Kannauj, the perfume capital of India, was once bustling with perfumeries boasting a rich legacy of crafting exquisite fragrances using locally sourced ingredients. However, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the traditional perfume industry, leaving artisans struggling to preserve their age-old craft. It was during this challenging period that the dynamic sibling duo, Varun and Krati Tandon, introduced their brainchild – Boond Fragrances – a contemporary yet soulful interpretation of the ancient art of perfumery. Their perfumes, akin to modern attars, have been meticulously crafted to evoke nostalgia and enchantment, conjuring memories of the earthy scent after the first rain or the fragrant evenings infused with the essence of mogra blossoms.
Their range also includes fragrances featuring khus (vetiver), gulabi (rose), and satparni plants, designed to revive forgotten aromas and evoke cherished moments like the carefree days of childhood or sipping summer drinks to beat the heat. Boond Fragrances aims to establish a niche for locally crafted perfumes. Emphasising sustainability, their perfumes are alcohol and chemical-free, and the packaging is handmade, sustainable, and plastic-free. Each bottle, adorned with a golden cap, is accompanied by notes, poems, and photo frames, adding a personal touch to the brand’s offerings, such as the Royal Gift Set or the Sitara gift box.
Krati shares, “People have always taken the local perfume industry for granted. Through our products, we want to make people aware of the craft. We also want to tell the story of Kannauj and celebrate ourselves along with reinvigorating a dying art form. We want to revive culture and introduce people to their roots.”