Abhyanga snan on Diwali: the oil bath and utane, the Ayurvedic way

In Maharashtra the first bath of Diwali is taken before sunrise on Narak Chaturdashi. The family is massaged with fragrant oil, scrubbed with utane and bathed in hot water, and in many homes a bitter karit fruit is crushed underfoot for Krishna’s victory over Narakasur. In 2026 Narak Chaturdashi falls on Sunday 8 November, the same day as Lakshmi Pujan.

Ayurveda treats the oil massage as something for every day. The Ashtanga Hridaya’s chapter on the daily routine advises abhyanga daily because it holds off ageing, fatigue and vata, and asks for it especially on the head, the ears and the feet. Diwali also falls at the turn from Sharad into Hemant, the early winter, and Hemant is the season for which the texts most recommend oil massage, when the air turns dry and cold.

• Sesame oil. The classical oil for abhyanga, warming, and the usual choice for a cold morning. Use plain cold-pressed oil.
• Coconut oil. Cooler. It suits people who run hot or whose skin reacts easily.
• Scented Diwali oils. Fine for most people, but fragrance can irritate sensitive skin. Try one on a small patch first.

Medicated oils are a different matter: they are chosen for a person’s constitution or complaint. If you have a complaint you want treated, ask the doctor rather than choosing an oil yourself.

1. Warm the oil by standing its bowl in hot water until it feels comfortably warm on the back of your hand.
2. Start with the crown of the head, the outer ears and the soles of the feet, the three places the Ashtanga Hridaya names.
3. Use long strokes along the arms and legs, circles over the joints, and slow clockwise circles over the abdomen.
4. Take ten to fifteen minutes, then leave the oil on for a few minutes more.
5. Mix the utane to a paste with milk, water or rose water and rub it on with firm strokes. It lifts the oil off the skin.
6. Bathe in warm water. Keep the water for the head only lukewarm: the Ashtanga Hridaya says hot water strengthens the body but weakens the hair and eyes when poured over the head.

Wipe the soles of your feet and the bathroom floor afterwards. An oiled floor is slippery, and older relatives are the ones who fall.

Utane is a dry powder of pulses and fragrant herbs. Traditional Maharashtrian blends usually contain some of these: masoor or chana flour, turmeric or ambe halad, sandalwood, nagarmotha, vala (khus), kapur kachri, rose petals and dried orange peel. The flour takes up the oil and the herbs scent the skin.

It is the household cousin of Udvartan, the herbal powder massage given at the clinic, though Udvartan is firmer and has a different purpose: it is used to reduce body fat and improve circulation.

Postpone the oil massage during a fever, indigestion or a heavy cold, and do not massage over broken or infected skin. Some cases need more care:

• Eczema, psoriasis or a rash. Plain oil is often soothing, but fragrance and rough utane can make a flare worse. Ask your doctor.
• Acne-prone skin. Keep heavy oil off the face, or wash it off well with utane.
• Pregnancy. Ask your doctor first, and avoid firm massage over the abdomen.

At the clinic, Abhyangam is given with an oil the doctor chooses for you, usually followed by a steam bath, and it is also the first step of preparation for Panchakarma.