Rose Attar — Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh

Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh is the "Perfume Capital of India," producing rose attar (ruh gulab) and dozens of natural attars (essential oils in sandalwood oil base) using the deg-bhapka (copper still-bamboo receiver) distillation method for over 400 years. Kannauj's traditional hydro-distillation uses locally grown Damask roses (Rosa damascena) harvested in February-March at dawn. Fresh rose petals are loaded into a large copper deg (vessel) with water, sealed with a bamboo pipe leading to a bhapka (copper receiver) submerged in cold water. The steam condenses and rose essential oil dissolves into sandalwood oil in the bhapka. One kilo of rose attar requires 3-4 tonnes of petals. The resulting natural attar is the purest form of rose fragrance — used in haute perfumery globally. Kannauj rose attar received GI tag in 2014. The Kannauj Fragrance Industry encompasses over 500 attar units, producing jasmine, vetiver, marigold, and other natural attars. French perfume houses like Guerlain and Chanel source Indian rose/jasmine oil from Kannauj suppliers.