When you think of Ganesh Chaturthi, you probably picture colourful idols of Lord Ganesha, sweets, and prayers. But in Mithila—a cultural region that covers parts of Bihar in India and Nepal—Ganesh Chaturthi has a very different flavour. Here, people celebrate Chaurchan, a festival dedicated not only to Ganesha but also to the moon (Chandra).
This may sound unusual because, according to most Hindu traditions, people avoid looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Why? Because of a curse by Lord Ganesha. But Mithila has its own story, its own belief, and its own pride.
Let’s explore this fascinating tradition.
What is Chaurchan?
Chaurchan, also called Charchanna Pabni, Chauthichanda (चौठीचंदा) or Chaurchan Puja, is a special festival of Mithila. Married women mainly observe it for the welfare of their families. The festival involves worshipping both Lord Ganesha and the Moon God.
- Celebrated on Ganesh Chaturthi evening
- Includes moonrise prayers, family gatherings, and community songs
- Highlights Mithila’s distinct identity within Indian culture
The Story Behind Chaurchan
The Royal Connection
Chaurchan became popular during the 16th century under King Hemangad Thakur. While imprisoned by the Mughal emperor, he wrote a book on astronomy called Grahan Mala. His scholarship impressed Emperor Akbar, who released Mithila from taxes.
On hearing this, Queen Hemalata declared:
“Today, the moon of Mithila has become free from stigma; we will see and worship it.”
This moment gave birth to Chaurchan as a proud celebration of Mithila’s freedom and culture.
Why Do People Worship the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?
In most of India, people avoid the moon on this day. The reason comes from a legend:
- The Moon God once mocked Lord Ganesha.
- Ganesha cursed him: anyone who sees the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi will face false accusations (Mithya Dosha).
But Mithila believes differently. Here, people say moon worship actually removes negativity and brings blessings. It’s a powerful example of how traditions can vary, even within the same religion.
Rituals of Chaurchan
The celebration follows a simple yet beautiful sequence:
Morning Preparations
- Courtyards are cleaned with cow dung (a traditional disinfectant).
- Decorative rice patterns (gangoli) are drawn.
- Special prasad like kheer, puri, thekua, and maalpua is prepared.
Evening Puja
- Families gather in the courtyard.
- As the moon rises, people chant mantras such as:
“दधि-शंख-तुषाराभं, क्षीरोदार्णव-संभवम्।
नमामि शशिनं भक्त्या, शंभोर्मुकुट भूषणम्।।” - Offerings (arghya) of water, sweets, and curd are made to the moon.
Community Joy
- People sing folk songs and recite stories.
- Sharing prasad strengthens family and community bonds.
Chaurchan Puja Mantra
A special mantra is also recited at moonrise to protect from the curse of false blame (Mithya Dosha):
“सिंहः प्रसेनवमवधीत सिंहो जाम्बवताहतः ।
सुकुमारक मारो दीपस्तेह्राषव स्यमन्तकः ।”
Simple meaning:
- A lion killed Prasena.
- Jambavan killed that lion.
- Dear child, don’t cry. This is your Syamantaka jewel.
This verse is recited while offering arghya to the moon. It reminds devotees that faith and prayer can remove stigma and negativity.
Cultural and Historical Importance
- Identity Marker: Chaurchan reflects Mithila’s distinct spiritual path, different from mainstream customs.
- Literary Heritage: It is mentioned in local texts and folk songs.
- Art Connection: Festivals often feature Mithila paintings and competitions, especially in villages like Jitwarpur.
- Unity in Celebration: Men, women, and children all participate, making it a social as well as spiritual event.
Fun Facts About Chaurchan
- Special Foods: Prasad includes sweets like thekua, maalpua, and earthen curd (athara).
- Moon Idols: Clay moon idols are sometimes sold at local fairs.
- Positive Twist: While most fear the moon on this day, Mithila welcomes it as a source of blessings.
Educational Value
For students and exam preparation, here are the key points to remember:
- Region: Mithila (Bihar and Nepal)
- Occasion: Ganesh Chaturthi evening
- Unique Belief: Worship of the moon despite the Mithya Dosha curse
- Historical Link: Origin traced to King Hemangad Thakur and Queen Hemalata
- Cultural Significance: Represents Mithila’s independence, identity, and heritage
Key Takeaways
- Chaurchan is Mithila’s unique festival where the moon is celebrated, not avoided.
- It originated in the 16th century during the reign of King Hemangad Thakur.
- Rituals include courtyard decoration, moonrise puja, and sharing of prasad.
- The festival is both spiritual and social, keeping Mithila’s culture alive.
- For students, it’s an important example of India’s cultural diversity.
Want to Explore More?
If Chaurchan interests you, you might also enjoy learning about:
- Chhath Puja – another major festival from Bihar centred on the Sun God
- Mithila Painting – a world-famous folk art form closely tied to local traditions
- Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra – a contrast to see how the same festival varies across regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Chaurchan and where is it celebrated?
Chaurchan is a festival from the Mithila region (in Bihar, India, and parts of Nepal) where people worship both Lord Ganesha and the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Q2. Why do people in Mithila worship the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?
Unlike most Hindus who avoid seeing the moon due to Ganesha’s curse, Mithila people believe that worshipping the moon brings blessings and removes negativity.
Q3. Who started the tradition of Chaurchan?
It became popular in the 16th century during the reign of King Hemangad Thakur and his queen Hemalata, who declared the moon free of stigma after Mithila was released from taxes by Emperor Akbar.
Q4. What is the difference between Ganesh Chaturthi in Mithila and elsewhere in India?
- In most regions, People avoid looking at the moon.
- In Mithila, People worship the moon with rituals, offerings, and prayers.
Q5. What are the main rituals of Chaurchan?
- Cleaning and decorating the courtyard with rice designs
- Preparing prasad like kheer, puri, thekua, and maalpua
- Evening prayers at moonrise with mantra chanting
- Offering water and sweets (arghya) to the moon
Q6. Which foods are prepared during Chaurchan?
Special prasad includes kheer, thekua, maalpua, puri, and earthen curd (athara).
Q7. What is the educational importance of Chaurchan?
Chaurchan shows India’s cultural diversity, Mithila’s unique traditions, and its historical link with King Hemangad Thakur. These points are helpful for competitive exams.
Q8. How is Chaurchan connected to literature and art?
It is mentioned in Hemangad Thakur’s Grahan Mala and celebrated through folk songs and Mithila paintings.
Q9. Which special mantra is recited during Chaurchan?
The verse:
“सिंहः प्रसेनवमवधीत सिंहो जाम्बवताहतः ।
सुकुमारक मारो दीपस्तेह्राषव स्यमन्तकः ।”is recited at moonrise to avoid Mithya Dosha and seek blessings.
