Mood, meditation and more: Surprising benefits of burning incense and their cultural significance around the world

Incense sticks, with their fragrant whisps of smoke, have woven themselves into the rich tapestry of cultures worldwide, creating sensory experiences that transcend borders and time. A fragrant journey across continents: Since ancient times, incense sticks have been an integral part of cultures in many Asian countries like India, China, Japan, Lagos, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and more. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Ankit Agrawal, Director at Mysore Deep Perfumery House and Zed Black, shared, “Except for India, most of the countries use incense sticks without any fragrance. Indian’s usually light up 2 incense sticks for daily prayers, however the usage can be between 2 incense sticks to using the whole bundle.” He revealed, “The roots of incense use can be traced back thousands of years, with early civilizations employing aromatic plants and resins for religious ceremonies and medicinal purposes. The practice spread to neighbouring countries, including Japan and Korea, where it became an integral part of religious ceremonies and meditation.” scented candles, home fragrances and incense sticks can affect health.