Kalankik Chand: Avoid looking at the Moon on Tuesday 26th August, 2025.

Kalankik Chand: Avoid looking at the Moon on Tuesday 26^th August, 2025.

Jai Shri Ram! Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Dear friends,

With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner in Trinidad and Tobago, let’s talk about a fascinating tradition that always sparks curiosity: Kalankik Chand, the "blemished moon."

You’ve probably heard the warnings about not looking at the moon on that special night. So, let’s dive in together—what is it, why does it happen, and what should we watch out for? I’m drawing from our sacred Hindu scriptures to connect us to this observance on a deeper level.

What is Kalankik Chand?

Kalankik Chand means the "blemished moon"—the moon on the evening of Ganesh Chaturthi, considered inauspicious to gaze upon due to a curse from Lord Ganesh himself. The Brahmavaivarta Puran (Ganapati Khanda), an ancient Hindu text, tells the story: After a grand feast, Ganesh Ji, full of laddoos, was riding his mushak (mouse) when he tumbled. The moon god, Chandra, laughed at Ganesh Ji’s fall, mocking his appearance. Hurt and angry, Bhagwan Ganesh cursed Chandra, declaring that anyone who looks at the moon on the Chaturthi Tithi (the fourth day of the waxing moon in Bhadrapada) could face Mithya Dosha—false accusations or misfortune. It’s a beautiful reminder of humility and respect, don’t you think?

When Does It Happen in Trinidad and Tobago?

Mark your calendars: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, is when Kalankik Chand takes effect in Trinidad and Tobago. That’s the evening the curse is active. Why this date? It’s calculated using the Hindu lunar calendar (Panchaang). Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi Tithi in Bhadrapada. This Tithi starts at 4:25 AM on August 26 and ends at 6:15 AM on August 27. The key moment is when this Tithi overlaps with the night-time, as that’s when the moon is visible, triggering the prohibition.

What Happens If You Look at the Moon?

Accidentally catch a glimpse? Tradition warns of Mithya Dosha—think baseless rumors, false accusations, misunderstandings, or even legal troubles. The Bhagavat Puran (Canto 10, Chapters 56–57) shares a perfect example: Lord Krishna saw the moon on Chaturthi and was falsely accused of stealing the Syamantaka jewel. It took a lot of effort, patience and sacrifice to clear his name! While some see it as symbolic, many in our Hindu community honor this to stay in Ganapati Baba’s good graces.

Why It Matters to Us?

Here in Trinidad and Tobago, Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of joy - pujas at mandirs across the country, laddoos and modaks shared with family, and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya!” But Kalankik Chand reminds us to stay mindful amid the celebration. It’s a piece of our Indo-Caribbean heritage, blending ancient wisdom with our island spirit.

Conclusion.

I hope this sheds light on Kalankik Chand and why it’s special to our sacred traditions.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on Wednesday 27^th August, where I’ll share remedial measures, like mantras from the scriptural stories, for anyone who might’ve peeked at the moon.

Ganpati Bappa Morya! Mangal Murti Morya!

#GaneshChaturthi #KalankikChand #HinduTraditions #Trinidad&Tobago