One of the things many of us dread on Deepavali morning is waking up early for the traditional oil bath. After spending the previous night bursting firecrackers, enjoying festive food and staying up late with family, getting out of bed early is already a challenge. And knowing that an oil bath awaits makes it even harder!
It’s not necessarily the oil that bothers us, but the long shower that follows. Washing away all that oil, especially when it gets stuck in our hair, can feel like an endless task.

But have you ever stopped to wonder why we follow this tradition every Deepavali morning? Our grandparents and parents have always reminded us to begin the auspicious day with an oil bath. Yet, there is another traditional ingredient they often insist we use during bath time that many of us tend to overlook – Seeyakai powder.
So, what makes this humble herbal powder so special?
The Underrated Hero Behind Your Oil Bath
Oil bathing is a long-standing tradition practised in many Indian households on Deepavali morning. Beyond its cultural and spiritual significance, the practice is also associated with physical well-being and personal care. (Click here to read more)
While the oil bath usually gets all the attention, Seeyakai is the underrated companion that deserves just as much recognition.

Seeyakai, also known as Shikakai, is a traditional herbal ingredient commonly used in Indian hair care. It has been used for generations as a natural cleansing alternative, particularly for washing and caring for hair. Unlike ordinary shampoos, which may not always suit everyone’s hair-care needs, Seeyakai is traditionally valued for its gentle cleansing properties.
Struggling to Wash Away the Oil? Seeyakai Can Help!
One of the biggest struggles after an oil bath is getting rid of the excess oil. Sometimes, even after shampooing, our hair can still feel greasy, leaving us reaching for another round of shampoo.
This is where Seeyakai comes in. Traditionally used as a natural hair cleanser, it helps remove dirt and excess oil while leaving the hair feeling clean and soft. Its natural cleansing properties make it a popular choice for those who prefer traditional herbal hair-care methods.

A Little Herbal Care for Your Hair
Beyond helping to cleanse the hair, Seeyakai is also traditionally valued for its hair-care benefits. It is commonly used to help maintain scalp cleanliness and leave hair feeling smooth.
For generations, Indian households have relied on herbal ingredients such as Seeyakai as part of their hair-care routines. It is a reminder that some of the simplest ingredients used by our ancestors continue to have a place in our everyday self-care practices.
This Deepavali, Don’t Skip the Seeyakai!
So, the next time your grandparents or parents remind you to use Seeyakai during your Deepavali oil bath, perhaps think twice before saying no!
What may seem like another traditional ingredient they insist on using could actually be a useful addition to your hair-care routine. Sometimes, the best beauty secrets are not found on expensive shelves but have been sitting in our kitchens and passed down through generations.


