Learning how to make perfumed candles has changed the lives of 40 women in Siliguri and Kalimpong.

Twenty women are earning at least Rs 5,000 a month by making candles. Twenty others are also getting orders.

The Tagore Appreciation Society, a social outfit based in Siliguri, trained these 40 women to make perfumed candles. Titled Ajambari Tales, the skill development programme was taken up by the outfit in association with the West Bengal SC ST OBC Finance and Development Corporation.

“Women in Sindebong of Kalimpong and Siliguri were interested in making candles. They trained for four months. Now, they are self-reliant,” said Sohini Gupta, the secretary of TAS.

She said many people light up scented candles on special occasions, festivals and as a lifestyle statement.

"These candles glow and emit a sweet fragrance,” said Gupta. "Over time, their quality and designs have evolved."

She said the candles made by their trainees were excellent.

“That's why we thought of merchandising these candles. We inducted 20 of the women into our organisation and showcased their candles on online platforms. Orders came from places in India such as Calcutta and Goa and abroad like Dubai and Malaysia," she said.

“In due course, we believe, the scale of production has to be increased,” Gupta added. Along with candles in traditional shapes, the women make scented candles that look like sweets and doughnuts.

They use flowers like rose, jasmine and tuberose for fragrance in the candles.

Each candle, depending upon shape, size and ingredients used, is priced between Rs 150 and Rs 4,000.

Candles made by the women from Kalimpong and Siliguri after training Sourced by The Telegraph

“The women (12 from Siliguri and eight from Kalimpong) whom we have engaged (in TAS), get at least Rs 5,000 a month,” said Radhika Ghosh Karmakar, who headed the project.

The 20 other trained candle-makers are also receiving orders locally.

Ghosh Karmakar said they wanted to train women in making dried and pressed flowers which also are in huge demand for home decor.

“These items, like the scented candles, will provide earning options to women. A homemaker can make these items sitting at home,” she said.