Perfume shops in the State capital are witnessing a surge in the sales of the enticing fragrance of royalty ‘Attar’ during the holy month of Ramadan.
Attar, meaning ‘divine fragrance’, has been able to resist the onslaught of time and taste. The cologne has maintained its antiquated existence in the fast growing cosmetic industry.
Haji Sheikh Yunus owner of the Venus Perfumes while talking to The Pioneer said, “During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims frequently use the perfume oil as applying of ‘Attar’ is considered as ‘Sunnah’ (Prophetic tradition) during the holy month. The one who applies scent not only benefits himself but also his near and dear ones as they feel good with the fragrance. And the holy Prophet used to like ‘Attar’, so using it is a Sunnah.”
Yunus further said, “This year the prices of all the commodities have increased and as far as business is concerned in normal the amount of attar which we could sell in three months is sold in this one month of Ramadan. Mostly people prefer light smell according to Namaz (prayers offered by Muslims). They don’t like strong smells but there are less people who apply the ancient attar now days the children prefer sprays.”
The clientele of ‘Attar’ have increased during Ramadan as markets are flooded with various fragrances of scent bottled in attractive cut glasses of different shapes and sizes to lure more takers.
Attar, often referred as the perfumes of kings and queens, is a distillate of flowers and herbs over sandalwood oil or any other, which is capable of absorbing aroma.
According to the Holy Koran, Muslims cannot use any other perfumes except ‘Attar’ because of the alcoholic content in most of them, which is a religious prohibition.
A perfumes, scents and Attar vendor in Jumerati area of the walled city said that demand and takers of Attar are aplenty during Ramadan and they make good profits.
Perfumes sellers in other parts of the city including luxmi talkies, Qazi camp, Ibrahimpura, Jehangirabad, Shahjehanabad and other areas are also making merry as their sales have increased many folds with the onset of Ramadan. The fragrances that are popularly in demand are Ood, Amber, Khas, Mushk, Sehra, Shamama, Gulab and Mogra.
The Ramadan month begins with the sighting of the new moon, which varies in different time zones. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days and ends with the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, tens of millions across the Muslim world make every effort to be more spiritual and charitable. Muslims are expected to refrain from eating, smoking, drinking liquids and carnal indulgence between dawn and dusk during the month of Ramadan.