The city got a flavour of Maslenitsa, the Russian festival, over the past week at the Russian Cultural Centre.
The festivities concluded on Monday by burning the Maslenitsa mascot to see off the winter and welcome the spring.
Also known as ‘pancake week’, the traditional Russian festivity is famous for its blini (pancakes) with many fillings and toppings, from sour cream to caviar to salmon. Organised in association with the Association of Russian compatriots in Kerala, the aim of the festival was to promote Russian culture in India and to provide an opportunity to Russians living in these parts to connect with their traditions and customs.
Musical evening
The musical evening was opened by Russian pop singer, pianist and public figure Olga Varvus. The group ‘Russkiy Lad’ performed Russian folk songs and spoke about the traditions of the festival. A ‘Pancake quiz’ was also organised as part of the festivities.
An exhibition of art and craft from Russia was also organised. Russian national Natalia Kaushal, who lives in Kochi, presented a collection of Russian handicrafts. Natalia Milyaeva’s exhibition of Russian souvenirs with hand embroidery on textile was another attraction. Alyona Earath from Thrissur presented different versions of painted Easter eggs and dolls.
The final day of the festival was marked by performances by pianist and singer Ksenia Vasilevskaya and members of the Barynya dance group from St. Petersburg. The artistes danced around the Maslenistsa effigy accompanied by Ksenia’s Russian folk songs on Maslenitsa. In the evening the Maslenitsa effigy was burned.