The girl who introduced the art of making designer candles in Kashmir
By Bisma Manzoor
Mehak. Meaning: Fragrance. Pervez. Meaning: Fortunate, victorious.
A 25-year-old of Srinagar is living up to her name, making candles that light up homes and also spread fragrance.
While the world was going through the lockdown, Mehak struck upon the idea of making designer candles. The resident of Illahi Bagh in Srinagar, an engineer by profession, finds her island of peace and joy in making candles.
From candles that look like ice-creams and cookies to delicious rose milk shakes, Mehak is experimenting with a range of ideas in candle-making.
Mehak has received a great response from the Valley for her designs, along with loads of compliments, appreciation and buyers. Mehak now makes customized candles for festivals, wedding ceremonies and birthdays and other occasions.
Her father Mr Parvaiz Ahmad Mir is a former government official and her mother is a home maker. For making these colourful, fragrant candles, Mehak sources tools, wax and other products from outside Kashmir. Most of her orders are received through social media.
Mehak regrets that the traditional practice of using candles to light up evenings has now vanished in Kashmir. With instant lighting provided by Inverter and mobile phones, candles do not find favour.
Candle light is full of beauty and grace. I want people to experience again the charm of using candles in the evenings,” she says.
What started as a hobby is now her passion. Mehak wants to spread light through her candles. “I never thought of taking up candle making as a profession. I only want to explore it more and more, and enjoy this art. Since childhood, I was fascinated by this art. Every talent needs a platform to find expression. I am glad that social media has provided a platform to artists to explore their talent,” she said. Mehak is happy with the support given by her family and friends. They were also her first customers and gave her orders for making candles in order to encourage her. She calls her works Shamaque by Mehak.
Mehak says she enjoys making candles used at parties and weddings. “These candles are not easy to design. It takes about three hours to complete a beautiful candle. The price may range from Rs 30 to Rs 700, depending on the work that has gone into it,” she says.
Mehak’s message to the youth: You can achieve what you set out to achieve. Make yourself strong in order to be what you seek to be.
