The burning of incense in religious and social functions has been practiced in India since early times. Dhup an aromatic powder or paste is burnt in Indian homes as a fragrant fumigant and is reputed to possess insecticide and antiseptic properties. Agarbatti also is known, as Udubattis similar to joss sticks are a development of Dhup. Agarbatties are obtainable in different colours and with different perfumes. The burning time of an agarbatti varies from 15 minutes to e hours according to quality and size. Agarbatti is also obtainable in other forms such as dashang (sticky paste or powder deep (cones and Dhup, tablets, etc.). About 75% of the agarbaties manufactured are of cheap quality containing only charcoal powder or low quality sandal wood powder with a mixture of 50% of wood gum powder. Cheap perfumes are used to give them a top note. In superior varieties, essential oils, purified resins, natural fixatives like amber, must and civet is used along with synthetic aromatics. Absolutes are used in the costlier types.

MARKET: Agarbatties are used by all communities in India, Sri Lanka, Burma and by Indians residing abroad. As on today about 90 foreign countries are using our agarbatties. Agarbatti industry is one of the labour intensive cottage type of traditional industries in India and Karnataka state leads in this industry, the main centers of manufacturing being Mysore and Bangalore. In Orissa different social institutions like Aurobindo Ashram, Gayatri Ashram, are manufacturing characteristic fragrant agarbatties. Parimal Agarbatti, Berhampur, Suravi, Susree, Indica, are very popular in Orissa market. Still 70% of the total sale of the product come from South India. More and more cottage-based units can come up in small towns and village areas of the state to meet the local demand. The raw materials are nowadays available in and around In Vijayawada,Hyderabad,Banglore,and Chennai also. Rolled sticks are nowadays marketed by some agents and can be available at doorstep. Only essencing is to be done and stress should be given on marketing the product.