Shehnai Secures GI Tag | 16 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

Varanasi’s rich cultural and craft heritage gained national recognition as authorities recently granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to the Banarasi Shehnai, and the Banarasi Tabla. 

 Key Points 

• Banarasi Shehnai: 

• The Banaras Shehnai is a traditional wind instrument deeply rooted in the Banaras Gharana of Indian classical music. 
• It gained national prominence through Ustad Bismillah Khan, who famously played the shehnai at the Red Fort on India’s first Independence Day. 
• The instrument holds a divine and auspicious status, often performed at weddings, religious ceremonies, and temple rituals. 
• It embodies the spiritual and artistic ethos of Varanasi, contributing to the city’s distinct cultural identity. 

• Banarasi Tabla: 

•  The Banaras Tabla Gharana, also known as the Purab Gharana, represents a unique and influential school of tabla playing that originated in Varanasi (Banaras). 
• Known for its rhythmic sophistication and rich tonal clarity, this gharana exhibits a strong pakhawaj influence, setting it apart from other styles. 
• Its expressive and dynamic compositions make it especially well-suited for accompanying Kathak dance, a classical form also rooted in North India. 
• The Banaras Gharana is recognized as one of the six principal tabla gharanas in Indian classical music. 
• Renowned Exponents are Pandit Anokhelal Mishra, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Pandit Samta Prasad.