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Abhyanga Snan during Diwali

Abhyanga Snan is a full body massage and ritual bathing on the Narak Chaturdashi day during Diwali. In some regions, Abhyang Snan is performed before sunrise. Abhyanga Snan 2024 date is November 1 and November 2. This ritual bath using traditional cleansing and rejuvenating items is more popular in Maharashtra and adjoining regions.

On the Abhyanga Snan, people wake up early in the morning and massage their bodies and head with specially prepared oil. Instead of soap, people use an Ayurvedic mixture known as Utane Churna or powder, which is known as herbal soap powder in local markets. The utane powder consists of Kapur kachari (camphor), kachora, Sveta Chandan (sandalwood), Wala, Nagarmotha, flowers and leaves.

In some regions people perform Abhyanga Snan on Diwali and also the following two days.