Natural beauty and wellness traditions are ingrained in the rich tapestry of India, a legacy passed down from generation to generation. My great-grandmother, much like others of her time, possessed a deep understanding of utilizing herbs, spices, and other local ingredients for various beauty and wellness rituals. Sadly, this wisdom was never documented but rather passed down orally to her children. However, as with many oral traditions, not all of the knowledge was fully preserved.

With my great-grandmother's passing, a treasure trove of knowledge was lost. Turning to my grandmother, I sought to glean as much information as possible from her, hoping to preserve this ancient wisdom before it faded away. I expanded my scope beyond my own family, delving into other families who continue to practice beauty and wellness rituals using natural ingredients to this day. Engaging with individuals ranging from their 50s to their 90s, I meticulously captured these rituals in my forthcoming book.

What struck me most was the progressive nature of previous generations when it came to self-care and wellness, concepts that remain pertinent today.

The theme of genderless beauty and wellness rituals shared through this book is not to keep up with the current inclusiveness in the beauty industry, but rather embrace how it was intended to be practised by the generations before us.

"Why should beauty and self-care be exclusive to women?"

This volume goes beyond mere instruction, delving into the stories and memories of those who have practiced these rituals. While these rituals are rooted in South India, their relevance transcends race, gender, and age, making them universally applicable.

From natural hair dye to permanent tattoos, these beauty and wellness traditions have transcended time and cultural boundaries. Moreover, they were not confined to any particular gender but were embraced by people of all walks of life, a sentiment that modern beauty brands are beginning to acknowledge. "Why should beauty and self-care be exclusive to women?"

This ethos remains as relevant today as it was in the past. These self-care rituals were not perceived as mere luxuries but integral aspects of everyday life. This book endeavours to capture these distinctive and progressive elements through a combination of imagery, reminiscences, anecdotes and rituals.

Nethra Gomatheswaran