Incense sticks / Agarbattis - An Handicraft Industry:

Recognizing the unique nature of the units engaged in the manufacture of this product and acknowledging that incense sticks / agarbathies is a specialty product, the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, accorded the status of "Handicraft Industry - Hand made typically Indian" to this industry in 1983 
                                

One factor which has remained constant where this industry is concerned has been the fact that each individual manufactures considered his product to be unique and different. Each incense stick / agarbathi has always been hand-rolled by the individual without in anyway using any mechanical device in its manufacture                       

Scientific Base:
Since volatile oils which form an essential part of the raw materials used in the manufacture of incense sticks / agarbathis are known to destroy airborne bacteria when used in a congregation. The de-odorised atmosphere and the pleasing smell soothes the nerve and renders the atmosphere congenial for concentration, meditation and prayers. Ayurvedya prescribes the use of incense in sick rooms, mainly due to its anti-septic nature which enables it to purify air as well as because of the curative properties, the smell and smoke emitted by the incense sticks / agarbattis imparts well being when inhaled by a sick person.

Agarbattis are available in a wide range of fragrances like Rose, Jasmine, Bouquet, Sandalwood, Madhur, Durbar, Tarangini, Anushri, Ananth and Mogra

Incense Sticks / Agarbathies - A Luxury:

In olden days Incense Sticks / Agarbathies were mainly used on special occasions like Poojas/prayers since they were beyond the reach of a common man .