Every Surbhika stick carries a story that begins not in a factory, but in a goshala. Over 14 years, Surbhika Herbal has turned Gir cow panchgavya — dung, ghee and milk — into charcoal-free, bamboo-less incense, while putting village women and their goshalas at the very heart of the craft. This is that journey.
Where it began: a goshala and a bold idea
Surbhika grew out of the Anand Ashram initiative, a collaboration with a local goshala, and more than 14 years of formulation work on Panchgavya — the five products of the cow. The idea was simple but hard: build a whole range of fragrant, everyday products on a cow-dung base, and let that work sustain both village women and the cows themselves.
Turning cow dung into a fragrance people love
Cow dung carries a smell few people enjoy — so the biggest challenge was turning it into an aroma families would welcome into their pooja rooms. Through years of research, Surbhika’s team developed natural top and mild notes over a gobar base using herbs like gugal, kapoor and nagar motha, with no charcoal and no harmful chemicals. Around 2013, when machines to make bamboo-less dhoop simply did not exist, they even built their own. Explore the result in Gobarbatti and bamboo-less dhoop.
85% women, and goshalas that thrive
Surbhika’s workshops are run largely by women — about 85% of the workforce — and many of the forest herbs are sourced from village women too, preserving both livelihoods and traditional knowledge. The initiative works hand in hand with 22 local goshalas, so every purchase helps keep cows cared for and rural hands employed. Read more about the women behind the craft.
What it means for your home
For you, it means clean, natural, charcoal-free incense with a real story — from everyday agarbatti to the much-loved Chhana Tikki, made for ‘a yagya every day’. See the full Surbhika range, or if this journey inspires you, grow with us as a partner.
“Products made from cow dung are not expensive — they are valuable.”
Frequently asked questions
What is Surbhika Herbal?
Surbhika Herbal is an Indian maker of charcoal-free, bamboo-less incense crafted on a Gir cow panchgavya base (cow dung, ghee and milk) with natural forest herbs, grown out of a goshala initiative.
What makes Surbhika incense different?
It is charcoal-free and bamboo-less, built on a cow-dung (panchgavya) base with natural herbs and no harmful chemicals, developed over 14+ years of research.
Who makes Surbhika incense?
It is largely handcrafted by village women - about 85% of the workforce - as part of the Anand Ashram initiative working with 22 local goshalas.
What is the Anand Ashram initiative?
A collaboration between Surbhika and a local goshala that empowers village women to craft panchgavya-based products, supporting rural livelihoods and cow welfare.
What is Chhana Tikki?
A cow-dung based tikki made for 'a yagya every day' - one of Surbhika's most loved products, used to keep homes, offices and temples fragrant and pure.
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