Mangalore: The Lunar Calendar New year ‘Nandana Samvatsara’ comes into force today on Ugadi Padya, March 23, a day of celebrations, new clothes, temple visits, Panchanga book-reading, and taking Bevu-Bella (neem and jaggery) as part of an year’s life in future.

The Chandramana Yugadi comes first in South India,and Sauramana(solar)comes several a days later, according to astrological calculations. This is Chaitra month (masa in Vasantha Ritu (season of spring). The world creator Brahma started his work on Yugadi, scriptures say. Renowned mathematician Bhaskaracharya proclaimed yugadi as the first day of a new Samvatsara. Whole nature puts on a new face today with new leaves, shoots, flowers, nuts and fruits all in a breeze or a wave of blooming happiness.

Jasmine garlands are offered to deities at home and temples. People listen to TV programmes given by Pundits in astrology for annual outcomes spring cleaning is done at home. Flowers and garlands are brought from local markets for decoration, or worship of deities. A dish of new mango pieces (Pachadi)is a must in publive offerings. We convey Ugadi greetings to all our happy readers.