World Bathing Day: How showers became a ritual of self-care

India Today

22-06-2025

On World Bathing Day, a quiet wellness revolution is unfolding India Today Information Desk World Bathing Day on June 22 highlights bathing as a wellness ritual, not just hygiene
Choosing gentle, effective ingredients is key for mindful skin care
Seasonal skincare adapts to India's diverse climate conditions
In a world where wellness often gets defined by elaborate routines or luxury treatments, the act of bathingâ€'quiet, personal, and ancientâ€'is quietly finding new meaning. World Bathing Day, observed on June 22, is a global reminder that bathing is more than hygiene; it's a ritual of restoration, mindfulness, and sensory connection.
India Today spoke with actor Sara Ali Khan, brand ambassador for ITC Fiama, to understand how this daily act has become a grounding wellness moment in her routine, and why it deserves more attention in conversations around emotional and physical wellbeing. BATHING AS AN EMOTIONAL RESET
In the rush of modern life, bathing is often reduced to a task. But increasingly, people are treating it as a moment to unwind, reset, and reconnect with themselves.
'It's not just about getting clean,' Sara shares. 'It's about feeling refreshed, relaxed, and a little more like yourself again.'
From the fragrance of a soap to the warmth of the water, each element becomes part of a sensory ritualâ€'one that can lift the mood and offer a brief yet meaningful pause in a busy day. SEASONAL SKINCARE: RITUALS THAT RESPOND TO CLIMATE
India's shifting weatherâ€'from sticky summers to dry wintersâ€'calls for a skincare routine that adapts.
'I switch my routine depending on the weather,' says Sara. 'Something light when it's humid, something richer when the skin needs more nourishment.'
This evolving approach is becoming increasingly commonâ€'one that sees skincare not as static, but responsive to what the body and skin are experiencing in real time. KNOWING WHAT TOUCHES YOUR SKIN
As awareness grows around what goes into our skincare, people are gravitating toward ingredients that are both effective and kind to the skin.
'Our skin absorbs so much,' says Sara. 'So, I think it's important to know what's in your products. For me, ingredients like milk and berries feel both nourishing and refreshing. It's like breakfast for the skin.'
This attention to ingredients reflects a broader shift toward mindful self-care, choosing products that support the skin without overwhelming it. WHY HYDRATION STILL RULES SKINCARE
Dryness is often one of the most common skin concerns, especially with long work hours, makeup, and travel in the mix.
'When my skin is well-moisturised, it doesn't just look betterâ€'it feels calmer,' says Sara. 'Hydration makes a big difference in how my skin handles stress.'
Moisture-rich bathing products offer dual benefits: they cleanse and condition in one step, restoring balance while respecting the skin barrier. EFFICIENCY MATTERS IN MODERN SELF-CARE
Time is a luxury for most people, which is why versatile, multi-functional products are gaining popularity.
'I love products that can do more than one thingâ€'cleanse, moisturise, and leave you feeling good,' says Sara. 'It saves time but still feels like self-care.'
This mindset is shifting self-care from a drawn-out ritual into something more accessible and consistentâ€'small daily acts that still have a big impact. THE RITUAL OF BATHING: ACROSS CULTURES AND BACK AGAIN
From ancient hot springs to Indian river rituals, bathing has long held cultural and emotional significance. That reverence is now returning.
'Sometimes, it's the only time in the day when you can breathe, slow down, and just reconnect with yourself,' says Sara. 'Whether it's a nice scent or just the feeling of warm water, it's a little reset.'
In reclaiming bathing as a form of mindfulness and emotional hygiene, people are discovering a simple yet profound way to care for themselves. A REMINDER FOR YOUNGER SKINCARE EXPLORERS
For those still figuring out their relationship with skincare and self-image, Sara offers this:
'Be patient with your skin and yourself. Don't chase perfection. Hydrate, laugh, and listen to what works for you. There's no one way to glowâ€'it's not just on the outside, it's how you feel inside too.'
As World Bathing Day reminds us, the bath is more than routine. It's a ritual that invites you to return to yourself, whether for five minutes or twenty.
In a world that constantly asks for more, maybe the most radical thing you can do is pause. Step into the shower. Feel the water. Breathe. Let bathing be more than a beginning or an end to your dayâ€'let it be your moment of calm in the chaos.
In a world where wellness often gets defined by elaborate routines or luxury treatments, the act of bathingâ€'quiet, personal, and ancientâ€'is quietly finding new meaning. World Bathing Day, observed on June 22, is a global reminder that bathing is more than hygiene; it's a ritual of restoration, mindfulness, and sensory connection.
India Today spoke with actor Sara Ali Khan, brand ambassador for ITC Fiama, to understand how this daily act has become a grounding wellness moment in her routine, and why it deserves more attention in conversations around emotional and physical wellbeing. BATHING AS AN EMOTIONAL RESET
In the rush of modern life, bathing is often reduced to a task. But increasingly, people are treating it as a moment to unwind, reset, and reconnect with themselves.
'It's not just about getting clean,' Sara shares. 'It's about feeling refreshed, relaxed, and a little more like yourself again.'
From the fragrance of a soap to the warmth of the water, each element becomes part of a sensory ritualâ€'one that can lift the mood and offer a brief yet meaningful pause in a busy day. SEASONAL SKINCARE: RITUALS THAT RESPOND TO CLIMATE
India's shifting weatherâ€'from sticky summers to dry wintersâ€'calls for a skincare routine that adapts.
'I switch my routine depending on the weather,' says Sara. 'Something light when it's humid, something richer when the skin needs more nourishment.'
This evolving approach is becoming increasingly commonâ€'one that sees skincare not as static, but responsive to what the body and skin are experiencing in real time. KNOWING WHAT TOUCHES YOUR SKIN
As awareness grows around what goes into our skincare, people are gravitating toward ingredients that are both effective and kind to the skin.
'Our skin absorbs so much,' says Sara. 'So, I think it's important to know what's in your products. For me, ingredients like milk and berries feel both nourishing and refreshing. It's like breakfast for the skin.'
This attention to ingredients reflects a broader shift toward mindful self-care, choosing products that support the skin without overwhelming it. WHY HYDRATION STILL RULES SKINCARE
Dryness is often one of the most common skin concerns, especially with long work hours, makeup, and travel in the mix.
'When my skin is well-moisturised, it doesn't just look betterâ€'it feels calmer,' says Sara. 'Hydration makes a big difference in how my skin handles stress.'
Moisture-rich bathing products offer dual benefits: they cleanse and condition in one step, restoring balance while respecting the skin barrier. EFFICIENCY MATTERS IN MODERN SELF-CARE
Time is a luxury for most people, which is why versatile, multi-functional products are gaining popularity.
'I love products that can do more than one thingâ€'cleanse, moisturise, and leave you feeling good,' says Sara. 'It saves time but still feels like self-care.'
This mindset is shifting self-care from a drawn-out ritual into something more accessible and consistentâ€'small daily acts that still have a big impact. THE RITUAL OF BATHING: ACROSS CULTURES AND BACK AGAIN
From ancient hot springs to Indian river rituals, bathing has long held cultural and emotional significance. That reverence is now returning.
'Sometimes, it's the only time in the day when you can breathe, slow down, and just reconnect with yourself,' says Sara. 'Whether it's a nice scent or just the feeling of warm water, it's a little reset.'
In reclaiming bathing as a form of mindfulness and emotional hygiene, people are discovering a simple yet profound way to care for themselves. A REMINDER FOR YOUNGER SKINCARE EXPLORERS
For those still figuring out their relationship with skincare and self-image, Sara offers this:
'Be patient with your skin and yourself. Don't chase perfection. Hydrate, laugh, and listen to what works for you. There's no one way to glowâ€'it's not just on the outside, it's how you feel inside too.'
As World Bathing Day reminds us, the bath is more than routine. It's a ritual that invites you to return to yourself, whether for five minutes or twenty.
In a world that constantly asks for more, maybe the most radical thing you can do is pause. Step into the shower. Feel the water. Breathe. Let bathing be more than a beginning or an end to your dayâ€'let it be your moment of calm in the chaos. Join our WhatsApp Channel