Colorful, aromatic and big: S. Yogeswari arranging the giant joss sticks at her shop in Little India bazaar, Ipoh.
Giant joss sticks may be synonymous with Chinese culture but an Indian businesswoman in Ipoh has specially-designed joss sticks for Deepavali.
S. Yogeswari, 42, designed the 0.9m joss sticks that came in three fragrances, and with a “Happy Deepavali” inscription.
“I did a little modification by using aromatic sticks to suit the Indian community.
“Usually in Indian homes, one will find aromatic incense sticks being used, especially during prayers,” she said at the Little India bazaar in Jalan Lahat.
The red, green and orange sticks come with a choice of lime, jasmine and wood fragrances, and are priced at 25 ringgit each.
Yogeswari said it took her about 45 minutes to prepare just one joss stick, adding that she had made 500 so far for Deepavali.
“Every piece is especially hand-crafted, and each stick can last for about an hour-and-a-half.
“I learnt this business from a Chinese friend who deals in joss sticks," she added.
“Initially, sales were slow but many Indians are now getting used to using the joss sticks," she said, adding that about 25 customers bought the sticks from her daily.
Yogeswari also has a shop in Bandar Baru Putra, Tanjung Rambutan, which caters for bulk orders.
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