Natural ‘ittars’ set to give aromatic welcome to Eid-ul-Fitr

KANPUR: Whether it’s a tiny old-fashioned shop in the congested lanes of Parade bazaar or a quaint store with sparkling glass containers in Naveen market, the sweet fragrance of ‘natural ittar’ rules the atmosphere making the ambience of these dense Muslim pockets perfumy. With Eid just round the corner, the Kanpurities are all set to make the festival a perfumed affair.The lanes of these busy markets are filled with the pleasant fragrance of ‘ittar’ shops that claim to have nearly 600 varieties of natural scent.
Unlike modern perfumes that are alcohol based, these `ittars' have a sandalwood oil base and are therefore used for sacred rituals like while offering namaaz. Adding to the romance of the whole aromatic experience of using `ittars', are their poetic names. Some of the common fragrances such as ‘Ruh-e-gulab’ (rose), Ruh-e-motia (jasmine), Ruh-e-sandal, Ittar-e-Jamaal, Jannat-ul-Firdaus, Ittar-e-sultan, shamam, khus etc are hot favourite among the locals. Apart from Urdu names they also have modern names like Arabian Nights.
“Putting ‘ittar’ while offering ‘namaaz’ and during Eid is considered to be very auspicious. Each and every Muslim ‘banda’ puts ‘ittar’ on the occasion of Eid.
While most people prefer natural scent, there are many who opt for Arabian fragrances,” said Jamaluddin, who owns an eight decade old shop in Parade bazaar. He claims to have nearly 1,200 varieties of `ittar' that include both natural and artificial scents.
The natural `ittar' in the city is brought from Kannauj. Most of the shopkeepers have their workshops in Kannauj, where these scents are perfumed and packed in intricately designed glass bottles. “The natural extracts of flowers is mixed with sandalwood oil to make scents,” said the shopkeeper. The cost of these scents ranges between Rs 50-Rs 10,000 depending on their type and quantity. “People according to their need buy ‘ittar’ during Eid. Some buy only 3ml of it, while there are others who purchase 12ml and even more. Scents like Ittar-e-Jamaal,
Jannat--ul-Firdaus, Ittar-e-sultan and khus are usually opted by men, while women prefer fragrances like Bela, Ruh-e-gulab (rose) and Ruh-e-motia (jasmine),” said Ayazuddin, another shopkeeper. The local markets are flooded with scents closed in tiny glass jars with gold and silver ornamentation in exotic shapes displayed in shops. Javed, a local said that these scents are a favorite gift during Eid.