The Art Of Burning Incense: Essential Dos And Don'ts

September 14, 2023By Shreeji Agarbatti Works Kotak

Incense sticks have been an integral part of the pooja samagri along with dhoop sticks and camphor in sacred ceremonies for centuries, transcending cultures and boundaries. Their significance reaches far and beyond being just a long lasting fragrance agarbatti, intertwining with symbolism and history, and forming a profound bridge between the material and the divine. Join us as we embark on this journey to enlighten you on navigating through the intricacies of this timeless practice, ensuring that every fragrant wisp from incense enhances your spiritual experience with the utmost caution and care.

Do’s:

1. Do Pick A Properly Ventilated Area To Light Incense Sticks

When you decide to light incense sticks in your home, ensure that the area is adequately ventilated. Smoke even from similar products like wet dhoop is composed of a variety of hazardous chemicals like benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toluene. Direct contact and heavy inhalation of the same may cause respiratory problems, nausea and irritation to the eyes. Hence, the concentration of smoke from the incense sticks is likely to build up and pose a health hazard. Ensuring cracking open a window, switching on your fan or even the use of an air purifier will reduce exposure to the damage it might cause.

2. Do Ensure Use Of Only High Quality Incense Sticks

It is imperative to choose the best agarbatti for home that produces less smoke for you to enjoy the fragrance without being at risk of the damaging chemicals it might expose you to. Instead of cheap and low-quality ones, look for superior quality options made of natural materials such as spices, bamboo and wood incense sticks.

3. Do Take Precautions When Dealing With Ash

The ash from even the most naturally made dhoop sticks can cause multiple damages to health as well as surroundings. Ash may cause damages like discolouration on surfaces like wood, floors or furniture as well. In addition to that, maintain hygiene by washing hands in case you come in contact with the ash since it is likely to cause irritation to the skin. Ensure you are out of the direction of wind as the ash can come in contact with your face or eyes as well.

4. Do Establish Safety Measures Around Allergic And Asthmatic People

Burning incense may trigger an attack in asthmatic people who might come in contact with the smoke. One is also likely to be allergic to them if they experience symptoms such as sneezing, irritation to the eyes or a runny nose.
In such cases, incense should be immediately put out and people facing these issues must leave the room.

Don’ts:

1. Don't Place Incense Sticks On An Improper Surface

Burning incense sticks on wood or fabric may result in fire. Always place your incense stick on a heat-resistant incense holder and ensure that the surface is even to avoid risk of it toppling over.

2. Don’t Leave A Burning Incense Unattended

A burning incense should be looked after at all times. Avoid chances of the incense, even in an incense holder, toppling over and starting a fire by putting it out if you are leaving the room. A perfect way to avoid that is to burn a sambrani cup dhoop.

3. Don’t Leave An Incense Lit When You Go To Sleep

Leaving a burning incense or even a wet dhoop may cause risks in multiple ways. Firstly, the risk of it losing balance and catching something on fire. And secondly, the harmful chemicals released with the smoke are hazardous to inhale constantly. Always put out your incense stick before going to bed.

4. Don't Light Incense Around Pregnant Women, Children or Pets

Although there is no particular evidence of smoke from incense, camphor or dhoop sticks being harmful for pregnant women, it is advisable to take precautions.
Pets have a much more sensitive nose than we do, heavy smoke and fragrance from camphor might cause far more irritation to them than to us. Ensure your pets are not in the same room as a burning incense stick. Incense sticks must be handled very responsibly, which is why it is naturally a risk to leave children unattended around burning incense sticks to avoid any mishaps.

As we conclude our exploration of the dos and don'ts of lighting the incense, there is no doubt that the correct selection, placement, and respectful approach to lighting incense is of utmost priority. From camphor to dhoop sticks, Shreeji is a trusted name when it comes to shopping for online pooja samagri among agarbatti manufacturers. Shreeji takes pride in producing the most natural range of products, like wet dhoop and sambrani cup dhoop, in India and takes responsibility to educate everybody on the essential precautions to ensure while burning incense sticks.