The term dhoop originates from the
tree named Dhoop which is found in the eastern parts of India. Chips of these
trees emit beautiful fragrance when burnt. Dhoop or dhoopbatti is very
different from incense stick or agarbatti. Even physically, both of these are
different. Incense is made from stick and is dry whereas dhoop is a form of
paste which is bit damp.
Chemically, the dhoop is made from
herbs, chips and ghee. It is given black color and made in putty shape. Today,
in market different types of doopbattis are available.
Charcoal
Type: It
is made by dipping an unscented stick into a mixture of essential perfumes and
oils. Here, charcoal is used as a fuel for combustion. For holding and binding,
various binding resins are used and are basically available in black color.
Masala
Dhoop:
Various types of aromatic ingredients are used to make a solid dhoopbatti.
These are made into a paste with the help of water; other natural adhesives are
used to give it a stick form. Different natural ingredients like sandalwood,
rubber resins, natural oils, root extracts, and leaves and stem of different
medicinal plants are also used in the making of masala dhoop.
Today dhoopbatti manufactures in India are also making directly and
indirectly combustible dhoops. Mouldable substrate and odorless binders are
mixed together. These are the types of direct combustible dhoop and are
available in market in the form of coil, rope, powder, paper, cone and stick
etc.
India is the largest producer of
dhoopbatti and dhoopbattis made here are exported to all over the world. Many,
big and small companies are engaged in the making of dhoop with the skilled
people as it can be made by hands only. Thus, the process of its manufacture
provides employment to many poor people and helps them to grow individually; thus
it helps in developing the economy of the whole country.
