Nepali youth learning the art of traditional herbal incense making

In response to Nepal’s growing reliance on imported incense, along with associated health and economic concerns, a youth group called Mohee hosted a workshop on Saturday titled “Learning with Mothers.” Dedicated to preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage, the event took place in Bakhundole, where elderly women taught young participants the art of crafting bateko dhup — traditional Nepali herbal incense.

 In 2023, Nepal imported over 3,100 tons of incense sticks, costing around 210 million Nepalese rupees. Many of these products contain synthetic chemicals and petroleum-based ingredients, which pose serious health risks, including cancer, according to Anil Ranjit, head of Mohee.

“Traditional Nepali incense, known as bateko dhup, is a safer alternative made from local herbs,” said Ranjit. “We must never forget our roots, as our cultural practices are amongour most sustainable assets. We must promote them.”

Another Mohee member, Simone Paudel, highlighted the medicinal properties of traditional incense and stressed the need to support Nepal’s natural products rather than relying on synthetic imports, suggesting that exporting these products could open new opportunities for Nepal.