Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Why you shouldn’t see Moon on this day and puranic legend behind this belief

Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav, is one of India’s most loved festivals. It marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and bringer of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. The celebration is especially grand in Maharashtra but is observed with equal devotion in many other states. Families bring home beautifully crafted Ganesha idols, offer prayers, and perform rituals until the final visarjan (immersion), which may be done after one, three, or ten days depending on tradition.

In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Wednesday, 27 August. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 1:54 PM on 26 August and ends at 3:44 PM on 27 August. According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious time for the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja is between 11:05 AM and 1:40 PM on 27 August. The ten-day festival concludes with Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

One of the most unique traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi is avoiding the sight of the moon, also known as Chandra Darshan. According to legend, the moon once mocked Lord Ganesha, which led to a curse. Ganesha declared that anyone who looked at the moon on this day would suffer Mithya Dosha—a curse of false accusations and dishonour. For 2025, devotees are advised not to look at the moon between 1:54 PM to 8:29 PM on 26 August and 9:28 AM to 8:57 PM on 27 August.

This belief is also tied to a famous story from mythology. Lord Krishna was once wrongly accused of stealing the precious Syamantaka Mani jewel. Sage Narada later 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 Lord Ganesha. Since then, devotees have strictly followed the practice of avoiding moon sighting during the festival.

Despite the restrictions, it is possible to accidentally glimpse the moon. In such cases, tradition suggests reciting a special verse connected to the Syamantaka Mani legend: सिंहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारक मारोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः॥ 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.