Kalank Chaturthi 2026: Today, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated across the country with devotion and enthusiasm, marking the beginning of the 12-day Ganeshotsav. On this day, idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and *pandals* (marquees), and worship is performed according to prescribed rituals. There is a specific religious belief associated with Ganesh Chaturthi: it is advised to avoid sighting the moon on this day. Religious scriptures and traditions deem the sighting of the moon on the *Chaturthi* (fourth day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase) of the Bhadrapada month to be forbidden. For this reason, Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as 'Kalank Chaturthi' (the Chaturthi of Stigma) in many places. Let us understand the religious significance of Kalank Chaturthi and what should be done if one happens to see the moon...

Why is sighting the moon considered inauspicious?
According to mythology, Lord Ganesha was once traveling on his *vahana* (mount), the mouse (*Mooshak*). On the way, the mouse stumbled and fell, causing Lord Ganesha to fall as well. Seeing this, Chandra Dev (the Moon God) laughed. The Moon was very proud of his appearance and beauty. Lord Ganesha did not appreciate this behavior. He cursed the Moon, declaring that anyone who sighted the moon on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi would face a false accusation or stigma. Later, Chandra Dev apologized to Lord Ganesha. Ganesha did not revoke the curse entirely but limited its impact. Since then, the tradition of avoiding moon-sighting on Ganesh Chaturthi has persisted.

Why is it called Kalank Chaturthi?
Religious belief holds that a person who sights the moon on this day may face a false accusation or stigma, even without having committed any wrongdoing. That is why this *Chaturthi* is also known as Kalank Chaturthi. On Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees should focus on worshipping Lord Ganesha, performing *Aarti*, and chanting mantras. According to religious belief, worshipping Ganesha—the *Vighnaharta* (Remover of Obstacles)—alleviates life's crises and brings blessings of happiness and prosperity.

What should be done if the moon is sighted by mistake? According to belief, if one happens to catch a glimpse of the moon inadvertently, there is no need to panic; one simply needs to place faith in Lord Ganesha. It is customary to worship Lord Ganesha, seek forgiveness, and chant Ganesha mantras after seeing the moon. Many religious traditions also mention listening to or reading the legend of the Syamantak Mani. The story of the Syamantak Mani, associated with Lord Krishna, is linked to the theme of being absolved of false accusations.

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