During Ganpati festivals, flower garlands are offered to Lord Ganesha and then often discarded or immersed in water bodies after the celebrations. Instead of disposing of these flowers, you can repurpose them into aromatic incense cups, which are not only eco-friendly but also a creative way to honor the festival. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make these incense cups at home:

Materials Required:
Flowers (from Ganpati flower garlands)
Tejpatta (bay leaves)
Havan Samagri (ritual offerings)
Chandan Powder (sandalwood powder)
Kapur (camphor)
Guggal (gum resin)
Coal (charcoal)
Goobar (cow dung cakes)
Ghee (clarified butter)
Til Oil (sesame oil)
Honey
Water (as needed)

Steps to Make Incense Cups:
1. Prepare the Flowers:
Remove all the flowers from the Ganpati garlands.
Spread them out in a sunny area and allow them to dry completely. This can take a few days depending on the weather.

2. Create the Powder Mix:
Once the flowers are fully dried, gather them in a mixing bowl.
Add pieces of coal, cow dung cakes, bay leaves, guggal, chandan powder, and havan samagri.
Use a grinder or mixer to blend these ingredients into a fine powder. Ensure the mixture is well combined.

3. Sift the Powder:
After grinding, sift the powder through a fine sieve to separate any coarse particles. Set aside the fine powder and save the coarser bits for later use.

4. Prepare the Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the fine powder with ghee, til oil, and honey. Gradually add water to achieve a smooth, thick paste. The mixture should be pliable but not too wet.

5. Shape the Incense Cups:
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small cups using your hands. Press the mixture firmly into the cup molds or use your fingers to shape them if you don’t have molds.
Place each cup on a tray and let them dry for 24-48 hours. They should be completely dried and hardened before use.

6. Fill the Cups:
Once the incense cups are dry, fill the center of each cup with a mixture of finely ground guggal and camphor. Press this mixture down gently to ensure it stays in place.

7. Final Drying:
Allow the filled incense cups to dry for an additional 24 hours. Ensure they are thoroughly dried to ensure they burn well.

Using Your Incense Cups:
To use your homemade incense cups, simply light the top where the guggal and camphor are placed. They will emit a pleasant fragrance and create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for spiritual practices or home ambiance.

By repurposing the flowers from Ganpati offerings into incense cups, you not only reduce waste but also create a meaningful and fragrant addition to your home. Enjoy the process and the pleasant aroma that fills your space!

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