News Report
UDUPI, INDIA, November 29, 2005: Udupi Pejawar Mutt Seer Vishvesha Thirtha Swami today called for a consensus in evolving a uniform and single almanac for observing “ekadasi” and other Hindu festivals. Presiding over a two-day state-level seminar on the “Drigganitha” almanac, based on the movement of the sun, moon and eclipses, he pointed out that the people were “totally confused over the different dates and time given in Aryabhatta-based almanac for observation of Hindu festivals.” He said the “Chaturmasa Varaha Puranam” was found to be more authentic for astronomical calculations. However, there were arguments among Madhwa followers themselves over the “Drigannitha system” based on modern astronomical calculations which some felt “were contrary to calculations in Aryabhatta almanac.” He stressed the need for a detailed debate over the issue and evolving of a consensus on a “new, uniform almanac for observing Hindu festivals.”