Traditional Attar Making Method- Deg & Bhapka

Deg & Bhapka Traditional Attar Making Method: Attar is more than 50,000 years old in India. Attar perfumes are mentioned in our ancient Indian epics and Grants. According to the 'Agni Purana,' they bathed with approximately 150 different scents. Ittar was the name given to these scents. Kannauj, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India, has a strong connection to the history of best attars.

Through the Mughal Empire and Awadh Riyasa, this town is linked to the legacy of Attar from ancient times to the present. Kannauj’s floral perfume oil has a lengthy history, and the city has been trading perfume for thousands of years. Kannauj is renowned as the "Perfume capital of India" because of its important role in perfume manufacturing.

The word ‘Attar’ or ‘Ittar’ originally comes from a Persian word called ‘attar’or ‘ottar’, which means perfume or fragrance. Deg and Bhapka method is a traditional Attar Ayurveda practice of manufacturing Attar perfume oils by extracting scent from flowers, herbs, and other botanical sources still preserved by craftsmen and attar producers.

If you buy an organic Attar or Organic perfume, it is usually manufactured using the same Deg and Bhapka method of hydro distillation. The aroma of the raw material is extracted by condensing vapors into a core substance, sandalwood oil. Other base materials, such as paraffin-based products, are sometimes utilized, but these modify the scent, making the attars smell different than those prepared with sandalwood oil.

Following are the tools used for Attar Making Method

Deg :

The deg is a copper still that holds the floral, herbal, and root materials. The DEGs can store materials weighing between 10 and 160 kg.

Sarpos :

It is the lid that sits on top of the deg. It features apertures for receiver connections. Normally, there is just one receiver (bhapka), but I've heard that there are two receivers on occasion (bhapka)Bhatti: This is a traditional furnace that uses wood or cow-dung cakes to heat it.

Chonga :

A bamboo pipe twine-wrapped for insulation serves the purpose of a condenser. It connects the Deg to the Bhapka.

Bhapka :

It’s a receiver made of Copper and generally contains 5 to 10 kgs of sandalwood oil or any other base material. The Bhapka is sealed using a cloth and is pushed inside the Chonga.

Gachchi :

Is the water cooling tank? The bhapka is kept in the gachchi to chill the distillate from the deg.

Kuppi :

This is the place where our Indian Attar is allowed to settle down. It’s a leather container that absorbs moisture allowing it to evaporate, leaving only the attar behind.

The Procedure 

The Deg(still) is filled with water and the requisite plant, flower, or root material (raw material).

A cotton and clay mixture is used to seal the Sarpos(lid).

Then the wood or cow-dung cakes are used to light the Bhatti (furnace). The temperature can only be regulated by adding or removing more wood/cow-dung cakes.

A leaf spring called komoni is inserted on the top of the Sarpos to keep it from blowing off during the boiling process (lid).

To keep the Bhapka (receiver) cool, the water in the Gachchi (cooling water tank) is changed regularly.

The Dighoo stops the distillation process by wrapping a wet towel around the Deg's body when the desired quantity of condensed vapors is obtained (still). A new Bhapka (receiver) replaces the old one (receiver).

The mixture of oil and water is separated in one of two methods after the Bhapka(receiver) has cooled: directly from the Bhapka(receiver) through a hole or by pouring the mixture into an open trough.

 

The water is returned to the Deg once the fragrant oil and water have been separated (still).

After achieving the desired concentration of attar, it is poured into the Kuppi (leather bottle)

If the appropriate concentration is not achieved, the attar is poured back into the Bhapka, which is then connected to the Deg (still), and the process is repeated.

This traditional Deg and Bhapka method of manufacturing attars, which does not require any mechanical equipment, dates back to the dawn of human civilization when people first began to feel comfortable and had time to enjoy themselves. Perfume used to be one of the best ways to pamper oneself, and it still is now.

At Aranyam, you can avail of our organic Attar perfume range with an extensively diverse variety of Flower perfumes and Attars. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Attar Making Method -Deg & Bhapka

1. What is the Deg & Bhapka attar making method?

The Deg & Bhapka attar making method is a traditional technique used to extract natural fragrances from flowers and other botanicals, preserving their essence in pure form.

2. How does the Deg & Bhapka method differ from other attar making method?

Unlike modern techniques, Deg & Bhapka involves a slow, gentle distillation process that retains the integrity and fragrance complexity of botanical materials.

3. What are the essential components of the Deg & Bhapka setup?

The setup includes a Deg (copper still) and Bhapka (receiver), along with a source of heat, usually a wood fire, to create a controlled distillation environment.

4. Which materials are commonly used in the Deg & Bhapka attar making method?

Copper is traditionally used for the Deg due to its excellent heat conductivity and non-reactive nature with aromatic compounds, ensuring purity.

5. How does the Deg & Bhapka attar making method preserves the natural essence of botanicals?

By using gentle heat and steam, this method captures volatile aromatic compounds without altering their chemical composition, ensuring a true representation of the plant's fragrance.

6. What types of botanicals are suitable for the Deg & Bhapka attar making method?

Flowers like roses, jasmine, and marigold, as well as aromatic herbs and woods such as sandalwood and agarwood, are commonly used for attar extraction.

7. How long does the Deg & Bhapka process typically take?

Depending on the botanical material, the process can take several hours to a few days to complete, ensuring thorough extraction of fragrant oils.

8. What are the benefits of using the Deg & Bhapka attar making method over modern techniques?

It preserves the purity and complexity of fragrances, avoids chemical residues, and upholds traditional craftsmanship, appealing to those seeking authentic and natural perfumes.

9. Is the Deg & Bhapka method sustainable?

Yes, it utilizes natural materials and minimal energy, aligning with sustainable practices in perfumery and promoting eco-friendly production methods.

10. How does Aranyam Perfumes & Attars maintain quality in Deg & Bhapka attar production?

We source the finest botanicals, ensure meticulous distillation under expert supervision, and adhere to strict quality control standards to deliver authentic and superior attars.

11. Are Deg & Bhapka attar making method suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, due to their natural and chemical-free composition, Deg & Bhapka attars are generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin types, offering a gentle fragrance option.

12. Can Deg & Bhapka attars be customized for specific preferences?

Absolutely, our skilled perfumers can adjust formulations to meet individual preferences, creating bespoke attars that resonate with personal tastes and aromatherapy needs.

13. What cultural significance does the Deg & Bhapka attar making method hold?

It embodies centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship and cultural heritage, reflecting the artistry and reverence for natural ingredients in perfumery.

14. How does the aroma of Deg & Bhapka attars compare to mass-produced perfumes?

Deg & Bhapka attars offer a richer, more nuanced fragrance profile with depth and complexity that is often lacking in synthetic or mass-produced perfumes.

15. Are there any rituals or ceremonies associated with the Deg & Bhapka attar making process?

Yes, in some traditions, the distillation process may be accompanied by prayers or specific rituals to honor the botanicals and ensure a spiritually infused final product.

16. What role does craftsmanship play in the Deg & Bhapka method?

Craftsmanship is paramount as it requires skillful handling of equipment, precise temperature control, and an intuitive understanding of botanicals to achieve exceptional attars.

17. Can you describe the steps involved in the Deg & Bhapka attar making process?

The process includes loading the Deg with botanicals, heating to release aromatic vapors, condensing the vapors in the Bhapka, and collecting the precious attar through meticulous separation.

18. How does Aranyam ensure the authenticity of its Deg & Bhapka attars?

We prioritize authenticity by using traditional methods, conducting rigorous testing for purity, and maintaining transparency about our sourcing and production practices.

19. What are some popular Deg & Bhapka attars offered by Aranyam Perfumes & Attars?

Our collection includes classics like Rose Attar, Jasmine Attar, and Sandalwood Attar, each crafted with the dedication to tradition and a commitment to quality.

20. Where can one purchase genuine Deg & Bhapka attars from Aranyam Perfumes & Attars?

Explore our online store or visit our authorized retail partners to discover our full range of authentic Deg & Bhapka attars, crafted to elevate your olfactory experience.