Holi Abhyangasnan (Abhyanga Snan on Dhulivandan) is an ritual bath performed mainly in Maharashtra, Gujarat and other North Indian states. In 2023, Holi Abhyangasnan date is March 8.
Abhyaga Snana – items or material required
- Herbal oil for massage on head and body
- Utane – It is a powder containing various ingredients such as Kapur (camphor), Chandan (sandalwood), Haldi (Haridra – turmeric), Manjistha (a herbal blood purifier), extract of rose petals, orange peel, amla churna (powder of amla fruit) and powder of some other herbal flowers. Utane is readily available at market. It is mixed properly with coconut oil and applied on hair, head and body before abhyanga snan.
- Most of the people use herbal soap for the ritual bath during Diwali.
Abhyanga Snan Procedure
- Massage the skin with herbal oil from 10-15 minutes till skin absord the oil completely.
- Apply utane on all body parts and rinse it off with water.
- Dry off your hair and body.
- Apply Kumkum or tilak on forehead just after abhyanga snan.
About Holi Festival…
Marathi people believe that playing with colours and soil (dhuli) is an auspicious activity. In North India (Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc.), on Dhulivandan day, Vasantotsav (Basant Utsav) is celebrated. To mark the demolition of devils by Lord Krishna, Vasantosav is celebrated.
It is believed on this day Lord Shiva turned Kama (Manmadha) to ashes, hence to commemorate the event Dhulivandan is celebrated in Maharashtra.