ॐ
Nepal JyotishTraditional Science
Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi (Chatha)

The story of Chatha (Ganesh Chaturthi), the birth festival of Vinayaka, and how the mouse became his vehicle.

FacebookX (Twitter)WhatsApp

Ganesh Chaturthi (Chatha)

One day, Lord Ganesha, his belly full from eating laddus, was riding his vehicle, the mouse, when the mouse slipped and Ganeshji fell to the ground, breaking one of his teeth.

The moon, watching this scene from the sky, saw Ganeshji's belly and his broken tooth and burst out laughing.

Enraged by the moon's arrogance and mockery, Ganeshji flung his broken tooth at the moon and cursed it: "On the day of the Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi), whoever looks upon your face will suffer the false stain of theft in society."

Later, after the moon begged forgiveness, Ganeshji lessened the curse and forbade the sighting of the moon only on the night of Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi. That is why, in the Newar community, this day is called 'Chatha', and Ganeshji is specially worshipped without looking at the moon.

Note: These are traditional Nepali folk tales (kimbadanti), passed down orally through generations. They may or may not reflect actual historical events, but they are told and believed as part of Nepal's cultural heritage.

Related stories

More from Festivals and the threads this story shares.

Ghantakarna (Gathamuga)The story of how the atheistic aghori Ghantakarna became a demon and was killed, and the Gathamuga festival came to be celebrated.Nepal SambatThe story of how the astrologer Siddhivanta found an auspicious moment and Nepal Sambat was begun.Bala Chaturdashi (Balachahre)The story of Bala Chaturdashi, how the guthiyar Balananda ate a gidhi and became the man-eating demon Balasur.Dhanya Purnima (Yomari Punhi)The story of Yomari Punhi, how grain and wealth increased after the wife of the rich Suchandra fed Kubera.ShivaratriThe story of Shivaratri, how a hunter offered bel leaves through the night, won Shiva's grace, and attained liberation.Bisket JatraThe story of Bisket Jatra, in which the people of Bhaktapur, freed from the practice of keeping night watch, raise the lingo.