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New Delhi: When the dawn breaks on Diwali, Indians gear up for Abhyanga Snan - the sacred bath of beauty, health, and light. On October 20, 2025, homes across India will hum with devotional chants and the soothing scent of sandalwood and rose, with people getting ready for the auspicious bath of the festival of lights. Abhyanga Snan is a traditional self-cleansing ritual, performed during Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. Devotees believe that this tradition helps in purifying the mind, body, and soul for the festive week that follows after Diwali 2025.
Abhyanga is not a normal bath; it is an experience that symbolises our heritage and culture. People combine oil therapy, herbal ubtan, and chant sacred mantras to ward off negativity and attract positive vibes into their homes. This year, the Abhyanga Snan muhurat for Diwali 2025 is between 5:13 AM to 6:25 AM on October 19, 2025. This is the most auspicious time of Abhyanga Snan to rejoice in self-purification.
All the following ingredients are fresh and in equal proportion to seek blessings.
Kapoor kachri (dried rhizome)
Nagarmotha powder
Vetiver (root powder)
Turmeric (haldi)
Sandal (chandan) powder
Camphor powder
Manjishtha root powder
Rose petals/rose powder
Orange peel powder
Multani mitti (fuller’s earth)
Step 1: In a clean mixing bowl, pour all the ingredients in equal quantities. And mix it thoroughly.
Step 2: Start preparing the paste by mixing warm water or warm milk to get a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Optionally, you can add rose water for added fragrance.
Step 1: Wake up early morning of Diwali 2025, during the window of moonrise to sunrise - the auspicious muhurat of Abhyanga Snan during Chaturdashi Tithi.
Step 2: Warm some sesame/til oil and gently massage it from head to toe, allowing tension to melt away.
Step 3: Layer the freshly prepared ubtan paste over the oiled skin.
Step 4: Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes. You can also expose it to early sunlight.
Step 5: Take a warm bath to rinse. Use herbal cleansers if required.
Step 6: Wear clean clothes afterwards; continue with your Diwali rituals.
Devotees believed that on this day, Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and freed the world from darkness and evil. That’s why this bath, performed before sunrise, is said to cleanse not just the body but also lifetimes of negativity. The til oil signifies humility, while the ubtan’s herbs embody renewal and grace.
So, as Diwali 2025 dawns on 20 October, step into this age-old morning ritual and let your soul shimmer as brightly as your diyas. Because Abhyanga Snan isn’t just a bath — it’s your journey into light, beauty, and divine renewal.