What you need
A pack of dhoop cones, a match or lighter, and a heat-proof holder: a brass or steel dhoop stand, a small clay saucer, or a plate with a little sand in it. Avoid wooden or plastic surfaces, because the base of the cone gets hot as it burns down.
Light it in four steps
- Hold the cone by its base and bring the flame to the pointed tip.
- Let the tip catch for about 10 seconds, until it glows red and has a small flame.
- Blow out the flame gently. The tip should keep glowing and start to smoke. That glow is what burns the cone, not the flame.
- Stand it on its flat base in the holder and leave it to burn down by itself.
If it keeps going out
Cones go out for three common reasons. The tip was not lit long enough, so light it again and wait for a strong red glow. The cone has taken in moisture, which happens in the monsoon, so keep the pack closed and store it in a dry place. Or there is too little air around it, for example inside a closed box or a deep bowl. A flat holder works best.
Our cones are made from cow dung, herbs and natural resins with no charcoal base, so they burn a little slower and more gently than charcoal dhoop. That is normal.
Where to place it
Morning and evening puja, near the doorway during aarti, on a meditation altar, or in a living room before guests arrive. One cone fills a normal room. In a large hall, light two or three in different corners.
The fragrance stays in the room for about an hour after the cone has burned out, so many families light one cone in the morning and one at sunset.
Using dhoop safely
- Keep it away from curtains, paper and anything that can catch fire.
- Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Burn it in a room with some fresh air, such as an open window or door.
- Never leave a burning cone in an empty house.
- Let the ash cool before you throw it away. It can go into a plant pot or garden soil.
Choosing a fragrance
Chandan is warm and woody, Loban is sweet and resinous, and Guggal is smoky and earthy, the classic temple smell. If you cannot decide, read our fragrance guide or start with a combo pack to try two kinds at once.
