The Data Darbar is famously lined, on its western side, by shops that deal in all things the devotees/visitors would require — rose petals, rosaries, chaadars, religious books and pamphlets, and the like. But the single most commonly used item remains itr (or attar), Arabic for perfume.

Traditionally speaking, itr is a natural scent sourced from flowers, herbs, spices, and types of wood. It is prepared by combining “hydro distillation technique with deg and bhapka.” Because itrs aren’t alcohol-based — unlike the regular perfumes — they are preferred by Muslim communities, especially on milads, or Jumma prayers, even funerals. Followers of Sufiism believe that wearing itr will “assist them in their journey towards enlightenment.”

The perfumeries stack a huge variety — that includes gulab, khas, motia, mehendi, kewra, jasmine, and mitti — in ornate, crystal/glass bottles. Oudh is perhaps the most exclusive and expensive flavour. It is made from the wood of the Southeast Asian aquilaria tree.

Different itrs are known to have healing properties. For instance, musk and amber are prescribed in winters because of their capacity to raise body temperature. Some of them are used as aphrodisiacs. The Greeks used them in medicines.

Itrs are also said to last long. Just dab a little on your wrist or around your armpits, and you are good to go!