When Arjun Ranga was walking around a market in Sao Paulo in Brazil, he noticed a shopkeeper lighting incense sticks, saying “a pleasant aroma will draw in more business.” “Today people buy incense sticks for different reasons, it is not only for puja,” says Arjun, CEO of N Ranga Rao and Sons, one of the oldest agarbati companies. The flagship brand of the Mysuru-based company is Cycle Pure Agarbathis.
Indian agarbatis are popular across the globe with The Gulf, Europe and Africa being the top three leading markets. “India has seen a 10 % year-on-year growth in the last decade,” says Sarath Babu, PS, President of the All India Agarbathi Manufacturers’ Association (AIAMA). “Export has seen an all-time high of ₹10,800 crore with Karnataka accounting for a 50 % share.”
To mark AIAMA turning 70, a special postal cover will be released on February 23. “We are happy with the honour,” says Babu. “Incense…
