Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Why Moon Sighting Is Prohibited On Vinayaka Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals in Indian that is celebrated with a lot of devotion, enthusiasm and austerity. The day that marks Lord Ganesha's birth is referred to as Ganesh Chaturthi. It is an auspicious day that calls for celebrations and devotees beam with joy after welcoming Lord Ganesha to their homes in the form of clay idols.

The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival kicks off from September 9 and will culminate with Ganesh idol Visarjan (immersion) on Thursday, September 28.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Why Moon Sighting Is Prohibited On Vinayaka Chaturthi? | BCCL

In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is revered as a representation of knowledge, wisdom, good fortune, and prosperity. People offer their devotion to Lord Ganesha before embarking on significant endeavors or events to seek blessings for a successful and fruitful outcome.

Time to avoid Moonsighting

People must avoid Moon sighting a day before Ganesha Chaturthi. Thus, to avoid the Moon sighting, from 09:45 AM to 08:44 PM.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Why Moon Sighting Is Prohibited On Vinayaka Chaturthi? | Unsplash

Why We Should Not See Moon On Ganesh Chaturthi?

Regarding Ganesh Chaturthi, elders often advise against gazing at the moon on this specific day. Have you ever wondered why? If you're curious about the explanation, here's why we should not see the moon on Vinayaka Chavithi.

The tradition of avoiding moon sightings on Ganesh Chaturthi finds its origins in a captivating Hindu mythological tale. According to this legend, Lord Ganesha, the deity with an elephant head, received an invitation from Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, for a lavish feast.

King Kubera is the lord of wealth. He was very proud of his wealth and looked down on Lord Shiva for residing in the mountains like a sage. Once, Kuber invited Shiva to his capital but Shiva denied and sent Ganesha instead. Ganesha not only ate all the food that was prepared for the feast but also ate everything available in Kubera's city.

Later that evening, as Ganesha gracefully traversed the celestial realm upon his trusty mouse mount, he encountered Chandra, the moon. Known for its playful and mocking disposition, the moon couldn't resist a hearty chuckle at Ganesha's peculiar appearance, with a serpent encircling his belly.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Why Moon Sighting Is Prohibited On Vinayaka Chaturthi? | BCCL

Ganesha, not one to tolerate mockery and possessing a quick temper, took offense at the moon's laughter. In a fit of anger, he resolved to impart a lasting lesson. He pronounced a curse that stipulated anyone who gazed upon the moon during Ganesh Chaturthi would endure unfounded accusations and ridicule for an entire year.

The moon, filled with dread at the severity of Ganesha's curse, sought redemption through a sincere apology. In response to this plea, Ganesha, renowned for his compassionate nature, eventually relented, reducing the curse's duration to a single day¡ªGanesh Chaturthi itself.

Consequently, the custom of refraining from moon-watching on Ganesh Chaturthi persists to evade the potential consequences of the curse. Beyond its enchanting narrative, this story underscores the significance of humility and respect within Hindu culture.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Start And End Date

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Puja Vidhi

- Devotees must wake up early, take a bath and wear nice clean clothes.

- Take a chowki, cover it with red or yellow cloth and place the idol.

- Sprinkle Ganga Jal, Light a diya, Put haldi - kumkum tilak on forehead, offer Laddo or Modak, yellow flower vermillion, Meetha Paan, Paan supari laung, 5 types of dry fruits, 5 types of fruits and cover the head with a beautiful dupatta.

- Decorate the place where the idol is placed with different decorative materials.

- Start Pooja with the "Om Gan Ganpataye Namah" Mantra.

- Recite Bindayak Katha, Ganesh Stotram and chant Ganesh Aarti.

- People must do bhajan kirtan during these days.

- These days are considered to be most auspicious and sacred so those who are not able to bring Lord Ganesha at home, can offer prayers by visiting temples and offering laddoos and Durva to the Lord Ganpati.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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