Varanasi

Varanasi, an olfactory mandala:
When you hear Varanasi, imagine the water flowing in the bowels of the earth, touching the roots of everything and nourishing our souls.

India

Varanasi is inspired by my trip to India in 2017 and reflects what remains of India in my heart, mind, soul, and nose. Varanasi is a sacred and profane place of smell, rich in contrasts and meanings. I composed this perfume, guided by the deep emotion I felt the day I felt the holy waters of the Ganges in my hands. I tried to search my olfactory memory and found the source from which everything emerged.

An olfactory mandala

Varanasi is an olfactory mandala where the aquatic and animal notes of ambergris lull our souls. The ritual begins with the warm, red spice notes of saffron, nutmeg, and cardamom. A dizzying approach to the floral heart, amulets of rose and jasmine, and a powdery, woody body of ambrette and cypriol. Like a sadhu covered in white ash, the ritual takes shape amidst the sacred notes of spikenard, frankincense, and Gurjun balsam.

A holy place

The fragrance becomes a magical experience, without compromise. A swirling chant rises in the night of Varanasi, the temple, the shadows that wander, oud, vetiver, and a mystical accord of leather envelop our bodies. Sounds of unknown instruments. Morning breaks on the slow-flowing river, Varanasi is the place where spirituality uplifts people. Where souls seek refuge. Varanasi is a magnetic fragrance.

Musical inspiration : "Hamdelaneh" by Markus Stockhausen & Alireza Mortazavi