Ask about traditional Indian wedding music and the first thing you hear is the shenai. A shenai is a traditional woodwind instrument that is considered good luck because it represents the culture of India. Shenai is the oldest and most pleasant music of North India and it promises the prosperity and well-being of the newly married couple. This instrument is typically used during the wedding procession and the wedding ceremony itself due to its strong traditional value.
The Ladies Sangeet is a special ceremony during North Indian marriages where old women sit with a Dholki and spoon to beat the drum and sing old traditional wedding songs.
Bengalis, on the other hand, do not use any instrument during the marriage ceremony. However, when the exchange of flower garlands occurs, family members blow whistles and blow seashells for good luck.
But even if it is not traditional, music plays an important role in the Indian wedding business. From turning the table to creating remixes, popular Bollywood music gets guests’ feet tapping and brings the party to life.
Trance, metal and rock music is the last thing you will hear in Indian weddings. Instead, the music will be more cultural, depending on the region and religion. Although music is traditionally more cultural, anything goes for the dance part of the reception. As long as it is lively and energetic, it is suitable. The only slow, sad music you will hear during an Indian wedding is during the Bidayi, or departure of the bride.
Reception parties ditch tradition and play recorded Bollywood songs. The newer songs are all the rage and in high demand, but old Bollywood music still has a special place. Some of the most popular songs played at almost every Indian wedding are:
1. Lak 28 Kudi Da: This song talks about the girl’s physical appearance. The singer talks about the size of a girl’s waist and her weight. Although it sounds critical, it is actually quite popular and it suits the occasion well because many single Indian girls fit the profile described in the song.
2.Pyar Ki Pungi: Sung by Mika Singh in the film Agent Vinod, the song opens with a traditional shenai tune. It has such significant lyrics that almost every newlywed couple chooses to dance to it.
3. Maujaan Hi Maujaan: From the movie Jab We Met, this is a very typical Indian song that portrays happiness during Indian wedding ceremonies. Maujaan means enchanted happiness.
4. Ainvayi Ainvayi: This song, from the movie Band Baaja Baaraat, literally means “just like that.” The movie itself is about wedding planners, and the song offers traditional Indian wedding concepts within a nice beat.
5.Laung Da Lashkara: The film Patiala House offers another song in which marriage is celebrated within the family. In this song in particular, the tenderness and auspiciousness of weddings is very demonstrated.
6. Sadi Galli: This is a funny song from the movie Tanu Weds Manu. In it, boys tease girls at a wedding party into getting close to them. Because it’s so fun to listen to and dance to, it’s one of the most played tracks.
7. Nagada Nagada: A nagada is a drum, and in a traditional Punjabi marriage, the nagada is played before ceremonies and rituals.
8. Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai: This is a very old song from the movie Aadmi Sadak Ka. In the movie, the song is performed by the groom’s friends telling the world that her friend is getting married today.
9. Aahun Aahun: From the movie Love Aaj Kal, this song is famous for its beats, lyrics, and the insane energy created among the guests during the dance.
10. Munni Badnaam Hui Darling: From the movie Dabangg, Mamta Sharma and Aishwarya Nigam sing a song in which a girl tells her boyfriend that she just got insulted because of him. It may seem ironic, but for some reason every age group loves this song.