Questions and answers

Our incense is masala incense: a paste of powdered herbs, resins, woods, flowers and natural binders, rolled by hand. Over 98% of what goes into it is natural. The About page shows how it is made, step by step.

• Incense sticks (agarbatti): the masala is rolled onto a thin bamboo stick. They stand in a holder and burn slowly from the tip.
• Dhoop sticks: solid sticks of masala with no bamboo core, so there is less ash and no burnt-wood smell, only the fragrance.
• Incense cones: masala shaped into a cone. They burn faster and give a fuller fragrance for a short time, which suits a room you want to fill quickly.
• Incense cups: cup-shaped dhoop, traditionally sambrani, burnt on a heat-proof plate or stand.

They are our product lines. Each has its own packs and range of fragrances: Heritage in butter paper, Amrita in brown paper, the Pondicherry Collection in printed sleeves, and others. Products that are not part of a named line are listed under Cottage. Some products also show the name they had in our earlier price lists, to help you find a favourite.

The burn time shown on each product is for one stick, cone or cup, not the whole pack, and it is approximate. As a guide, a 9-inch stick burns for about 40 minutes, a cone for about 20.

Burn time changes with:

• Draught: a fan, open window or breeze makes incense burn faster and less evenly.
• Humidity: incense that has taken in moisture may burn unevenly or go out. Keep packs closed, in a cool, dry place.
• Size: thicker and longer sticks burn longer than thin or short ones.

Hold the tip in a flame until it catches, let it burn for a few seconds, then gently blow or wave out the flame. The tip should glow and give off a thin line of smoke. Stand a stick upright or at a slight angle in a holder; set a cone, point up, on its stand or a heat-proof dish.

Never leave burning incense unattended. Use a heat-proof holder that catches the ash, keep it away from curtains, paper and anything that can catch fire, and out of reach of children and pets. Burn incense in a room with some fresh air.

Keep it in its pack, closed, in a cool, dry place away from direct sun. Damp is the main enemy: it makes incense hard to light and uneven to burn.

On this website, and at our showroom on Rangapillai Street, Pondicherry, open Monday to Saturday.

Yes. Dealers, resellers and Ashram Centres can write to us or message us on WhatsApp for prices and delivery. See business enquiries.

Please write, call or message us. We are happy to help.