Latest news with #Muscovites
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Bharat Utsav lights up Moscow with colours of India
Moscow's iconic Manezhnaya Square turned into a vibrant celebration of Indian culture as the Festival of India – Bharat Utsav continued to captivate audiences with its rich blend of dance, music, art, and spirituality. Held from July 5 to 13, the festival is jointly organised by the Indian Embassy in Russia and the Moscow government as part of the larger 'Summer in Moscow' initiative. The day began with a soulful start as devotional and patriotic songs resonated across the square, paying homage to India's spiritual and national heritage. The Indian Embassy in Russia shared glimpses on X (formerly Twitter), writing, 'A soulful start to the day with devotional and patriotic melodies in praise of Bharat. Spiritual hymns, Russian tributes and Hindi patriotic songs echoed a message of peace and pride. VikaasBhi, ViraasatBhi!' A major highlight of the festival has been its energetic dance performances. Paying tribute to Indian cinema, Bollywood-themed shows by dance troupes electrified the atmosphere with rhythm and colour. Cultural groups also showcased classical forms such as Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, and Singri, alongside regional songs in Tamil and Maithili. The JivanNritya Group's mesmerizing performance on the 'Family of Gods: Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha' was particularly well-received. Manezhnaya Square has been transformed into an Indian cultural haven, complete with lush greenery, traditional décor, and relaxation zones designed to immerse visitors in Indian aesthetics. The grounds also host a bustling cultural fair, displaying local and Indian handicrafts such as ceramics, paintings, wooden carvings, and ethnic attire. Interactive elements like the 'Discover India' quiz offer attendees a chance to engage with Indian history and culture, while workshops and masterclasses provide hands-on experiences in Indian arts and traditions. Adding to the spiritual aspect of the event, a Raja Yoga meditation session introduced participants to the ancient Indian practice of mind control and self-realisation, promoting inner peace and mental wellness. Speaking about the growing fascination with Indian traditions in Russia, BulatNurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, said, 'Interest in Indian culture among both Muscovites and city visitors remains exceptionally strong. This was evident during International Yoga Day at VDNKh which drew 7,000 participants. With Bharat Utsav, we present another large-scale cultural initiative that strengthens Indo-Russian ties.' He further noted that Indian participants had specially travelled to Moscow to share their culture, cuisine, and traditions, making the festival a global platform for cultural exchange. As part of the 'Summer in Moscow' project, Bharat Utsav joins over 1,000 festivals and events aimed at showcasing global cultures to Muscovites. With its vibrant fusion of heritage, performance, and participatory experiences, the Festival of India has not only brought a slice of India to Russia but also deepened the cultural bond between the two nations.
eNCA
5 days ago
- Climate
- eNCA
Moscow sizzles in record-breaking heatwave
Moscow sweltered on Friday in a heatwave with temperatures topping 35 degrees Celsius, according to the Russian weather service, breaching a municipal record registered nearly 30 years ago. The previous record temperature of 33.4C in the Russian capital, a city with a continental climate, was set in 1996. But it was broken Thursday with a temperature of 33.9C, the Russian Meteorological Centre reported on its website Friday. It added that a new record high was likely to be registered during the day, with weather services predicting temperatures of up to 36C. The heatwave was forecast to "persist" until early next week across central Russia and southern Europe, with temperatures "three to eight degrees above average climate norms", said the Russian Meteorological Centre. The unprecedented heatwave saw Muscovites flocking to their suburban country houses, as well as to the capital's parks and fountains. "It's hard, I'm taking medication," Valentina Aleksandrovna, 86, told AFP on a Moscow street. The heat stress poses a particular challenge for workers on construction sites, as well as for the elderly. The temperatures were "overwhelming," Aleksandrovna said, adding: "I don't remember ever experiencing such heat." Some were swimming in the city's ponds and canals, despite the swimming bans warning of pollution in place. "The water is dirty, look. We're here because it's easier to breathe near the water at 33 degrees," said Igor, 55, after taking a dip in Tushino, northwest of the capital. "I've swum once, I doubt I'll go back," he told AFP, adding he had come to visit Moscow from the peninsula of Crimea, captured by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 at the start of fighting between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatists. Scientists have long warned that climate change, driven by mankind's burning of fossil fuels, is making acute heatwaves, droughts, and other extreme weather events more frequent and more intense. Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record last month, according to the EU's climate monitor Copernicus.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Moscow sizzles in record-breaking heatwave
Moscow sweltered on Friday in a heatwave with temperatures topping 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the Russian weather service, breaching a municipal record registered nearly 30 years ago. The previous record temperature of 33.4C (92F) in the Russian capital, a city with a continental climate, was set in 1996. But it was broken Thursday with a temperature of 33.9C (93F), the Russian Meteorological Centre reported on its website Friday. It added that a new record high was likely to be registered during the day, with weather services predicting temperatures of up to 36C (37F). The heatwave was forecast to "persist" until early next week across central Russia and southern Europe, with temperatures "three to eight degrees above average climate norms", said the Russian Meteorological Centre. The unprecedented heatwave saw Muscovites flocking to their suburban country houses, as well as to the capital's parks and fountains. "It's hard, I'm taking medication," Valentina Aleksandrovna, 86, told AFP on a Moscow street. The heat stress poses a particular challenge for workers on construction sites, as well as for the elderly. The temperatures were "overwhelming," Aleksandrovna said, adding: "I don't remember ever experiencing such heat." Some were swimming in the city's ponds and canals, despite the swimming bans warning of pollution in place. "The water is dirty, look. We're here because it's easier to breathe near the water at 33 degrees," said Igor, 55, after taking a dip in Tushino, northwest of the capital. "I've swum once, I doubt I'll go back," he told AFP, adding he had come to visit Moscow from the peninsula of Crimea, captured by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 at the start of fighting between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatists. Scientists have long warned that climate change, driven by mankind's burning of fossil fuels, is making acute heatwaves, droughts, and other extreme weather events more frequent and more intense. Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record last month, according to the EU's climate monitor Copernicus. bur/sbk
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Moscow sizzles in record-breaking heatwave
Moscow sweltered on Friday in a heatwave with temperatures topping 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the Russian weather service, breaching a municipal record registered nearly 30 years ago. The previous record temperature of 33.4C (92F) in the Russian capital, a city with a continental climate, was set in 1996. But it was broken Thursday with a temperature of 33.9C (93F), the Russian Meteorological Centre reported on its website Friday. It added that a new record high was likely to be registered during the day, with weather services predicting temperatures of up to 36C (37F). The heatwave was forecast to "persist" until early next week across central Russia and southern Europe, with temperatures "three to eight degrees above average climate norms", said the Russian Meteorological Centre. The unprecedented heatwave saw Muscovites flocking to their suburban country houses, as well as to the capital's parks and fountains. "It's hard, I'm taking medication," Valentina Aleksandrovna, 86, told AFP on a Moscow street. The heat stress poses a particular challenge for workers on construction sites, as well as for the elderly. The temperatures were "overwhelming," Aleksandrovna said, adding: "I don't remember ever experiencing such heat." Some were swimming in the city's ponds and canals, despite the swimming bans warning of pollution in place. "The water is dirty, look. We're here because it's easier to breathe near the water at 33 degrees," said Igor, 55, after taking a dip in Tushino, northwest of the capital. "I've swum once, I doubt I'll go back," he told AFP, adding he had come to visit Moscow from the peninsula of Crimea, captured by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 at the start of fighting between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatists. Scientists have long warned that climate change, driven by mankind's burning of fossil fuels, is making acute heatwaves, droughts, and other extreme weather events more frequent and more intense. Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record last month, according to the EU's climate monitor Copernicus. bur/sbk
Spectator
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Spectator Competition: Between the lines
For Competition 3407 you were invited to write about a historical event euphemistic-ally. This challenge was a little vague; Private Eye code was the inspiration but from the tone of the entries it could have been 1066 and All That. The standard was very high, with too many runners-up to name names, and the £25 vouchers go to the following. Life grew rather complex in 1789 when France experienced a regime malfunction. The financially embarrassed commoners, who kept popping their clogs due to nutrition deficiency, took against royals and aristocrats who did not rate highly on political awareness. Paying an unscheduled visit to the Bastille, the monarchy-resistant mob significantly devalued it as a property. Aristocrats decamped from Versailles like small, furry rodents making their way from a foundering vessel, while the royal family, not being the sharpest pencils in the box, were left without a steering mechanism on a waterway formed mostly of sewage. In the ensuing unrest around Paris, many of the upwardly mobile population were considerably downsized by the more republic-minded. Going against conventional wisdom, the royals left it too late to strategically retreat and were forced to cash in their chips with a trip to the rapid disposal unit that made them shorter by a head. Janine Beacham The court of Peter the Great was notable for how Badered everyone, including the Tsar, was, and for his retinue of vertically challenged persons, though Peter himself was something of a ceiling scraper. There was even an official court personage of restricted growth named Iakim Volkov who found himself subject to a spectacular nuptial splicing at the iron whim of his Tsar. All pocket-sized Muscovites were seconded to Saint Petersburg to witness this happy event. These miniatures, having grown up in modest circumstances and consequently unaccustomed to fine dining, became tired and emotional upon becoming squiffy on the abundantly available enlivening beverages. Thereupon finding that they had various artistic differences, these space-efficient individuals sought to resolve them through a frank exchange of views. Unless historians have been economical with the truth, Peter the Great reacted to the resultant fracas by splitting his sides, always relishing a zany antic. Adrian Fry The Early Retirement of William Wallace, 1305 As part of the retirement festivities, Mr Wallace, fashionably undressed, was urged to take an equine Uber to Smithfield, while the public offered loud tributes. Upon arrival, he was granted a performance review – at altitude – then carefully brought back down to receive his enhanced dismemberment package. In a gesture of administrative thoroughness, select personal assets were publicly decommissioned with fire. His abdominal storage was cleared in accordance with Crown compliance standards, contents displayed for transparency. Mr Wallace was subsequently divided into four travel-friendly portions and repurposed as inspirational installations in Newcastle, Berwick, Perth and Stirling. His head was preserved using traditional tar-based methods and promoted to a pointed post on London Bridge in line with the Crown's redeployment policy regarding retired officials. Although Hollywood would later assign him an exclamatory farewell, contemporary sources suggest a quieter, more contemplative tone in his exit statement. Ralph Goldswain Julius Caesar was a nice-ish man, but sometimes prone to doing the full Tarquin Superbus, and a bit too Julian Clary with local soothsayers. They told him to take a half-holiday somewhere like Capri, and pronto monto. 'You're a bit light of future plans,' they told him. 'You'd be better off a bit more procul hinc, and a bit less usque ad finem.' But Caesar was quietly MRGA, and even more Veritas Social – neglecting to imagine that the senators might well have raided their cutlery drawers for something that could take a quick route to the giblet aisle. They unfriended him, all 60 of them, with some searching internal investigations, ones that left him leaking badly next to Pompey's statue. They put the ruby into Rubicon, leaving Brutus, who gave three-way swivels a run for their silver denarii, to spend less time with his family. Bill Greenwell Paris, 1151. Henry Plantagenet, Duke of Normandy, visits the court of much-loved Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. It is their first meeting, but they soon become close friends. Eleanor is no stranger to the entente cordiale, having already forged rapprochements with Geoffrey of Anjou, Raymond of Poitiers and Marcabru the troubadour, becoming his Muse and the subject of his most celebrated Lays. Entering into top-level negotiations, Henry is curious to learn about the courtly customs of Eleanor's native Aquitaine. She is happy to oblige, introducing him to the traditional technique of gentle grape-pressing. Henry imagines vineyards, corks popping along the Gironde Estuary, surf crashing in the Bay of Biscay. He chivalrously offers to show Eleanor his Norman cider press, and to take her up the Seine Valley. That night, during their detailed strategic summit, she encourages him to extend his increasingly substantial realm across the Channel. She is thinking of England. David Silverman The Third Crusade was one of a series of cultural exchange schemes – the Islamic equivalent was the jihad – in which westerners and those from the Middle East lived in each other's countries for extended periods. Richard the Lionheart, a contact sports enthusiastic with an impressive record of wins when playing away from home, was a keen participant. His return trip was disrupted by hidden surcharges and he went dark until he retweeted a post from Blondel, a lounge singer passing through on a European tour; eventually Richard's exit visa had to be crowdfunded. A believer in hands-off government, he nevertheless intervened on behalf of the Midlands Levelling Up Czar, Robin Hood, on his return, and latterly pursued a redistributive agenda in France where he developed many gated communities. He was eventually skewered by pointed local opposition to a repossession, and retired hurt. His brother, John, proved to be a poor substitute. Nick Syrett No. 3410: All grown up You are invited to submit passages or poems about celebrated characters from children's books in adult life (150 words/16 lines maximum). Please email entries to competition@ by midday on 23 July.
