The festival of Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Navrah and Cheti Chand, are being celebrated in different parts of the country today. President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted the people on the occasions. The festival heralds the beginning of New Year. The Hindu Lunar calendar also begins from today. Karnataka, the festival Ugadi marks the onset of spring. Our correspondent reports that Spring is considered the first season of the year. AIR Correspondent reports that The vibrancy of life, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being. This emergence of new life heralds a new beginning and is celebrated as New Year Day in Karnataka. It is common sight to see mango leaf festoon hanging over the threshold and neem leaves tucked on either sides in each and every house. The religious almanac is kept before the God’s photograph and offered puja, thereafter the forecast for the year according to Zodiac signs is read out by the family elders. After which a mix of neem flowers and jaggery is handed over to the members. This symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of sadness and happiness, which should be accepted with equanimity. A significant feature of the festival in Karnataka is that Music festivals are organized in the evening by various cultural groups all over the state. Sudhindra for AIR News from Bangalore.<br/><br/>In Maharashtra, Gudi Padva marks the beginning of the New Year and the advent of spring. The Sindhi community celebrates the festival 'Cheti Chand' in honour of the birth of Ishtadeva Udserolal, popularly known as Jhulelal, the Patron Saint of the Sindhis. On this day people worship water the elixir of life. In Kashmir valley, people celebrate the festival as 'Navrah' marking the begining of new year. Navrata Puja also begins today. In Jammu people have gathered at Vaishnav Devi at Katra to perform Navratra Puja.