Naraka Chaturdashi 2028 in Chicago falls on Monday, October 16, 2028. Celebrated from morning is 7:04 AM CDT.
Krishna, with Satyabhama, slew the demon Narakasura and freed sixteen thousand captive princesses — evil destroyed on the eve of the festival of light. A pre-dawn abhyanga snan (oil bath) today is held equal to bathing in the Ganga, washing away the year’s sins.
Choti Diwali: the first lamps and the first crackers. In Goa, effigies of Narakasura are burned at dawn; in the South, Deepavali’s main oil-bath celebration is this very morning; homes prepare for the great night to follow.
Take the oil bath before sunrise while moonlight lingers — sesame oil and ubtan are traditional. A lamp for Yama (Yama Deepam) is also lit this evening in many homes.