Ganesh and the moon don’t get along
The complex relationship between Lord Ganesha and the moon sheds light on an interesting aspect of Ganesh's personality and his association with the lunar body.
During one of Lord Ganesha's birthday feasts, he indulged in countless laddoos, his favorite sweet treats. However, his overindulgence led to a comical yet unfortunate incident - Ganesh ended up toppling over while attempting to stand up due to his full belly.
In a rather insensitive response, the moon witnessed this amusing sight and couldn't help but laugh at Ganesh's predicament. Unsurprisingly, the wise and mighty deity felt furious and offended by the moon's laughter, leading to a significant turning point in their relationship.
Seething with anger, Lord Ganesha decided to impose a curse on the moon, along with anyone who dared to gaze at it on this specific day. This event marked a moment of discord between Ganesh and the moon, leaving an enduring impact on certain traditions.
As a result of this ancient tale, some Hindu communities still adhere to the belief that looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, the celebration of Ganesh's birthday, can bring bad luck. Hence, they avoid gazing at the moon on this particular day to avoid any perceived ill effects.