Come sunset and dozens of masseurs emerge from the darkness at the numerous roadside eateries on India's National Highway One (NH1) - and we're not talking seamy here, but of villagers coaxing the tiredness away from weary motorists.

For the many motorists driving through the vast Indian hinterland on the busy, accident-prone highway, the massage service is a bonus that comes along with the aromatic, hearty food and the luxury of a string cot to stretch those tired muscles.

The string cot comes for free, the massage does not at the dhabas, or roadside eateries, where villagers try to earn an extra buck by helping stressed out motorists relax. And it only happens at night.

For a mere Rs. 100 (just over $2), it is possible to get a head to toe massage.  A refreshing massage of each body part -- head, face, shoulders, back, arms and legs -- individually costs much less.
 
"I have got a massage several times while travelling at night," said Ambala resident Amar Singh, vouching for the fact that it helps him relax and get set for the next part of the journey.

Villagers from around Sonepat, the first major town in Haryana while coming from the national capital New Delhi, have been doubling up as night masseurs for decades.

"I have been giving massages to people for the last 35 years," said Ram Mehar of Sonepat town who offers his services at the popular Gulshan Dhaba where over half a dozen masseurs are available everyday.

"That goes to show how popular the night massage is in these dhabas," said Ashok Suri from Jalandhar.

Gulshan Dhaba is just one of the many such eateries. He and the other masseurs arrive at the eating joint around 8 p.m. everyday to get business and make hay when the sun is not shining. 

"No massage is done during the day as generally people are in a hurry," he added. 

The masseurs use locally prepared oils. But some die-hard massage fans get their own branded oils to get a massage done.

The masseurs are obliged to the dhaba owner for not only allowing them to carry on with their business, but also serving them with dinner.

Motorists wanting a massage don't have to waste their time. In a well- coordinated exercise, the waiters serve the food, the clients dig in while the masseurs carry on with their job - if it is not a full body massage of course.

And no, they don't have to shift to a separate massage chamber either. It's as simple as stretching out, rolling up your sleeves and extending your hand.

Now doesn't that beat a stuffy spa any day.

--Indo-Asian News Service