Candles · Made in Nepal
Artisanal Soy Wax in Traditional White Clay Matka
A handmade soy wax candle poured into a traditional Nepali white clay matka pot. Blended with chiuri ghee from Chepang and Tamang cooperatives, fitted with a hand-braided cotton wick, and scented with Himalayan essential oils. Burns clean for over 40 hours. When the candle is done, the matka becomes a planter or keepsake.
The Story
Most mass-produced candles are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that releases toluene and benzene when burned. Our Matka Soy Candle starts with a different question: what if the vessel mattered as much as the flame?
Each matka is hand-thrown by potters from the Tharu and Madheshi communities using techniques passed down through generations. No two are exactly alike. The clay is locally sourced, kiln-fired without chemical glazes, and finished with bare hands.
Inside, a blend of soy wax and chiuri ghee (from the Nepali butter tree) creates a warm, clean flame that burns longer and throws scent gently into the room. The cotton and banana fiber wick is braided by hand. When the candle is finished, clean the matka and use it as a planter, pencil holder, or keepsake.
The Ritual
Turn an ordinary evening into a moment of intentional calm.
Before every burn, trim the wick to about 5mm. This ensures a clean, even flame and prevents excessive soot. A pair of nail clippers works perfectly.
On the first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the matka. This sets the candle's memory and prevents tunneling on future burns. Takes about 2 hours.
Burn for 2-3 hours at a time for the best scent throw and candle longevity. Place on a heat-safe surface away from drafts.
When the candle is finished, pour out remaining wax with warm water. The matka becomes a beautiful planter, pencil holder, or decorative piece. Traditional craft, modern life.
Matka Soy Candle
Hear It From Them
I bought this for the candle and stayed for the matka. The burn was gorgeous, lasted way longer than I expected, and the lavender scent was gentle. But the real joy was cleaning it out and using it as a succulent planter on my desk. It looks so beautiful. Already ordered another one as a gift.
I am sensitive to synthetic candle fragrances and most candles give me headaches within 20 minutes. This one burns for hours and I never get that tight feeling in my temples. The scent is subtle, earthy, and warm. You can tell it is real essential oils, not that artificial sweetness. My evening ritual is now incomplete without this candle lit on my bedside table.
Bought three as Dashain gifts. My mom, who is very particular about home fragrances, said the cedarwood scent reminded her of her childhood home in the hills. The matka itself is so charming. She keeps hers on the puja shelf even after the wax is done. Will be ordering more for Tihar.
I tracked it. I burned mine for about 2.5 hours almost every evening for over two weeks. The wax melts so evenly and the scent stays consistent from start to finish. No tunneling at all. The chiuri ghee definitely extends the life. Worth every rupee.
FAQ
The 200gm Matka Soy Candle provides approximately 40+ hours of burn time when used properly. Trim the wick before each burn and avoid burning for more than 3 hours at a stretch.
Chiuri ghee (from the Nepali butter tree, Diploknema butyracea) adds a warm undertone to the flame, extends burn time by up to 15%, and supports the livelihoods of Chepang and Tamang cooperatives we work with. It also helps the soy wax adhere to the clay vessel for a more even burn.
The matka is kiln-fired clay, traditionally used in Nepal for food storage and cooking. After the candle, clean it with warm water and a cloth. Use it as a planter for succulents, a pencil holder, a spice container for dry goods, or a decorative piece.
Yes. We use essential oil blends (lavender, cedarwood, and lemongrass) for fragrance. No synthetic fragrance oils, phthalates, or artificial scent boosters are used.
Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that releases toluene and benzene when burned. Soy wax is plant-derived, produces up to 90% less soot, burns at a cooler temperature (longer life), and carries fragrance more evenly. Better for your lungs, better for your home.
On the very first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the matka. This sets the candle's "memory." If you blow it out too early on the first burn, the wax will tunnel down the center on subsequent burns. The first full melt pool takes about 2 hours.
Ready to try?