Abhyanga Snan 2026: How to Perform the Traditional Choti Diwali Oil Bath, Ritual Steps and Samagri

Abhyanga Snan is a traditional oil-bathing ritual performed early in the morning on Naraka Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. The word Abhyanga refers to the application and massage of oil on the body, while Snan means bathing.

Unlike an ordinary bath, this ritual follows a specific sequence involving an oil massage, the application of ubtan (a traditional herbal cleansing paste) and a bath taken during the auspicious pre-sunrise period.

The practice is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. According to popular tradition, Lord Krishna took an oil bath after defeating Narakasura. The ritual is therefore observed as a symbolic act of cleansing oneself of negativity and beginning the day with purity and positivity.


Abhyanga Snan is also known as Roop Snan or Roop Chaudas in several parts of India. It is traditionally associated with physical cleanliness, personal grooming and spiritual purification.

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When Should You Perform Abhyanga Snan?

Abhyanga Snan is traditionally performed during the pre-dawn period on the morning when Naraka Chaturdashi prevails at dawn. The auspicious bathing period is generally calculated around moonrise and sunrise, while the relevant Chaturdashi tithi is in effect.

Devotees should check the Abhyanga Snan Muhurat for their respective cities because sunrise, moonrise and the applicable tithi timings differ by location.

The ritual is not simply about waking up early and taking an oil bath. Following the prescribed auspicious bathing window is an important part of the traditional observance.

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Abhyanga Snan Samagri: Ingredients Required for the Ritual

Before beginning the ritual, keep the following ingredients ready so that the bathing procedure can be completed without interruption.

• Sesame oil (Til oil): Traditionally used for the pre-bath body massage. Some families follow regional customs and use other oils.
• Ubtan: A traditional cleansing paste prepared using ingredients such as gram flour (besan), turmeric, sandalwood powder and milk or curd.
• Apamarga plant (Chirchita): A twig or sprig traditionally used in certain customs during the bathing ritual.
• Clean bathing water: Water at a comfortable temperature for the bath.
• Fresh clothes: Clean clothes to wear after completing the ritual.
• A small bowl and towel: For preparing and applying the oil and ubtan.

Some families also prepare traditional bathing powders or use ready-made utane, particularly in Maharashtra.

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How to Perform Abhyanga Snan on Choti Diwali: Step-by-Step Ritual

The following is a practical sequence based on commonly followed Abhyanga Snan traditions. Individual families may follow additional customs or a slightly different order.

Step 1: Wake Up Before Sunrise and Prepare for the Ritual

Wake up early enough to complete the bathing ritual within your city's Abhyanga Snan Muhurat.

Keep the oil, ubtan, bathing water and fresh clothes ready beforehand. Clean the bathing area and prepare a comfortable place where you can sit while applying the oil.

Traditionally, some households draw a rangoli around a small wooden seat called a pat before the oil massage begins.

Step 2: Apply Sesame Oil to Your Body

Sesame oil, also known as til oil, is traditionally preferred for Abhyanga Snan.

Take a small quantity of oil in your palms and gently apply it to your scalp, forehead, ears, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, abdomen, back, legs and feet.

Massage the oil into your skin using gentle movements. Pay attention to areas such as the elbows, knees and soles of the feet.

In several Maharashtrian households, the eldest woman of the family traditionally applies oil to the heads of other family members before the bath.

The oil massage is the central part of Abhyanga Snan and should be completed before applying the ubtan.

Step 3: Apply Ubtan to the Body

After the oil massage, apply ubtan over the body.

A traditional homemade ubtan can be prepared using:

• 2 tablespoons of gram flour (besan)
• A small pinch of turmeric
• A little sandalwood powder
• Enough milk, curd or water to make a smooth paste

Mix the ingredients until they form a spreadable consistency. Apply a thin layer to the skin and gently rub it in.

Allow it to sit briefly before rinsing. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, particularly if you have sensitive or irritated skin.

Ubtan is traditionally used as part of the cleansing process and is associated with the beautification aspect of Roop Chaudas.

Step 4: Follow the Apamarga Custom, Where Practised

An important traditional element of Abhyanga Snan in certain households is the use of the Apamarga plant, also known as Chirchita.

A small twig of the plant is traditionally moved around or over the head during the bathing ritual. Some traditions prescribe repeating this action three times, while others follow a different sequence.

The custom is accompanied by a Sanskrit prayer:

सिता लोष्ठ समायुक्त सकण्टकदलान्वित।हर पापमपामार्ग भ्राम्यमाणः पुनः पुनः॥

Meaning: O Apamarga plant, accompanied by a clod of earth and thorny leaves, remove our sins as you are moved repeatedly.

The prayer is traditionally associated with the belief that the ritual removes negativity and protects devotees from the consequences of wrongdoing.

This step is not followed in every household. Families that do not observe the Apamarga custom can proceed with the bath according to their own tradition.

Step 5: Take a Bath Before Sunrise

After completing the oil massage and ubtan application, take a bath using comfortably warm water.

Wash away the oil and ubtan thoroughly. The traditional practice is to complete the bath within the prescribed pre-dawn muhurat.

Some families also follow the custom of pouring the first few mugs of water over the body before completing the bath.

Step 6: Wear Fresh Clothes and Offer Prayers

Once the bath is complete, dry yourself with a clean towel and wear fresh clothes.

Devotees may then offer prayers to Lord Krishna and seek blessings for health, happiness, prosperity and freedom from negativity.

Some households also perform Yama Tarpan, a traditional water offering associated with Lord Yama, after the bath. The procedure and accompanying prayers vary according to family and regional customs.

With this, the Abhyanga Snan ritual is complete.

What Is the Significance of Sesame Oil and Ubtan in Abhyanga Snan?

Sesame oil and ubtan are two important elements of the traditional bathing ritual.

Sesame oil: Applying sesame oil before bathing is an established part of the Abhyanga Snan tradition. It represents the ritual's oil-massage component and is used in several Hindu observances associated with auspicious bathing.

Ubtan: The application of ubtan is associated with cleansing and beautification. Its use is particularly connected with the name Roop Chaudas, which emphasises personal grooming and preparing oneself for the Diwali celebrations.

Together, the oil massage and ubtan application distinguish Abhyanga Snan from an ordinary morning bath.

Important Things to Keep in Mind While Performing Abhyanga Snan

• Check the Abhyanga Snan Muhurat for your city instead of following timings published for another location.
• Keep all the ingredients ready before the auspicious bathing period begins.
• Use lukewarm oil and water at a comfortable temperature. Avoid overheating either.
• Do not apply oil to broken, irritated or infected skin.
• Avoid vigorous massage or harsh scrubbing while applying ubtan.
• Do not use an unidentified plant or twig for the Apamarga ritual. Follow your family's established custom.
• If you have a skin allergy or sensitivity to any ubtan ingredient, avoid that ingredient.
• Follow your family's traditional bathing procedure if it differs from the general sequence described above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abhyanga Snan

1. What is the correct time to perform Abhyanga Snan?
   Abhyanga Snan is traditionally performed before sunrise on Naraka Chaturdashi, during the auspicious pre-dawn bathing period. The exact muhurat depends on the Chaturdashi tithi, moonrise and sunrise timings in your city.
2. Which oil is used for Abhyanga Snan?
   Sesame oil (til oil) is the most commonly prescribed traditional choice for Abhyanga Snan. Some families use other oils according to their regional customs.
3. Can we use coconut oil instead of sesame oil?
   Sesame oil is the traditional choice in many Abhyanga Snan practices. However, oil preferences differ across regions and households. Follow your family's established custom if it uses coconut oil or another traditional alternative.
4. What is the purpose of applying ubtan before Abhyanga Snan?
   Ubtan is applied after the oil massage as part of the traditional cleansing and beautification ritual. It is commonly prepared using gram flour, turmeric, sandalwood powder and milk or curd.
5. Can Abhyanga Snan be performed without ubtan?
   The traditional procedure includes applying ubtan after the oil massage. However, those with sensitive skin or allergies can avoid unsuitable ingredients rather than risk skin irritation.
6. Is Apamarga plant necessary for Abhyanga Snan?
   Apamarga is part of certain traditional versions of the ritual, but it is not used in every household. Families that observe this custom move a twig of the plant around or over the head while reciting the associated prayer.
7. What should we do after completing Abhyanga Snan?
   After the bath, devotees wear fresh clothes and offer prayers. Some families also perform Yama Tarpan according to their regional and family traditions.