New Delhi: Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 witnessed millions of devotees surrendering to Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati. Also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, during this festival people celebrate the birth of Ganpati Bappa. This elephant-headed deity, revered as the remover of obstacles and bringer of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings, was welcomed on August 27 this year. Maharashtra, particularly its cities like Mumbai and Pune, observes it in the grand way but other states too celebrate it with equal fervour.
Devotees and families enthusiastically bring home beautifully crafted Ganesh idols, offer prayers, make modaks and other sweets and perform rituals until the final visarjan or immersion. This ritual may be done after one, three, or ten days depending on tradition. Today, on September 6, while the festival is culminating with emotional farewell of Bappa, let’s know why the moon sighting is restricted during the festival.
Reasons behind moon sighting prohibition
Ganesh Chaturthi’s most unique custom among many others is avoiding the moon sighting or Chandra Darshan. Legend states the moon once mocked Lord Ganesh, when the elephant-headed deity fell from his mouse carrier, after overeating. In the incident, he scattered his favourite modaks. Angered by the behaviour of the moon, Ganesh declared that anyone who looked at the moon on this day would suffer Mithya Dosha — a curse of false accusations and dishonour. This is the reason, devotees are advised not to look at the moon.
Story of Lord Krishna and the curse
Drik Panchang mentions that even Lord Krishna was once wrongly accused of stealing the precious Syamantaka Mani jewel. Later, Sage Narada explained that Krishna had unknowingly seen the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, which invoked the curse. To free himself from the false charges, Krishna observed a Ganesh Chaturthi fast and performed worship to Ganpati. Since then, devotees have strictly followed the practice of avoiding moon sighting during the festival.
If you see the moon by mistake, what to do?
Despite the restrictions, it is possible to accidentally see the moon. In such situation, tradition suggests reciting a special verse connected to the Syamantaka Mani legend:
Simhah Prasenamavadhitsimho Jambavata Hatah।
Sukumaraka Marodistava Hyesha Syamantakah॥
The mantra recalls how Lord Krishna was cleared of the false accusation. Chanting or listening to this verse is believed to nullify Mithya Dosha. This practice reminds devotees of the importance of faith, humility, and the wisdom of Lord Ganesha.
If you accidentally see the moon, you can follow Lord Krishna’s example and observe a fast on Ganesh Chaturthi to be absolved.
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