New Delhi: The annual Spring Russian-Indian Festival of Culture commenced on May 1 at the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar, Himachal Pradesh, bringing together artists, educators, and cultural representatives from both nations in a celebration of shared heritage and dialogue.
A long-standing feature on the cultural calendar, the festival showcased a range of artistic and educational initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Russia and India. The programme included multiple art exhibitions, notably “Under the Banner of Peace”, which featured works by young Russian and Indian artists recognised at the international “Roerich State” festival.
Other curated displays, including “Unity in Harmony” and “Divine Nature”, explored the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world through diverse visual expressions, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi said in a post on FB.
The event began with a traditional puja held near the Roerich family’s memorial house-museum, followed by the hoisting of the national flags of Russia and India alongside the Banner of Peace. Floral tributes were also paid at the monuments dedicated to Nicholas Roerich and Helena Roerich.
Representing the Embassy of Russia in India, Counsellor Yulia Aryaeva addressed the gathering. The event was attended by members of the International Centre of the Roerichs, the BRICS Culture Ambassadors Alliance, as well as students and teachers from the Alexander Kadakin School at the embassy and School No. 653 in St Petersburg, known for its advanced Hindi studies named after Rabindranath Tagore.
The cultural programme continued at the Green Theatre, where performances by young participants from Russia were staged alongside students of the Helena Roerich Academy in Naggar. The musical repertoire blended elements from both Russian and Indian traditions, reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange central to the festival.
As part of the celebrations, winners of the children’s art competition “Russia-India: From Heart to Heart” were awarded creative kits presented by the Russian Embassy in India.
