why we shouldn't look at the moon on ganesh chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated with immense joy and devotion. Devotees honor Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity known as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of good fortune.

After a grand feast hosted by the god Kubera, Ganesha was returning home lateat night. Overindulging in his favorite jaggery modakas, Ganesha rode on his faithful mouse back home. It was a full moon night and Ganesha and his mouse were making their way home when suddenly a snake crossed their path. Frightened by it, the mouse ran as fast as possible, dropping Ganesha on the ground in the process.

Ganesha fell to the ground and his stomach broke open, and all the modakas he had eaten rolled onto the ground. Ganesha hastily stuffed all the modakas back, grabbed the serpent, and tied it around his stomach to keep the modakas in. He was looking around when he heard a laugh. The moon, having seen him fall, was laughing at him and lost his temper quickly. Quick as a flash, Ganesha broke off one of his tusks and flung it at the moon.

Ganesha got angry and cursed the moon saying that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of the Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely accused and suffer a bad name even when innocent. Hence, looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi has evolved into a traditional practice.