look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: We all remember that moment, when the first rain falls after summer and the sweet fragrance that emanates from the earth gives solace to the soul. We often think that we wish this fragrance could be preserved forever! But do you know that there is a city in India which has made this impossible task possible years ago?
Yes, we are talking about Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh. This city is called the ‘Perfume Capital of India’ across the world. Often, when people talk about perfume, they start taking the name of ‘Grasse’ of France, but the history of Kannauj of India is much older and richer than that.
Fragrance lingers in the air here
The biggest specialty of Kannauj is the traditional method here. Even today, flower extracts are extracted using the old style cauldron and bhabhaka method. You must have seen many expensive perfumes, but have you ever heard about ‘Mitti Attar’? This is the gift of Kannauj itself, where clay is literally roasted and its aroma is infused into sandalwood oil. When you smell it, you get the same feeling as if you are getting wet in the rain.
From Mughals to the corners of the world
It is said that perfume making has been going on in Kannauj for centuries. During the Mughal era, it used to be the first choice of the royal families. Even today, while passing through the streets here, the mixed aroma of Mogre, Kevada, Rose and Henna will intoxicate you. The great thing is that while the whole world is now dependent on chemical and alcohol based perfumes, Kannauj has continued to make pure perfumes without alcohol even today.
Even today, there is a huge demand for Kannauj perfume in Arab countries and Europe. Making it is not a factory job, but an art which is being passed down from generation to generation. If you are fond of fragrances, then definitely know in depth about this ‘city of fragrance’.