On the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi, many Karnataka homes wake up before sunrise for enne snana, the traditional oil bath that opens Deepavali. Elders apply warm oil to everyone's head and body, and then it's bath time, new clothes and the first crackers of the festival.
Which oil is traditional?
In most Karnataka homes the answer is sesame oil (ellenne). Sesame oil has been the oil-bath oil in South India for generations. It warms gently, spreads easily and washes out more readily than heavier oils. Some families add a little coconut oil, especially in coastal homes.
Whichever you use, choose unrefined, cold pressed oil. Refined sesame oil has been deodorised at high heat, which removes the familiar aroma most people associate with the festival morning.
How it's traditionally done
- Warm the oil gently. Stand the bowl in hot water rather than heating it directly. Some families add a pepper corn or a betel leaf while warming.
- Test the temperature on your wrist, especially for children and elders.
- Apply it to the scalp and body and massage it in for a few minutes.
- Wait a short while, then bathe in warm water. Many homes use shikakai or gram flour to wash the oil out.
If anyone in the family has sensitive skin, do a small patch test a day before.
How much to buy
A family of four usually uses about 100–150 ml for one oil bath. Many households buy a 1 L bottle of cold pressed sesame oil before Deepavali and use the rest for cooking through the season.
Lamps for the festival
For the diyas, use a dedicated lamp oil such as Chennamma Ajji Deepam Oil, and keep your cooking oil for the kitchen.
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