Shehnai, continued

In the past 70 years, the shehnai has made its way from the villages to the concert stage due to the sole efforts of Ustad Bismillah Khan (b.1916). At this writing he is still performing and has performed with many other luminaries in Hindustani classical music. Among them are the late Vilayat Khan (sitar), the late V.G. Jog (violin) and Imrat Khan (surbahar).

Other noted performers of today are: Ustad Fateh Ali Khan (grandnephew of Ustad Bismillah Khan and my Shehnai Guruji); Ali Ahmed Hussein and Pandit Anant Lal.

Lord Ganesha is a popular Hindu deity. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and has the head of an elephant, and is also popularly known as the Hindu elephant god who is often depicted playing the nadaswaram, the South Indian version of Shehnai! He represents the power of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles and ensures success in human endeavors. Hindu religious texts recommend the worshipping of Ganesha before the beginning of any religious, spiritual or worldly activity.