.com/2015/09/17/jantar-mantar-jaipur-friday-skywatch/
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Cheers i will have a look
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Nice pic Arv!…is this the traditional music of Rajasthan specifically? My dad happens to love it!!!Just curious…
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Divya, Shehnai is not exclusive to Rajasthan/Jaipur. It’s popular instrument across Indi specially North India. Its tune and sound is synonymous with weddings -north Indian weddings, that is. In this picture the attire reflects the Rajasthani style…the safaa (turban) and sleeveless jacket is pretty much Rajasthani style!
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So typically Rajasthan . Perfect NatGeo shot !
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Nat geo? Thank You for elevating me, but miles to go before I join that league. The reason why they look so typical is partly because of the turban print! 🙂
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What an wonderful and colorful way to be immersed in the Indian culture of your home town! Thank you!
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Thanks for the compliment Peter! Yes, the state is well known for colors especially colorful clothes. 🙂
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Lovely entry!
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Thanks Nicole! 🙂
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What a stunning entry; makes me want to see more of your work as a photographer.
I’ll be following you from now on. Have an amazing day! 🙂
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Thank you yousuf… That’s quite some compliment. you’re great Photographer. Are based out of Dubai?
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Thank you for the compliments. Yes, I’m in Dubai. 🙂
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That’s great… It’s surely most happening cities of the world, currently!
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Waiting to visit Jaipur once the summer ends. Nice pic! 🙂
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Thank you for complementing Swati! The perfect time would be Oct-Feb period. Monsoon is just okay, with high humidity and at time scorching Sun it’s far from ideal for sight seeing trip! 🙂
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Oh ok. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll plan accordingly 🙂
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🙂
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Great shots.
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Thank you! 🙂
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all dat setting needs to top it off is a dancing cobra snake in front of that guy !! yep yep ……. ❤ luv it awesome culturistic foto! 🙂
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Ha ha! That’s a different instrument producing only specific tunes. This is meant for only ceremonial occasions.
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I can hear the jubilant sounds coming from the flute.
Nicely captured portraits in your photograph.
Isadora 😎
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Thanks Isadora! If you can hear the sound or imagine it, I think my job is quite done! Thanks for appreciating. 🙂
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😎
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