Why is sighting the moon avoided on Ganesh Chaturthi?

According to legend, the Moon laughed at Ganesha, receiving a curse that anyone who looks at the Moon on this day might face false allegations (Mithya Kalank).

Brass puja thali with diya, flowers and kumkum

Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chavithi) 2026

Complete spiritual guide, Shubh Muhurat, step-by-step Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha, Mantra and Aarti for Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chavithi) (गणेश चतुर्थी (विनायक चतुर्थी)).

FESTIVALBhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi (भाद्रपद शुक्ल चतुर्थी)Deity: Lord Ganesha (Vighnaharta)

Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chavithi)(गणेश चतुर्थी (विनायक चतुर्थी))

The grand 10-day festival honoring the arrival of Vighnaharta Ganesha with Modaks, Vedic chants, and grand processions.

2026: 2026-09-14•2027: 2027-09-04

Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat

11:06 AM to 01:34 PM

Auspicious window for performing sacred rituals.

Puja Timing

Midday (Madhyahna) is preferred

Ideal duration for family & temple worship.

Spiritual Significance

Lord Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the first deity to be worshipped before any auspicious beginning (Pratham Pujya).

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

Murti Sthapana

Bring eco-friendly clay Ganesha idol home with chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya'.

Shodashopachara Puja

Offer 21 Durva blades, red Hibiscus flowers (Gudhal), Sindoor, and 21 Modaks/Laddus.

Atharvashirsha Path

Recite the Ganapati Atharvashirsha with devotion.

Sacred Mantra & Japa

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥ वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ । निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah || Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha | Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Karyeshu Sarvada ||

Meaning: O Lord with the curved trunk and immense form, shining with the brilliance of a million suns, please make all my endeavors free of obstacles forever.

Vrat Katha & Ancient Legend

Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from turmeric paste as her guardian. When Shiva cut his head unaware, He replaced it with an elephant head, bestowing the boon of being worshipped first among all deities.