' Attar'
is a Persian/Arabic word meaning "fragrance, scent,
or essence." Attars have been famous in the Near East, Persia
and India for over 5,000 years, but generally unavailable in
the West until recently.
The English words 'otto' and 'attar' are transliterations
of the original Arabic word 'itr'. Attar is a specific
type of fragrance derived from natural plant substances, which
produce remarkably rich scents. Amber, Sandalwood, Patchouli,
Mishq, Shaahi Gulaab, Khus are usually composed of careful
blends of various oils, flowers, resins and concretes-two or
more-placed in a natural base or carrier oil.
Attar oils create an aura of tranquility, confidence and mystery
around the wearer. Because attars contain no alcohol, the scent
"clings" within one or two feet of your body, in the
"zone of intimacy." In days gone by, a person's status
in society  could
be established by the fragrance of their attar. The attars sold
nowadays are the very same fragrances used by the women and
men of the East for centuries to create a spiritual beauty.
These elegant aromas are traced directly to the ancient healers
and prophets, who used fragrant oils to enhance moods, adjust
emotions, cure headaches, fever, even cold and to uplift the
spirit.
"In fact, the quality of these scents is so uncommon; many
people will stop you to ask, "What are you wearing? And, frequently
compliment you on how lovely your perfume is. You can even wear
it and pray. It does not contain any alcohol as alcohol is prohibited
in Islam," says Munavar, the proprietor of
'Clifton' on Commercial Street. Clifton stocks a wide
variety of 'attars'.
 The
fragrance of original attar stays on the skin for about two
days. Even after washing, the smell lingers on clothes for four
days. 'Attar' is available in the range of Rs 900-7,000.
Jaipur and Bangalore are manufacturers of good quality 'Attar'
in India. Switzerland is very famous for 'Attar' known as 'Jannatul
Firdaus', which is manufactured by a company called Givudan.
For your 'Attar' needs, contact:
Munavar, Clifton, 176,
Commercial Street, Bangalore-560 046
Photographs and
Text: Aditi Kumar
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