Abhyanga Snan and Ubtan: The Traditional Diwali Morning Bath
In many Indian homes, the festival does not start with lights. It starts with an early oil massage and a warm bath, known as abhyanga snan. Families often do this on the day before Diwali, also called Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi, with the ubtan, a paste of gram flour and herbs, on the skin.
What is abhyanga?
Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic practice of massaging warm oil into the body before a bath. In tradition, it is a way to slow down, care for the skin and feel grounded. Many people simply enjoy it because it feels good, especially in cooler weather.
What is ubtan?
Ubtan is a paste or powder used on skin before bathing. Common ingredients are besan (gram flour), turmeric, sandalwood and milk or curd. It is gently scrubbed on and rinsed off. Brides often use it before weddings, and many families use it before festivals.
A simple home version
- Warm the oil gently. Any plain body-safe oil you use already will do, or a lightweight oil such as Jojoba Oil.
- Massage from feet upward and shoulders downward, in long strokes on limbs and circles on joints, for five to ten minutes.
- Make a quick ubtan: mix 2 spoons of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric and enough milk or water to make a paste. Do a patch test first, because turmeric can stain and some skin reacts.
- Apply, let it dry a little, and rub off gently in circles.
- Bathe in warm, not hot, water and pat dry.
The easier way
If you are short of time, a soap that brings similar ingredients helps. Our Besan Haldi Saffron Handmade Soap is made along those traditional lines.
Things to keep in mind
- Be careful on tiled floors after oiling. They get slippery.
- Avoid abhyanga if you have a fever, an open wound or a skin infection.
- Skip the ubtan on very dry or sensitive skin, or use a very soft version with milk.
Read what comes next in our five-minute face pack guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which oil is used for abhyanga?
Traditionally sesame or coconut oil, depending on the region. Any plain, body-safe oil you already tolerate well is a sensible choice.
How long should the oil stay on before the bath?
Ten to twenty minutes is plenty. You do not need to leave it on for hours.
Can I make ubtan without turmeric?
Yes. Gram flour with a little milk or curd is the classic base. Turmeric is optional and can stain skin and cloth.
Quick takeaway
Abhyanga and ubtan are slow, warming rituals. Keep the water warm, take care on wet floors and patch-test the ubtan before you use it.
This article is general information about traditional Ayurvedic hair, skin and bath care. It is not medical advice. If you have sudden or patchy hair loss, a sore, itchy or flaky scalp, or skin that is painful, swollen or not improving, please see a doctor or dermatologist. Always patch-test a new product first.