# Lord Ganesha and the Moon

- Link: https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/lord-ganesha-and-the-moon/
- Published: 2026-10-30T02:32:47+05:30
- Author: MAHENDRA MANCHIKALAPATI

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Lord Ganesha and the Moon

✦A retelling of a Hindu festival tale

# Lord Ganesha and the Moon

A short traditional tale about mockery, regret, and mercy.

📖 2-minute read🍃 Ages 5–11✨ Noticing a change in behaviour

[Begin reading ](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/lord-ganesha-and-the-moon/#sf-story-text)
[More cultural & mythological tales](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/)

![Ganesha stands beneath a moonlit sky with a small mouse nearby, looking towards
a softly glowing moon.](https://thecuriosi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ganesha-
moon-illustration.png)

**A lesson beneath the moon**Read together · Retell · Imagine

Settle in and read at your pace

A story to read together

## Lord Ganesha and the Moon

Take your time. Let the story unfold.

In one festival telling, Ganesha stumbles in the moon’s realm. Chandra, the moon,
laughs at him, proud of his own appearance.

Chapter one

### Unkind laughter

The moon’s laughter is mocking rather than friendly. Ganesha responds with a curse:
anyone who looks at Chandra will suffer false blame. The beautiful moon has become
a sight people fear.

Chapter two

### The moon withdraws

Chandra hides in a night-blooming lotus. His disappearance troubles the gods and
the world. They seek Brahma’s advice. He tells them that they must appeal to Ganesha
himself.

Chapter three

### An appeal for mercy

Guided in worship, Chandra approaches Ganesha with regret. He admits his insult 
and asks forgiveness. The gods also plead for mercy. The proud laughter has given
way to a humble request.

Chapter four

### The curse is limited

Ganesha softens the curse, limiting it to the festival day in this version. The 
tale connects a traditional observance with the moon’s mistake and repentance. For
readers, its turning point is the movement from ridicule towards respect.

The end

### Story path

[01Unkind laughter](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/lord-ganesha-and-the-moon/#sf-chapter-1)
[02The moon withdraws](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/lord-ganesha-and-the-moon/#sf-chapter-2)
[03An appeal for mercy](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/lord-ganesha-and-the-moon/#sf-chapter-3)
[04The curse is limited](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/lord-ganesha-and-the-moon/#sf-chapter-4)

### Word basket

**mockery**unkind laughter at someone else

**repentance**regret for a wrong action and a wish to change

**mercy**kindness when someone has power to punish

**observance**a custom followed as part of a tradition

**Tradition and retelling**

Adapted from the festival tale recorded by B. A. Gupte, Hindu Holidays and Ceremonials,
p. 67. Versions differ; this one concerns false accusation, not lunar phases. Ritual
details are condensed.

Traditional account: [B. A. Gupte, Hindu Holidays and Ceremonials, “Ganesh”, p. 67 (scan)](https://ignca.gov.in/Asi_data/19776.pdf)

## After the final page

There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.

Remember

What makes the moon’s laughter unkind?

Think

How does Chandra’s behaviour change?

Imagine

How can someone repair an unkind joke?

**Make something:** Fold a paper into “Mocking” and “Kind”. Write an example of 
hurtful words on one side, then rewrite them as caring words on the other.

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