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All you need to know about self burning incense sticks, cones, flat coils, hanging spirals, and dhoop. Step-by-step instructions that will really get you smoking.

Incense Sticks, Incense Cones, Flat Coils, Hanging Spirals, Dhoop (Dry & Moist)

Burning Incense Sticks

• Light the tip of the incense stick. If your incense has a bamboo stick, hold the uncoated portion of the bamboo stick and light the opposite "coated" end. If it's a solid stick you can light either end. 
  
  
• Gently extinguish the flame by blowing or fanning. Your incense should glow red and give off a delicate wisp of pale fragrant smoke indicating that it is slowly burning or "smoldering." 
  
  
• Place the unlit end in an appropriate incense burner.

Caution: This is Hot Stuff!

• It seems obvious, but it can never "hurt" to mention it. Always use caution -- burning incense is hot stuff. 
  
  
• Brushing against the glowing tip of a burning incense can cause a significant burn on the skin or ruin a favorite article of clothing. 
  
  
• Always place your burner on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet or ceramic tile. Depending on what method you're using the outside of your censer may get very hot. 
  
  
• If you're using charcoal tablets to burn non-combustible incense always use a burner that can take the heat. Charcoal can burn at up to 1500 degrees F. -- that's very, very hot! See below.