Dhoops are a masala sub-group of incense. They are an extruded incense which lacks a core bamboo stick, so they usually need a special dhoop incense holder to burn them.  Dhoop incense burners usually have a lattice of metal upon which the burning dhoop pieces rest.  Many dhoops have very concentrated scents and put out a lot of smoke when burned.

A Masala incense is made in a method which uses natural resins and a complex combination of oils and herbs that are combined together to form a dough-like mixture. This mixture is then rolled on to bamboo sticks. The result is a far superior incense as compared to other sticks which are just dipped in perfume oils.