- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
Saffron’s Journey From Indian Rituals to the Heart of Luxury Perfumes
Saffron, beyond rituals...
Saffron based scents FTW!The brands
There are very few ingredients in perfumery that evoke as much mystique and sensuality as saffron. It’s no surprise that the crimson thread has moved on from kitchens and rituals to now take centre stage in some of the world’s most luxurious perfumes. India’s connection with saffron is profound. It is more than a spice…it is sacred. Used in Ayurveda, temples, and bridal ceremonies, saffron embodies purity, sensuality, and spiritual transcendence. Its colour symbolises auspiciousness, making it a staple during weddings.
Kashmir has cultivated the spice for over 2,000 years. Sanskrit texts mention saffron (known as kesar) as both a dye and perfume ingredient, prized for its intoxicating aroma, vivid hue, and sacred properties. In other regions like ancient Egypt and Rome, saffron was used in baths, incense, and salves. In Persia, it scented the walls of royal palaces. By the Middle Ages, saffron was traded like gold along the Silk Route, often woven into oils and unguents used by royalty.
In perfumery, saffron can be a top or heart note, depending on how it is blended. Saffron often complements oud, rose, amber, sandalwood, and musk—making it ideal for oriental and amber fragrance families. The spice imparts a dry, warm, bittersweet floral aroma, which lends a distinctive, metallic spiciness that adds depth and intrigue to the fragrance.
Therefore, saffron is not just a note when it comes to perfumery, but a bridge that connects the sacred and the sensual, the essence of the past with the fragrance of the present. The fragrance tells a story of heritage and emotion that is deeply rooted in India's legacy, both cultural and spiritual. Whether infused into a modern eau de parfum or a traditional attar, saffron embodies luxury blended with purity and depth, as each drop captures the essence of our rich cultural history. A reminder that some scents are not just accessories but an experience, saffron is remembered and revered.
Some Perfumes That Should Be On Your Radar
Tabac Rose, BDK Parfums
Tabac Rose, BDK ParfumsTabac Rose, BDK Parfums
Young Rose, Byredo
Young Rose, ByredoByredo
The Voice Of The Snake, Gucci
The Voice Of The Snake, GucciGucci
Amber Aoud, Roja Parfums
Amber Aoud, Roja ParfumsRoja Parfums
Kesari Oud, Forest Essentials
Kesari Oud, Forest Essentials Forest Essentials
Where we give you a fast-paced look into everything you should wish list when you start to think about marriage. What to buy and how to dress, along with modern mithai and the homegrown fragrance makers to bookmark. Make special note of the feature on alta.
It has everything you need to make your wedding special. From the big comeback of red and pink in bridal wear to how the cool kids are wearing corsets to the celebration, there is only one way to get ready for a wedding —with enjoyment.
This section is a building block, a step to a better life. A place where we have all the answers. Or at least the beginning of a great conversation.
This needs very little description. It has travel with a special focus on incredible India, and a collection of wedding albums, sourced randomly, but collected with abundance because happiness has no limits.
