Tsagan Sar originates from the Buddhist canon. The Buddhist astrological tradition that was combined from traditions of India, Persia, China. This is the system that Tibetan Buddhism has been using. It later came to Mongolia. Mongolia came up with its own astrological calculation. Tsagan Sar for Buddhists of Nalanda tradition (or Tibetan tradition) is very similar. It is the first day of the first month according to the lunar calendar. It is considered as New Year. It means White month. In Buryat it is called Sagalgan, in Kalmykia as it is in Mongolia – Tsagan Sar, in Tuva – Shaga. The way of celebrating differentiates from culture to culture. In the Kalmyk tradition Zul is celebrated as new year. The day of Tsongkapa Gegyan’s birth, his enlightenment and passing to nirvana. Tsagan Sar is celebrated in more of a spiritual atmosphere. The reason for this is that, the Kalmyks lived as nomads and when Zul happens in winter, that is the time when all families gathered at home. It is an opportunity to celebrate Zul as New Year. During Tsagan Sar Kalmyks do not have a new year festive celebration, but they spend this day in prayers. In Gelug tradition Lama Tsongkapa begins great Monlam festival, a prayer festival. Monlam begins from 1 day to 15th day of the first month according to the lunar calendar. Spring has arrived, and many of the nomads will be going away from their families for many months. So they dedicate this time in prayers, in spiritual activities for a good year ahead, good pasture, etc. That is how Tsagan Sar is celebrated in Kalmykia. In Mongolia and Buryatia the celebration is a more festive, new year atmosphere. On this day it is auspicious to wear some new clothing and sit together as a family. The youngest child in the family would serve tea to the elders. In Tibet they serve sweets and rice. In Kalmykia they would serve tea and bortsg. People would say prayers, visit holy places, monastic institutions.