Candles for long are known to create a powerful impact on the lives of human, the very purpose it was used first was to emit light. But it has become just more than a light giving device today, its importance has by far and large benefited humans. As time passed the uses of it has also increased and is only getting better day by day. As everyone knows, a birthday without candles is incomplete, or a romantic dinner without candles is practically unimaginable. But there is more to it than this, for this glorifying light and beauty. There are enormous varieties of candles in different shapes and size seen on your birthday cakes and occasions with all types of decorations like ribbons, glitters and attractive colourful decorations attached with it. But candles today are not only used for decorations or for enjoyment purpose only, they are said to be useful health soothers also. Today in this busy and stressful atmosphere, a fragrance of a scented candle is sure to calm your senses and leave a pleasant atmosphere around helping you to cope up with stress. May be that is the reason that has drawn its focus on busy and ever-changing corporate offices rather than it's successful role at home and parties, which it was playing earlier.

Candles With The Essence Of Beauty And Fragrance

Perfumed scented candles have won the hearts of many in the market today and are known to have worked wonders for many. These handmade perfumed candles are made using bee wax, as it is a popular natural form of wax. Many people are fond of beeswax because it's naturally sweet scented, it's virtually smokeless, and it burns very slowly, other is Paraffin wax which is a by-product of crude oil, is one of the most popular types of wax used for candle making. Candles are also made from Bayberry wax, which is derived from boiling the berries, obtained from bayberry bushes, It is naturally scented and it has a lovely shade of green. Then there is Soy wax that is fast gaining popularity. Soy is a clean-burning inexpensive natural wax, which may be used without additives necessary for changing the color, hardness, or clarity. The newly popular forms are the gel candles, which are derived from paraffin petroleum jelly they are known to burn longer and does not overflow.

The waxes are then mixed with many natural perfume oils having different natural fragrances like those of rose, orange, sandal, jasmine, lemon and lotus. These aromatic candles, which contain essential oils, are believed to have healing qualities. These qualities can be attributed to the presence of various herbs; essential oils obtained from plants, barks, fruits, and flowers such as lavender, geranium, and rose.

Perfumed candle's fragrance is soft and inviting, it can be used as a mood setter. These perfumed candles light and spread brightness amidst sensuous aromas for atleast 3-4 hours or more. Light them up on any special occasion for that extra special aura in yoursurroundings. It is sure to bring a new glow to your life. It is also used in speedy recovery. The charm of candlelight creates a warm and friendly atmosphere for any occasion. The addition of candles magically transforms a setting, adding accents, and providing a friendly and warm focal point in any room. To promote a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere, candles are our best friends. They add a personal touch and can make a gorgeous accessory to any room. Wherever they are used, with some careful attention to safety, they will give off their simple and beautiful light and add to the ambience of the space it shares.

Industry Preview

Along with the major candle products, the raw material for candle making is said to be coming mostly from China and Taiwan. However the candle making machines that is moulding machines are mostly said to be exported from India greatly being from Delhi. Many candles are also exported and the major companies who import Indian candles are Russia & London. In India, Pondicherry has a well-known organised market for candles. Ambarnath, Delhi, Gurgaon are also popular spots for candle manufacturers, most of them are found in these areas. In India unlike abroad more of handmade candles are manufactured and sold than automated ones. Also there are different types of moulds used which have different properties, the most common are the tin mould which are not expensive but they don't last long, then there are aluminium moulds used which gives much better products and are durable too. Also acrylic moulds are used for candle making which are transparent moulds in which one can see clearly if the wax has completed dried up or still needs time to cool. These are mostly imported from other countries abroad. Also now a days Eco-friendly wicks are used in candles for encouraging a pollution free environment but they are very expensive and so not very popular in India.

Festive Bonanza

With Diwali around the corner, and as known in many places, the festival will be celebrated more as a festival of lights than sounds, thanks to a ban on bursting of firecrackers. Colourful clay, glass and metal diya candles in various shapes and sizes including floating, gel, glitter and perfumed candles is said to be taking center stage this Diwali like never before. With restrictions imposed on bursting of firecrackers, people are choosing alternative means of investment. The aesthetics as well as theifestyle of people have changed and now everyone tries to put up their best show on any occasion, and what could be more elegant and sophisticated than creatively designed candles. Especially Kundan work candles have gained a lot of popularity in the Diwali season last year and this year too it's going to make a similar impact. These candles were first introduced by 'Faraway Tree' a candle making company run by Actress Dimple Kapadia. Kundan work candles are very decorative and many say that rangoli, is an important aspect during diwali but not many know the art of making it, but if they keep these kundan work candles outside their house and office instead they need not worry about the colourful decorations. Another candle seen to be used during festivals are hammered candles which are great and rich in it's unique designs, also available are tealite candles, which look attractive but are less expensive and can suit the middle class audience, then there are architectural pillar candles, beautifully handcrafted or engraved candles and many more, the list is almost exhaustive.

The shops in the city are flooded with aromatic, perfumed and non-perfumed candles of various shapes, sizes and of course, price tags. People prefer decorative candles, as they look good and they sell like hot cakes, they seem to be vanishing from the shops anytime a new stock arrives is what many shopkeepers stated. But they do come with a price to pay. These decorative items are catered to a large market comprising from the lower class to the upper class as well as the niche class and so their price ranges between Rs.5/- to Rs.2,000/- per candle. Aromatic candles, which use pure essential oils, are pretty expensive; the perfumed ones that are priced at Rs.100/- to Rs.200/- do not contain pure essential oils is what is said by many niche shops around the corner who are well known to sell designer and customized candles.

L'Occitane, Shangri la, Forest Essential and Good Earth are the major brands of aromatic and scented candles available in the market. Aroma Magic, aromatic candles by Blossom Kochchar are expensive but are worth every cent you pay, Actress Dimple Kapadia's 'Faraway Tree' is very good and popular brand but carries an expensive price tag which is mainly targeted for the niche audience but they also have some brands that cater to middle class and richer class too but all with pure essential oils in them. As per the actress if the candles are not with essential oils, when burnt they could be harmful for health, so even if they become little more expensive it is always better to buy candles with essential oils. A scented candle can cost upto Rs.200/- and one with essential oil cost upto Rs.500/- to Rs.600/-. Auroville's aromatic candles are also very popular. Though popular still not many clients want to shell out that kind of money for the branded candles mementos.

Accessorize Your Candles

Also, along with the candles it's accessories seen are much more trendier and have entered the market this year apart from the clay candles with cut glass effect are the accessories of candles like the German silver candle stands and wrought iron stands with artistic designs engraved on it. With many designs and shapes coming into fashion it has gained an important role in gifting and has now even touched the corporate world in the form of corporate gifting. Many are seen engraving their logos or company names on candles or customizing it in their own preferable manner and sending as gifts to their employees, clients, business associates. Women colleagues and entrepreneurs are their best targeted audience.