About Shaadi Ki Shehnaiyan, Volume 3
Shaadi Ki Shehnaiyan, Volume 3 is a studio album by Indian classical shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan. Released in 2003 under the Saregama label, the album forms part of a series curated for traditional North Indian wedding ceremonies. The primary format of the release is a commercial compact disc (CD).
The album features nine instrumental tracks that showcase Khan’s mastery of the shehnai, a double-reed wind instrument integral to Hindustani classical music. The tracklist includes renditions of classical ragas and lighter compositions. Notable selections are Raga Todi, Raga Ahir Bhairav, Raga Jaunpuri, Raga Bilawal, Raga Yaman, Raga Basant, and Raga Malkauns. The album also incorporates Mishra Khamaj and a Light Dhun, the latter reflecting Khan’s ability to adapt classical forms to festive contexts.
Khan composed and performed all tracks, maintaining the shehnai’s central role in the arrangements. The recordings emphasize the instrument’s expressive range, from meditative alaaps to rhythmic taans. The production aligns with Saregama’s focus on preserving and disseminating Indian classical traditions through commercial releases.
The 2003 release date coincides with the broader cultural practice of compiling wedding-specific music in India. While the album’s reception details remain undocumented in available sources, its inclusion in the Shaadi Ki Shehnaiyan series underscores its intended use for ceremonial occasions. The CD format facilitated distribution across domestic and international markets, particularly among audiences seeking authentic classical performances for weddings and related festivities.