A beautiful dawn! Rangoli in front of everyone’s doorstep, rows of diyas on windows, decorative lights, crackers and fireworks! A pleasant atmosphere everywhere. Houses are full of guests, with overflowing joy. New clothes and ornaments add more joy to this setting. The aroma of perfume and incense sticks in the air. A variety of sumptuous, sweet and spicy food! Diwali is such a happy and refreshing festival.
The first day of Diwali is ‘Narak Chaturdashi’ . On this day, we wake up early in the morning and take a ‘Abhyansnan’(oil bath). That’s why, on the occasion of ‘Narak Chaturdashi’, we are going to talk about the special ritual of ‘Abhyang’. Diwali is celebrated in the month of October – November. The date changes according to the Panchang. However, during Diwali the amount of heat that was present in October, is decreased. Due to the start of the winter solstice, the days gradually become shorter, and the nights longer. Around the same time, due to the slanted rays of the sun, the heat in the atmosphere reduces and cold begins to set in. Diwali is celebrated in such cold pink weather.
The tradition of ‘Abhyangsnan’ is included in Diwali due to the cold outside atmosphere. This cold temperature affects our skin and makes it dry. With increasing cold, many problems like cracking of skin may occur . ‘Abhyang’ helps to protect the skin against these effects of the cold. Abhyang means massaging the skin with oil. The oil used in Abhyang removes dryness from skin and restores moisture. The skin that has contracted due to the cold becomes soft and gentle. It also strengthens the skin, makes it refreshed and glowing. It also helps in improving the skin color. It improves the skin’s ability to perceive touch. As we become older, ‘aging’ signs such as skin wrinkles and loose skin begin to show on our bodies. Abhyang postpones the onset of these symptoms.
Abhyang has many more benefits. In ‘Abhyang’, the oil used is absorbed into the body and strengthens the muscles. It helps to increase the body’s strength. Therefore, wrestlers massage their bodies after exercise. The cool outside temperature causes an increase in Vaat dosha. This leads to problems caused by increased Vaat dosha such as joint paid, knee pain and back pain. The use of Abhyang reduces this Vaat dosha which in turn reduces the diseases caused by it. It increases the heat in the body and helps to protect the body against the cold. Massage is beneficial in reducing fatigue due to excessive physical exertion. It boosts the body’s ability to accomplish physically demanding tasks. It also increases the strength of the body to bear any external impact. The moisture in the oil used in Abhyang makes the body flexible. The cold season naturally strengthens the body. This oil massage contributes to this strengthening function of nature. Regularly oiling vehicles boosts their operation and longevity. Similarly, Abhyang boosts our body’s strength. It also helps us to maintain our youth for a longer period of time.
There are a lot of benefits of Abhyang. Therefore, the authors of Ayurvedic books have mentioned that it should be done not only during the cold season but also throughout the year. For this reason, it is also included in Dincharya. We can use coconut or sesame oil for Abhyang. Medicated oils like Bala oil and Narayan oil can also be used. During Diwali, scented oils are used for Abhyang. These oils refresh our mind. Such scented oils can be used throughout the year.
If it is not possible to do the Abhyang due to busy mornings, it can also be done at night while watching TV. Actually, it is necessary to massage our entire body. However, if the whole-body massage is not feasible then, we should at least apply a small amount of oil on our body. Oil should be applied on the head, feet and ears exclusively if the body massage is not possible. On the occasion of Diwali, we started talking about Abhyang. We can discuss more about this later.
Dr Mayuresh Aagte
Note : Please use all the medications mentioned in this article after consultation with your doctor