Have you ever wondered why we should not see the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?

There is a beautiful traditional story behind this belief—a story about Lord Ganesha, Chandra the Moon God, and a lesson about kindness and pride.

The Moon is beautiful. So why is there a special story about not looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?

It is a story about laughter, pride, saying sorry and learning to be kind.

Let’s find out what happened.

The Story of Ganesha and the Moon

One day, Lord Ganesha had enjoyed a wonderful feast.

There were many delicious sweets, including his favourite modaks.

Ganesha ate happily until His tummy was very full.

After the feast, Ganesha started travelling home on Mushak, His little mouse. 🐘🐭

As they were travelling, something unexpected happened.

A snake suddenly crossed their path!

Mushak became frightened and started running.

Ganesha lost His balance.

Thud!

Ganesha fell down.

Some of the sweets from His tummy came tumbling out!

Ganesha calmly picked them up.

He then took the snake and tied it around His tummy like a belt.

Everything was back in place.

But someone had seen the whole thing.

It was Chandra, the Moon God.

And Chandra started laughing.

Why Did the Moon Laugh at Ganesha?

Chandra was very proud of his beauty.

When he saw Ganesha fall, he thought it was funny.

He laughed at Ganesha’s big tummy and the way He had fallen.

But Ganesha did not think it was funny.

He was hurt that Chandra was making fun of Him.

Ganesha looked at the Moon and said,

“It is not kind to laugh at someone because of the way they look or because they made a mistake.”

Ganesha was angry with Chandra.

He then placed a curse on the Moon.

Ganesha Curses the Moon

Ganesha said that Chandra’s beauty and brightness would disappear.

The Moon became very worried.

He realised that he had made a mistake.

Chandra went to Ganesha and said,

“I am sorry. I should not have laughed at you.”

Chandra asked Ganesha to forgive him.

Ganesha was kind-hearted.

He accepted Chandra’s apology.

But the curse had already been given.

So Ganesha decided to make the punishment smaller.

What Happened to the Moon?

Ganesha said that the Moon would not disappear forever.

Instead, the Moon would grow and become smaller.

Have you ever noticed that the Moon looks different on different nights?

Sometimes you can see only a tiny part of it. 🌙

Then it slowly becomes bigger.

And one night, we can see a beautiful full Moon. 🌕

After that, it slowly becomes smaller again.

This is how the story explains the Moon’s changing shape.

Why Should We Not Look at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?

This is the part of the story that is remembered during Ganesh Chaturthi.

According to this traditional story, Ganesha said that seeing the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi could bring false blame or accusations.

That is why, in some Hindu traditions, people avoid looking at the Moon on that night.

Another traditional story tells about Lord Krishna and a precious jewel and is also connected with the belief about false accusations after seeing the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi.

So if your child asks:

“Why shouldn’t we look at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?”

You can tell them the story of Ganesha and Chandra.

What Can Children Learn From This Story?

This beautiful story teaches us much more than just why people avoid looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi.

❤️ Don’t Make Fun of Others

Everyone looks different.

We should never laugh at someone because of their appearance.

🌟 Be Careful With Your Words

Sometimes we may say something as a joke, but it can hurt someone else’s feelings.

Think before you laugh or make fun of someone.

🌱 Don’t Be Too Proud

Chandra was very proud of his beauty.

The story reminds us that being beautiful or talented does not make us better than others.

🙏 Say Sorry When You Make a Mistake

Chandra realised that he had done something wrong.

He said sorry and asked Ganesha for forgiveness.

We should also learn to say “I’m sorry” when we make a mistake.

💛 Learn to Forgive

Ganesha accepted Chandra’s apology.

Forgiving someone can sometimes be difficult, but it can bring peace.

Did You Know?

🌙 Chandra is the traditional name for the Moon God.

🐘 Lord Ganesha is also called Bhalachandra, a name connected with the Moon.

🐭 Mushak, Ganesha’s little mouse, is an important part of this story.

🌺 The story is especially remembered during Ganesh Chaturthi.

📖 The belief about not looking at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is connected with traditional Hindu stories about Ganesha and the Moon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we not see the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?

According to a traditional Hindu story, Ganesha cursed the Moon after Chandra laughed at Him. The story is connected with the belief that seeing the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi can lead to false blame or accusations.

Why did Ganesha curse the Moon?

Ganesha cursed Chandra because the Moon laughed at Him after He fell while travelling home after a feast.

Did Ganesha forgive the Moon?

Yes. Chandra realised his mistake and asked Ganesha for forgiveness. Ganesha forgave him and made the curse less severe.

What is the story of Ganesha and the Moon?

It is a traditional story about Ganesha, Chandra and a lesson about not making fun of others. It also explains the traditional belief about avoiding the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi.

The Lesson From Ganesha and the Moon

The story of Ganesha and Chandra is a simple reminder for all of us:

Don’t laugh at someone when they make a mistake.

Be kind with your words.

Don’t be too proud.

And when you make a mistake, don’t be afraid to say:

“I’m sorry.” ❤️

So, the next time you look up at the Moon, remember the little story of Ganesha and Chandra. 🌙🐘

And if your child asks, “Why should we not see the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?”, you can tell them this beautiful story.

Ganpati Bappa Morya! 🙏💛

Related Ganesha Stories

🐘 Why Does Ganesha Have an Elephant Head? The Story of Ganesha for Kids

🐭 Why Does Ganesha Have a Mouse as His Vehicle? The Story of Ganesha and Mushak

🍬 Why Does Ganesha Love Modak? The Sweet Story Behind His Favourite Offering

🐭 Why Does Lord Ganesha Have One Broken Tusk? The Beautiful Story Behind Ekadanta