Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices based of the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, otherwise known as the Buddha. Buddha statues were originally created for worshipping and spreading the loving words of the Buddha’s message, however over time the image of Buddha have gone through subtle changes around the world creating different characteristics that reflect cultural values of the residing countries. Here at TheIncenseStore.com we have just launched a beautiful collection of Thai and Chinese Buddha statues crafted from resin and finished with various weather and aged metal effects for wonderful home and outdoor décor.

Thai Buddha Statue

The Thai Buddha’s strongly believe in nirvana, where the mind is completely free from emotion therefore clear of any anger, lust, desire, sadness, frustration and ignorance that consumes ones life. They believe that once you attain nirvana you will achieve the highest happiness possible in the form of enlightenment. These teachings are passed on by the Samyaksam Thai Buddha so that others may achieve nirvana; however the Pratyeka Buddha becomes silent once they have reached nirvana as they do not wish to tell others what they have learnt. Our Thai Buddha Statues are carefully handcrafted from resin set in different positions and finished with weathered or aged metal effects making a stunning addition to any home or garden.

Buddha Sitting - Weathered Stone Effect

Sitting Thai Buddha with Hand Up

Thai Buddha Sitting Hands on Knee

Chinese Buddha Statue

Chinese Laughing Buddha Sitting

Buddhism is the most important religion in China. It is believed to have spread to China in 67 AD during the Han Dynasty and has developed a profound influence on traditional Chinese culture and thoughts. Today Chinese Buddhism plays an enormous role in shaping the mindset of Chinese people. The Fat Buddha (“Laughing Buddha”) has been exclusive to Chinese Buddhism and represents good luck and wealth, which reconciles amicably with the Chinese culture. The Chinese Laughing Buddha statue is graced with an infectious smile and a big belly to rub for good luck. Made from resin and finished with an aged metal effect, the statue will look great in the home or garden.

It’s that time of the year where we place diya lamps all around the home, send out our best wishes to loved ones abroad, buy the presents for the kids and most of all, welcome family in our homes with open arms. Yes, Diwali is here once again full of love, laughter and lots of home cooked authentic food. Here, we discuss the most fundamental points surrounding Diwali celebrations and why it’s so important to Hindus all around the world.

What is Diwali?

Perhaps the most well-known of all the Hindu festivals, Diwali is also famous for being called the ‘festival of lights’. Based on an age-old story celebrating victory of good over evil and light over darkness, different areas of India look to their own individual legends as inspiration for this vibrant festival. Nevertheless, the enormous festivities still remain similar. Oil lamps, candles and bright fireworks are always used as a way to invite the deities into your home praying for wealth, luck and happiness to be bestowed onto your lives. During this 5 day festival, gifts consisting of sweets and candles are exchanged amongst families and friends making it a very joyous time for everyone.

When is Diwali?

Calculated based the lunar Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on different days each year. This year, the festival of lights will be celebrated on 26th October 2011. Diwali is a wonderful 5 day festival full of family fun, thankfulness and vibrant celebrations.

About Diwali?

Considered a special time for all the family, many Indians also use this five day festival to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. However, Diwali does not just stop at lighting lamps and spending time with the family; Businesses across India start their new financial year at Diwali making it ever more important in Hindu society. The origin of the oil lamps is based on the ever-lasting story of Rama and Sita’s return to Rama’s kingdom after 14 years of exile in the forest. Other beautiful Diwali accessories include Rangoli Patterns drawn on the floors of Hindu families, Diwali greeting cards given to loved ones and vibrant Diwali candles to help celebrate this blissful occasion.

Rangoli Colours 7 Bag Set (Assorted Colours)

Diwali Greeting Card (Om Ganesh)

Glass Round Diva with Wax Candle (Pink, Blue & Green)

Diwali is one of the most well-known Hindu festivals and means ‘rows of lighted lamps’. During the festival houses, shops and public places are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called diyas, floors are drawn with rangoli patterns and walls and doorways are adorned with torans. To celebrate the Festival of Lights we have a huge range of Diwali accessories so you can celebrate a beautiful and joyous Diwali. From diyas and candles for lighting up your home to greetings cards and envelopes to send to your loved ones our extensive range of Diwali accessories has something to suit every taste and tradition.

Diwali Cards

Celebrate the amazing festival by sending your loved ones modern day Diwali cards. With a huge range of stunning single Diwali cards you can pick the perfect card to send to your loved one to celebrate in style, or if you have a large family you can save money with our multipack Diwali cards with assorted designs to choose from. All of our cards have been hand-decorated in India with stylish designs using sustainable resources and include an envelope making them a pleasure to receive. Send words of wishes and happiness with our Red Diwali Greetings Card, designed with a modern colourful happy family celebrating the festival perfect for sending to a family you really care about. For a great alternative our Handmade Happy Diwali Card offers a more traditional touch with a bright and joyful design. A lit diya adorns the front of the card with a classic red pattern leading to a wishful greeting inside. Our selection of Diva Samai Diwali Multi Pack Cards is a great way to send your festive greetings to all of the ones you love. Containing 5 different designs with an array of bright colours and lit diva candles, these cards contain everything you need to send your festive wishes to your loved ones this Diwali.

Red Diwali Greeting Card

Handmade Happy Diwali Card

Diva Samai Diwali Multi Pack Cards

Diwali Rangoli

Rangoli is a traditional decorative folk art of India and is placed on floors of living rooms and courtyards during Diwali. The symbols contained in the Rangoli patterns are meant as sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities and have been passed from generation to generation, keeping the art form and tradition accurate throughout the ages. Our Rangoli stencils and books come with different patterns ranging from simple geometric shapes to flower and petal outlines allowing you to create beautiful and colourful Rangoli patterns in your home. We also have multi packs of Rangoli coloured powder which you can sprinkle into the stencils to make stunning patterns quickly and efficiently getting your home ready for Diwali.

Rangoli Book

Rangoli Assorted Colours 7 Bag Set

Rangoli Stencils

Diwali or Deepavali is known as the festival of lights and is celebrated as a one-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Considered one of the most important festivals of the year, Hindus celebrate Diwali with performances of traditional activities together with family in their homes. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, brightness over darkness and truth over falsity and diyas are lit on this night to symbolise the supremacy and consequence of brightness over darkness. A diva or deepak is an oil lamp usually made from clay and is used for pujan and decoration purposes. Here at TheIncenseStore.com we have a huge selection of Diwali divas ranging from different sizes and colours to simple or fancy designs. This article will explain how to use Diwali diyas in your celebrations as well as show you to some of the divas available.

A shining light from a diva in every corner is meant to bring hope and prosperity for all mankind. The diva is a traditional alternative to candles and should be just large enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The lamp is fuelled with ghee, a clarified butter or oil, which is placed inside the diva and a wick lies freely on the neck of the diva lamp soaked in the ghee in order to easily ignite. The diva should be lit during your ritual worship in the days of Diwali; this process is known as ‘aarti’ and is an act of paying homage to the gods and goddesses. A diva should be placed in each corner of the home while having the windows open to invoke the presence of the deity.

Diwali Diyas with Wax

Quick and easy, these Diwali divas contain wax and a wick meaning they can be lit straight away for your joyous celebration. For a beautiful and elegant diva why not try our gold leaf shaped Diwali diva decorated with gold beads and coloured gems for a perfect finish. This bright and festive diva will look great anywhere in the home and is great value for money as it comes with two separate divas. If you require something bigger, our gold star shaped Diwali diva is a great diva for a table or mantelpiece. With 5 pre-filled candles and a beautiful star carving set in the middle, this diva will help brighten up your occasion.

Leaf Shaped Diwali Divas

Gold Star Shaped Diwali Diva

Fancy Diwali Diyas

For really eye catching divas look no further than our expertly handcrafted fancy Diwali divas. Filled with stunning colours and intricate detail, our fancy unique Diwali divas will be sure to receive compliments around the festive time. Ranging from small to large, single and multi-packs you will be sure to find a Diwali diya to compliment your decor. Our traditional red coloured Diwali diva has a unique design with a detachable cover that will hold your candle inside whilst emitting the glow from the candle through its carved holes. For a more traditional shape, try our extra large leaf diva. This gorgeous diva blends incredible detail, bold colour and grand size, making your Diwali one to remember. A candle or more traditional ghee with wick can be used.

Red Coloured Diwali Diva

Extra Large Leaf Diva

At the stroke of midnight on the 22nd August every year, Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna as this specific hour is said to have been the exact moment Krishna made his divine appearance. The birth of Krishna is a phenomenon that produces awe amongst Hindus and is celebrated by conducting many rituals such as fasting, bhajans and pujas. Many devotees queue at all of the major Krishna temples to seek his blessings with singing and hymn chanting. The Janmashtami Pooja process involves devotees giving a bath or abhishek to Bal Gopal’s idol with gangajal, water, ghee, curd and honey during the early morning. The deity is then adorned with new yellow coloured clothing and precious jewellery. The deity murti is then offered bhog which compromises of fruits, kheer, milk and pedha. A special Krishna Pooja is performed once this is done where the cradle containing the divine infant’s idol is rocked in a cradle and a conch is blown, followed by singing. Here at TheIncenseStore.com we have a huge range of products to help you celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna including murtis, clothes, ornaments, wall hangings and torans.

Bal Krishna Murtis

A murti is an image or representation from which the Divine Spirit is expressed. Lord Krishna’s pictures and sculptures come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours but nonetheless are still some of the most decorative pieces used to aid poojas during festival periods. The term Bal Krishna literally translates to Child Krishna or Divine Child Krishna relating to his presence as being perfect, eternally loving and full of grace. Often pictured on his hands and knees, the image of this innocent, but divine-like, child is displayed in temples and Hindu homes around the world. Here at TheIncenseStore.com, we have a fantastic collection of Bal Krishna Murtis in a range of sizes, colours and formats including statues and framed pictures to suit all your needs.

Murti Crystal Keychain (Bal Krishna)

Standing Framed Murti (Bal Krishna)

Resin Bal Krishna Murti (18cm)

Lord Krishna Murtis

As a fully grown adolescent, Lord Krishna is portrayed as a strong, masculine figure often surrounded by females who he liked to play games with in the fields. One of these milkmaids eventually became the love of his life, Radha, and is occasionally sculpted or pictured next to him laughing and lovingly remaining close by his side. Whether you prefer Lord Krishna on his own or paired alongside the beautiful Radha, The Incense Store has a stunning collection of Krishna Murtis that are ideal for use during the wonderful time of Janmashtami.

Plaster Krishna - Standing Flute (30cm)

Krishna & Cow Dome Murti Figurine (10.5cm)

Resin Radha & Krishna Murti Figurine (23cm)

With only a week to go (Saturday 13th August 2011), last minute preparations are already in place to make sure you have a wonderful Raksha Bandhan celebration with all your family. Food menus are probably being discussed along with the dusty chairs in the garage being wiped clean for all your guests to sit on. A beautiful celebration of the bond between a brother and a sister, this Hindu and Sikh festival is a great way for families to come together. However, with our hectic work schedules taking over our lives, we sometimes lose track of time and before we know it, Raksha Bandhan has already crept up on us for another year. So make sure you get your last minute Raksha Bandhan shopping done with The Incense Store’s huge collection of Rakhi Accessories.

Raksha Bandhan Rakhi Threads

The Rakhi Thread is a sacred cotton string symbolising the bond between a brother and a sister. After the sister has tied this to her brother’s wrist, the brother gives the sister a gift to say thank you. This is usually in the form of money but sometimes can be in the form of a gift. Whether you prefer big, small, bright or discrete Rakhi threads, The Incense Store has a huge selection available in multi-packs allowing you to buy several of the same design for all the brothers in your life.

Single Piece Rakhi Thread (Jewelled Crystal Gold Circles)

Three Piece Rakhi Thread (Gold, White & Red Pearls)

Rakhi Thread - Bulk (Gold)

Raksha Bandhan Rakhi Cards

The idea of your brothers being on the other side of the world should not stop you wishing them a happy Raksha Bandhan. With our huge choice of beautifully designed Rakhi Cards, some of which include a heart-felt message and a stunning Rakhi thread, now you can send your best wishes to anyone around the world.

Rakhi Card - Thin (Brother)

Rakhi Card - Rakhi Wishes (Red Large Guru)

Raksha Bandhan Card (Purple)

Here at TheIncenseStore.com we have a huge selection of handcrafted Hindu murtis featuring fine detailing, bright colours and a choice of deities. In Hinduism a murti, or murthi, is known as an image which expresses a Divine Spirit. It is given the literal meaning of ‘embodiment’, representing a divinity which serves as a means through which a divinity can be worshipped. Hindus use murtis as a focus for divine worship after the divine is invoked in it for the purpose of offering worship. Each murti offers an accurate image of a deity as they depict the same gestures and proportions outlined in religious tradition. With many of the highest quality handcrafted Hindu murtis to choose from you will be able to find the right murtis for your home that is suited for your focus of worship.

Handcrafted Fibre Hindu Murtis

Bal Krishna White Fibre Murti

Our collection of fibre Hindu murtis offer different deities as well as colours and style. Each fibre murti figurine has been handmade in India using traditional methods and represents superior quality and craftsmanship. You can choose from coloured or natural fibre coloured with fine gold and silver detailing. Our Bal Krishna White Fibre Murti shows Bal Krishna as the divine child in the early form of worship in his traditional pose, holding a piece of butter in his hand. With extreme accuracy to detail this handcrafted Hindu murti represents Indian handicraft at its finest, suitable for placing on a Mandir for those wishing to worship Bal Krishna.

Handcrafted Resin Hindu Murtis

Resin Ganesh Murti

Beautifully sculpted with intricate coloured detail, our handcrafted resin Hindu murtis give an alternative to those preferring more colour to their Mandir. Our Resin Ganesh Murti replicates the famous widely worshipped deity in the Hindu Pantheon, Ganesh, in full colour and traditional pose spreading his wisdom and good fortune in your home. Mounted in a study base, this murti is also suitable for festivals or home décor.

A time for huge celebrations with laughter, candles and joy filing the family home, Colourful Diwali Products play a crucial role in the festival of lights every year. These can be represented in several ways including colourful Diwali divas, colourful Diwali cards and even beautifully decorated Diwali Rangoli patterns on the floors and walls. Diwali falls in October this year but it’s never too early to get prepared for the biggest festival in the Hindu calendar. Whether you are organising a huge party in the home or sending your best wishes to your family around the world, we have everything you need to have a colourful Diwali celebration.

Colourful Diwali Divas

Whether you prefer to use more traditional Diwali diva lamps or a modern version with wax included, we have a huge selection of the most colourful Diwali divas. Many prefer to use Diwali divas without the wax and simply use their own ingredients such as a cotton wick and natural ghee to keep the lights burning throughout the home. However, despite being more of a hassle they are seen as being more authentic to age old customs and therefore still prove very popular today. At The Incense Store, we also have a stunning collection of Fancy Diwali Divas that look truly spectacular placed around the home without breaking the bank. Diwali is the time for lighting up the home and so whatever diva you use, have a fantastic celebration with all your loved ones.

Leaf Shaped Diwali Divas

Heart Shaped Bhanani Divas Pack of 4 (Red and Green Diamante)

Coloured Diwali Diva (Red)

Colourful Diwali Accessories

Here at The Incense Store, we are proud to hold an enormous selection of the most colourful Diwali Accessories to be used during the festival of light. With everything from Diwali cards to Diwali Pooja powders and Diwali envelopes to Diwali Rangoli products, kick off your celebrations in style with these wonderfully handy accessories.

Diwali Card Mystique

Milap Sindoor - Red Powder (Lotus Casing)

Diwali Envelopes Pack of 5 (Ganesh & Flowers)

Raksha Bandhan is the Hindu and Sikh festival which celebrates the love and bond between a brother and a sister. The main focus of the ceremony involves the sister tying a Rakhi, considered a scared thread, around the brother’s wrist. Doing this, the sister is telling the brother how she cares for him but also offers her best wishes for his general well-being at the same time. Here at The Incense Store, we have a huge collection of Rakhi Accessories to help you get ready for Raksha Bandhan this year. Whether you’re looking for a specific Rakhi Thread or a delightful Rakhi Card to send to your brother, we have everything you need to make sure you have a wonderful Raksha Bandhan with all the family.

Raksha Bandhan Rakhi Threads

A gift from a sister to a brother, the sacred Rakhi Thread is a cotton string packed with beautiful decorations and dazzling colour as a representation of the tight family bond between the 2 siblings. Practiced for hundred of years, Rakhi threads have constantly evolved through time with modern designs and vibrant colours. Having a large family of boy’s means you need several Rakhi threads to bless all your brothers. This is where TheIncenseStore.com can help with their selection of single threads as well as multi-threads. Once the Rakhi thread has been tied, the brother then gives the sister a gift to say thank you. The final part of this ceremony is for the sister to feed a small Indian sweet to the brother as a blessing. Whether you’re looking for something new and funky and plain and traditional, we have a great range of Rakhi threads to suit any taste.

Single Piece Rakhi Thread (Orange, White & Green Circle Crystals)

Three Piece Rakhi Thread (Gold & Pink Coil Hindi Writing)

Five Piece Rakhi Thread (Gold Coil Shells)

Raksha Bandhan Rakhi Cards

Circumstances sometimes mean you cannot always be there in person to tie the Rakhi thread on your brothers. However, the next best thing is to send them one of our lovely Rakhi Cards, full of stunning designs and heartfelt messages. Some of our beautiful Rakhi cards include a lovely Rakhi thread, so sending your warmest blessings to your brothers is easier than ever. Sending a Rakhi card also allows you to write your own personal message describing how much you appreciate your brother and everything he has done for you. So whether you’re looking for something more religious and traditional or modern and colourful, we have the biggest selection of Rakhi cards for you to choose from.

Rakhi Wishes Card (Blue)

Raksha Bandhan Card (Orange Picture)

Rakhi Card - Rakhi Greetings (Purple Large Guru)

A wonderful way to open up your home and create a sacred welcoming area for deities, the decorative folk art of Beautiful Rangoli Patterns has been practised for thousands of years and continues to be passed on from generation to generation. Considered to bring good luck to the function or home it is placed in, Rangoli is a traditional art form usually carried out by women and displayed on floors of living rooms and courtyards. TheIncenseStore.com has a fantastic collection of rangoli pattern templates and rangoli powders to help create beautiful Rangoli patterns at any special occasion.

Diwali Rangoli Designs

Rangoli patterns have been adapted throughout the years; not only the geometrical simple patterns created, but the materials used to create these stunning designs. Modern adaptations and tools mean the intricate patterns are now easily made in a shorter space of time; something very important in todayÆs busy world. Conventional materials included granulated rice and dry flour to which coloured spices would usually be added. However, it is not unusual to use coloured powders and coloured sand instead with the addition of flower petals to add a touch of elegance. Nevertheless, the traditional ideas and breathtaking design elements still remain with patterns including deity impressions and flowers being showcased during festivals and family celebrations.

Rangoli Colours 7 Bag Set (Assorted Colours)

Rangoli Stencils (Assorted Colours)

Mini Rangoli Stencil (Lit Diwali Diva)

Indian Rangoli Patterns

The representation of deities and religious symbols in traditional rangoli designs have been constantly adapted to change with modern times. As any shape can be made with Rangoli powder, incredibly elaborate patterns are not unusual to be seen at auspicious occasions and celebrations. To aid in this process, a rangoli patterns worksheet is used to help place the materials in the correct positions, therefore creating some of the most beautiful rangoli patterns in the world.

Rangoli Book (G3321)

Rangoli Book (G3317)

Rangoli Book (G3322)