Abhyang Snan 2024 Date, Muhurat Timing, Rituals, and Significance

Abhyang Snan 2024 Date, Muhurat Timing and more

The festival of Diwali marks a five-day celebration in Hindu tradition, beginning with Dhanteras and concluding on Bhaiya Dooj. This year Abhyang Snan will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Among the sacred rituals observed during this time is the Abhyang Snan, an auspicious ceremonial bath performed to cleanse both body and soul.

Narak Chaturdashi is often referred to as Choti Diwali and is celebrated one day before the main Diwali festival. It is also known as Roop Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas, as many people observe special skincare and beauty rituals, believing this day enhances their inner and outer radiance.

While Narak Chaturdashi is observed alongside Kali Chaudas, the two are distinct observances. Kali Chaudas focuses on invoking Goddess Kali to eliminate negative forces, while Narak Chaturdashi focuses on cleansing oneself spiritually to avoid the path to Narak. Although both may fall on the same date, depending on the Chaturdashi Tithi, they hold different religious connotations and practices.

Abhyang Snan 2024: Date and Time

Abhyang Snan is observed on three days during Diwali — on Chaturdashi (Narak Chaturdashi), Amavasya (Lakshmi Puja day), and Pratipada (Govardhan Puja day). However, the Abhyang Snan on Chaturdashi, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, holds the most significance. The ritual is performed with the belief that it frees individuals from the cycle of sins and negative karma, safeguarding them from going to Narak (hell).

It is said that Lord Krishna performed Abhyang Snan after slaying the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The ritual on this day is thus a spiritual cleansing process, allowing one to rid themselves of negative energies and begin the Diwali celebrations with purity and renewal.Rituals of Abhyang Snan: How to Perform It?

The Abhyang Snan ritual involves bathing with sesame oil and ubtan (a traditional paste) before sunrise. Sesame oil is especially recommended for this purpose, as it is believed to have purifying properties that aid in the cleansing of the body and mind.

During the ritual:

• Apply Sesame Oil: Gently massage sesame oil over the entire body. This oil is revered for its ability to detoxify and nourish the skin, and it symbolises the removal of impurities.
• Ubtan Application: Traditionally, a homemade paste of herbal ingredients, known as ubtan, is applied to the skin. It exfoliates and rejuvenates, representing the removal of negativity and renewal.
• Bathing with Holy Water: The bath is taken using water mixed with ingredients such as turmeric, rose petals, or neem leaves, as it symbolises purification and the blessing of divine energy.

Abhyang Snan is not merely a bath, but a spiritual practice aimed at internal purification and positivity. Embracing this ritual with devotion is said to ensure peace, health, and prosperity. For many, it is a reminder to cleanse both the body and mind, releasing any emotional or mental negativity.

By observing Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi, individuals are believed to invite blessings and harmony into their lives, preparing themselves for the joyous celebration of Diwali with a heart full of positivity and gratitude.
Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi remains a time-honoured tradition, embodying the essence of purification, renewal, and spiritual well-being. This ritual reminds us that Diwali is as much about inner cleansing as it is about outer celebration, inviting divine blessings for a prosperous and harmonious life.

For 2024, ensure to observe Abhyang Snan with mindfulness, following the suggested Muhurat timing on October 31 to truly embrace the tradition’s spiritual significance. Let this Diwali bring not only light into your surroundings but also purity into your soul.