09 Aug
Since independence, we have come a long way, and the fragrance industry has seen an impressive evolution. But have you ever wondered about the origins of attar and how it has evolved from the pre- to post-independence era? The tradition of using fragrances was quite different back then; this included attars, essential oils, incense sticks and burning bakhoor. Before independence, the belief in fragrance was immense, which has not changed till today. People then and now preferred natural fragrances and use them in various religious rituals. The whole concept of scent is based on Ayurveda, which is considered an important factor. Not only that, but the love for attar and other fragrances by Mughal Emperors has also led to continue and develop the fragrance tradition.
While India was under British rule, the Britishers were fascinated by the whole fragrance tradition and especially the attar industry. They not only encouraged its production but also led to bloom in fragrance industry as the good quality of attar was exported to various countries. Even now region like Karnataka for Mysore sandalwood, Kannauj for rose scents and many more local producers are still famous for producing amazing attars.
After independence, there was a certain shift in the fragrance industry due to various international brands coming to India, like Armani, Channel, and more. These international brands not only developed modern production techniques but also introduced synthetic ingredients. Westernization and personalized scents also influenced the change in the industry, especially after the 1990s.
But this change has also influenced the people to stick to traditional fragrances with a modern twist. Now, many Indian brands are giving tough competition to international brands in terms of quality, technique, and expertise in centuries-old scents like desi attars.
Before we explore the wonder of desi attar, do you know what it is? The word desi is used as a reference to people and things in the Indian subcontinent. When desi is combined with attar, it becomes "desi attar" or attar from India and its subcontinents.
Desi Attar brings the memories of our surroundings and the experiences tied to them. These natural, traditional scents have been ingrained in Indian culture for centuries. These fragrances are crafted using age-old techniques, primarily through steam distillation.
In this technique, the herbs and flowers are thoroughly cleaned and kept in big pots covered with wet clay on the fire. A tube is attached to the container that helps stem and collect the content on the pot to another container. Although the process looks complicated, it is still known for its deep, complex, and long-lasting aromas. Let's check out some desi attar and discover what makes them unique.
Popular Types of Desi Attars
Rooh Khus Special: Rooh Khus, a happy soul or vetiver, is among the most refreshing attars. It is made from the roots of the vetiver plant and has a fantastic, earthy scent. Vetiver provides a refreshing kick with smooth transitioning and finishing with a comforting and long-lasting organic scent. This attar not only boosts your mood and connects you to nature, but also shows a dedication to the environment. It's great for summer because it has a natural cooling effect, but you can wear it daily or save it for special occasions; it offers a deeply satisfying and amazing scent experience.
Shamama Special Attar: It is a complex blend of many spices, herbs, and flowers. It has sandalwood, vetiver, and a mix of spices like cardamom and cinnamon and is like a bouquet of different aromas all mixed into one. When you first apply it, it smells like warm spices and mellows into a sweet, woody scent. It's a great choice if you want something rich and traditional and is perfect for daily wear and special occasions.
Gulab Special Attar: Gulab is the Hindi term for rose, and that's exactly what you get with this attar. It opens with the rich and intense aroma of Hindi rose, transitions into the soft elegance of Turkish rose, and finishes with deep, sensual notes of musk. This attar captures the essence of fresh roses, making it a timeless and romantic scent, perfect for special occasions. Combining floral and musky notes creates a fragrance that lingers beautifully on the skin. Whether heading to a special event or wanting to feel fancy, Gulab special is your go-to.
Hina Attar: Hina Attar is a one-of-a-kind scent that really packs a punch. You will notice a spicy kick from the nutmeg when you first put it on. The nutmeg fades away as time passes, leaving you with a musky aroma mixed with patchouli. The musk is mysterious, while the patchouli gives off an earthy scent like fresh soil, as the scent settles into a blend of amber and leather. The amber is warm, while the leather adds a tough, manly touch. It is perfect for special occasions like dates or big parties. The best part is that it lasts long, so you will smell great all night.
Desi Majmua Attar: This interesting scent keeps you on your toes all day. It starts with a powerful burst of floral goodness, like jasmine, rose, and kewra. It can be intense at first, but it soon settles down. As it settles, you can smell woodiness, like sandalwood or agarwood, which gives the fragrance depth and warmth. After some time, you detect a faint musk as the core scent to make it linger and feel cozy. The best part about it is how it transforms from floral to woody to a lovely, musky floral by the end of the day. It's like having three scents in one bottle.
Oudh Moattar Attar: It has a bold and strong scent. It opens up with Cambodian Oud, a rich, smoky, and woody aroma, intense at first. Some people are instantly drawn to it, but others require more time to appreciate it. As it settles, a deep rose scent that balances out the oud nicely. As time passes, traces of warm amber and musk make their presence felt. These elements add a sweet, resinlike quality to the attar while also making it linger longer on the skin. This is not an everyday scent; instead, it's suited for those exceptional events when you want to leave an impression.
Sandal Zafran: This attar kicks off with an amazing musky top note. The scent doesn't overpower, it's more like a clean, subtle musk. As it settles, sandalwood comes out. This creamy, warm heart note mixes well with the musk, creating a cozy scent. The real surprise comes with the saffron base note. It brings a sweet, earthy, luxurious vibe that evolves over time. This attar is versatile, and you could wear it to work or a fancy dinner. It's light and works well in different seasons too.
Wrapping Up:
Desi attars have a unique scent in a world of attar and perfumes. The above mentioned few attars are unique and have a special vibe as they connect to India's culture and history.