Aippasi Ganga Snaanam is auspicious
In south india, Deepawali festival commences with sacred oil bath, early in the morning, known as ganga Snaanam. On this day it is believed that goddess lakshmi resides in the oil, ganga mata in the water and divine medicine in Sheekkakai powder. The Lord had promised that the divine River ganges will flow through all the water ways on that day.
The oil bath is acknowledged by Indian sages and Ayurvedic physicians to be beneficial to health. The oil bath is purification, a symbolic rite, a symbolic cleansing leading to a new beginning. That is why an oil bath on this day is considered equivalent to a bath in the holy ganges River.
It is a significant festival in hinduism, sikhism and jainism. Many legends are associated with diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Light," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists.