How to Make Your Janmashtami Pooja Space Smell as Divine as It Looks

If there's one word, and one word alone, that pops into the mind when one thinks of Janmashtami decorations, it's gotta be rainbow-hued marigold garlands, beautifully made matkis, and Bal Gopal's jhoola with its bead and flower necklace. But there's something we ignore, although it's as vital as all the visual feasts-smell.

Aroma has always been an unstated but powerful element of Indian festivals. The scent of sandalwood paste during aarti, the persistent smell of mogra garlands, or the pungent, earthy aroma of smoldering incense is not just sweet-ministry and awe are evoked. This year, instead of worrying solely about what your pooja room is going to look like, think also about how it is going to smell.

Begin by establishing a scented foundation. Following the cleaning and de-cluttering of your pooja space, place a set of Rosemoore Sandalwood & Mogra incense sticks alight to grant a momentary air of tranquility. Their gentle release ensures the aroma will remain even over the course of the night. For those with a preference against flame, a reed diffuser in a light floral or woody fragrance may prove just as lovely, quietly perfuming the area without distraction.

Bal Gopal's swaying can be a sensory gem, too. When placing fresh flowers, bury small packets of Rosemoore potpourri-rose, lavender, or citrus-among the flowers. No one will notice them, but they'll feel fresh when they come for darshan. Matkis also can be more than decoration; fill them with perfumed potpourri or dried flowers soaked in fragrance oils to scent room corners.

Your front entrance leads to the party. A tealight-sprinkled, brass-cut urli floating petal of an entryway greets guests as soon as they enter. Coordinate your fragrance with your decorating aesthetic and spice for brass-and-red schemes and flowers for pastel schemes.

Janmashtami is a godly festival. Adding scent to your decorating strategy gives an experience that isn't merely seen-it's breathed. Make your home godly in appearance and godly in aromas this time.