Ganesh Chaturthi Story

Once, the God of wealth, Kubera, became overly proud of his immense riches. He decided to show off his wealth and invited all the gods for a grand feast at his palace. When Kubera extended the invitation to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva understood Kubera’s intent to flaunt his wealth rather than hosting the feast with true humility. To teach Kubera a lesson, Lord Shiva sent his son, Lord Ganesha, in his place. Upon arriving at the palace, Kubera boasted extensively about his wealth to Lord Ganesha before serving the feast. Lord Ganesha was offered a variety of dishes, which he quickly finished. Unsatisfied, he asked for more food and ate everything in the palace’s kitchen, yet his hunger remained. Kubera, despite being the wealthiest god, couldn’t satisfy Lord Ganesha’s hunger and felt ashamed. Realizing his arrogance, Kubera understood the divine lesson and apologized to Lord Ganesha, who then left the palace. While riding on his mouse vehicle, Lord Ganesha encountered a snake on the way, causing the mouse to panic and throw him off balance. Ganesha fell to the ground, getting his clothes dirty. As he stood up and looked around, he heard laughter but saw no one. Soon, he noticed the Moon (Chandra Dev) in the sky laughing at him. Angered by the Moon’s mockery, Ganesha cursed him, saying, “You mocked me in my helpless state instead of offering help. From now on, you shall lose your glory and will no longer be visible in the sky.” The curse caused darkness everywhere, and the Moon lost its radiance. Realizing his mistake, Chandra Dev repeatedly pleaded with Ganesha to forgive him. Moved by his repentance, Ganesha decided to reduce the curse's severity. He decreed that the Moon would remain invisible on Amavasya (new moon) day but would gradually gain its phases until Full Moon (Purnima) before waning again. Additionally, Ganesha stated that anyone who sees the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi would incur sin. This explains why Moon sighting on Ganesh Chaturthi is considered inauspicious according to traditions.