Nikhil's Yagnik

An attractive masala incense from Popat Stores for 75p (15 sticks or 15gm), made by Nikhil Products of Bangalore who were founded in 1986.  I thought this was my first Nikhil, but looking at my records I did get sent a Nikhil's Sugandha Natural Incense pack back in 2017, which I have yet to review, so I should dig that out! 

This is standard mainstream masala with the standard "masala" scent - a little bit vanilla, a little bit sweet, a little bit woodsy, some warm wool, some white chocolate. It's quite smooth with very few rough or interesting edges. There's not a lot going on here, but what there is is certainly OK. Few highs or lows, few brilliant spots, but few poor spots. It burns gently and beautifully - informing the room with sweet woodsy scents, some patchouli, a hint of halmaddi, really nice sandalwood, a gentle edible sweetness - it's the woody sweetness that is seducing me. Nothing new or inventive, just a good job well done. Yeah, I'll be happy to get this again, and have this as a standard burn in the house. Nice one. Bargain at 75p! 

It's growing on me......

A "yagnik" is apparently a person who helps someone perform yagna or yajna - a devotion or sacrifice done in front of an open fire (hence the illustration of a fire on the pack). A yagna may be performed at certain key moments in life of a Hindu, such as a wedding. This would be a pleasant incense to burn on such an occasion. Modest, unassuming, but very sweet and attractive. 

Date: Oct 2021   Score: 39 

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Nikhil's Products of Bangalore

Reviewed in India