Tucked away in the historic scent-scape of Kannauj – India’s perfume capital – Zighrana is a name that carries the rich legacy of Indian perfumery with the finesse of contemporary sophistication. Known for its traditional attars, nuanced perfumes, and potent essential oils, the brand takes pride in blending heritage with innovation. At the helm is Swapnil Pathak Sharma, who has been instrumental in preserving the brand’s century-old methods while opening its fragrant doors to the modern, global customer.
Team BestforHim recently got our hands (and noses) on three signature offerings from Zighrana: the Mitti Attar, the Vikas Khanna Eau de Parfum, and their compact yet potent Essential Oil Kit. While each product was distinct in identity and function, they all shared a common first impression of luxury and sophistication.
All the products came in similar packaging, comprising layers – first a clear protective wrap, then a deep black matte-finish box with the brand logo embossed with gold, finally giving way to satin-lined interiors that cradled the products like jewellery. The unboxing was our favourite part of the review, with an experience punching a notch above the product prices.
The first product that our team reviewed was the Mitti Attar, which was handpicked as a gifting item for world leaders at the G20 Summit. Attars, unlike conventional alcohol-based perfumes, are oil-based natural distillations derived from flowers, woods, and even earth. And that’s precisely what this one captures: petrichor — the deeply nostalgic scent of fresh rain hitting parched soil. The scent is true to its inspiration and is poetic in a certain way. The aroma is subtle, soft, and enveloping, perfect for those who enjoy close-to-skin scents that don’t overpower but linger gently. Priced between ₹2,500 and ₹3,800 depending on size, this scent may come across as too faint for those used to bolder olfactory statements. But again, the fragrance of rain whispers more and shouts less.
The Vikas Khanna Eau de Parfum, available at ₹6,000 for a 100ml bottle, is a harmonious blend of spices and florals – created in collaboration with the Michelin-starred chef, author, and humanitarian. Initially presenting a gourmand-like sweet freshness – reminiscent of saffron, rose, and cardamom, it gradually unveils woody notes, soft florals and spicier undertones, making it a dynamic scent that evolves over time. It is neither loud, nor cloying, but rather complex in an intriguing way. The fragrance is long-lasting, although the spray mechanism could benefit from a sturdier design; it felt a tad flimsy for a perfume that otherwise reeks of premium.
Essential oils have become integral to the modern man who lays equal importance ongrooming and wellness. Be it stress from daily work sprints, trouble winding down at night, or the need for midday focus, there’s an oil for every need. Use them in diffusers, dab them on pulse points, add a drop to bathwater, or even massage them (diluted) into the scalp — these oils adapt to your routine. Zighrana’s Essential Oil Kit, priced at ₹3,550, comprises eight oils: lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, peppermint, and others. Each oil is housed in a small vial equipped with a dropper, facilitating precise application. The scents are rich, dense, and surprisingly potent for their size. Lavender soothes, peppermint wakes you up and eucalyptus clears the head. The kit however, did not come with instructions or suggested uses on the vial. Our team felt an instruction booklet or vial labelling would have made the product more accessible to first-time users.
In terms of value, Zighrana’s offerings are positioned in the entry-level luxury segment, with prices reflecting the quality of ingredients, craftsmanship, and presentation. While the casual bracket buyer may find the price a little high, a first-hand experience with products should easily convince them.
All things considered, Zighrana makes a compelling case for itself. The attar is poetic and nostalgic. The perfume — especially the Vikas Khanna variant — is star material, full of nuance and wearability. And the essential oils round off the trio with their versatility and wellness cred. While minor improvements, such as enhancing the durability of the spray mechanism, could further elevate the user experience, the overall offerings provide a sensory journey for those looking to upgrade their grooming shelf without diving headfirst into international designer tags.
As someone once said — a good fragrance is really a silent way of saying a lot. Zighrana, in that sense, says all the right things.
