Keeping its soul intact

Kriti Sharma

Having being caught in a random immigration check on arrival at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow and dealing with officers or trying to surpass language barrier, my first brush with life in Russia was that this country is a special case — a “riddle wrapped in mystery”.

Exploring it further, it turned out to be a nation where people take pride in its medieval history and find solace in traditional values. For Russians, values (culture) are synonymous with national pride and respect for the authority. And, rich Russian culture is a major draw for those who plan to explore it.

Moscow, the capital city named after the Moskva River, too gratifies its culture and sprawling buildings that speak of Soviet soul and the bygone era. From its flag, playwrights, vodka, decorated Metro stations, ?’s and ?’s to its colourful folk costumes, ballet, religious symbols, nesting dolls or matryoshka dolls to its Tsar Evan(s), Stalin and Putin, Moscow has made a remarkable contribution to world culture.

Visiting the beautiful Kremlin, official residence of the Russian President, should be on every Moscow traveller’s to do list. There one can explore the Kremlin’s parks, take photos, visit cathedrals, and be amazed by historical treasures.

Closely stands the St Basil’s Cathedral with its colourful onion-shaped domes. It is such a beautiful part of the Red Square that it may go under-appreciated but at certain phases in history, the structure was slated for destruction. The cathedral, one of architectural treasures of Moscow, marks a unique connection between different epochs of Russia and religion.

Besides, Moscow state university, city’s parks, including Victory Garden, Gum Mall, Arabat Street and night cruise covering the entire city are bound to charm visitors. The places are well-maintained by the local administration, which encourages Muscovites to pass on their knowledge of culture to others.

Want to know how the Russians showcase their culture, just take a Metro ride in the glorious subway stations (like Kiyevskaya Metro station in Moscow), which make commuting feel like a trip to an art museum. Some rightly call these “underground palaces”. Russia’s first Metro system, part of Joseph Stalin’s first five-year-plan to industrialise the Soviet Union, was meant to serve as Communist propaganda.

As Moscow grows, the Metro is also expanding, but new stations do not lack designer touch and decorations depicting gothic cathedrals, Russian art and much more. According to Alexey, New Generation programme facilitator, Moscow was turning into a city that was about money and careers…people come here to make a living.

Recovering from its past, Moscow, even Russia, highlights its Soviet legacy through theatre. Originality and national peculiarity are reflected in Russian folk theatre. The Russian National Dance Show, “Kostroma”, which runs from mid-June to mid-September in Moscow, presents the timeline of the biggest events that define Russia. It uncovers the Russian culture through the nature of its people, social status and national colouring. One can witness the temporal, urban, village and military culture of Russia. With 50 dancers on stage, masterly technique, outstanding acting, 600 unique costumes, 300 prop items, and eight set changes, “Kostroma” captivates the audience of all ages and nationalities.

Russian cuisine may, however, not appeal to the tastebuds of Indians as it is devoid of spices. Potatoes, cabbage, beets and mushrooms are the standard vegetables.

This is too admitted by Anna, a student studying in Singapore for five years. She said she has now developed a taste for spicy Asian food, but gave reasons why the Russian food lacks spices. She said the country “has a continental climate with long and very cold winter” so they prefer lot of red meat with potatoes and, of course, with Vodka and plus, unlike India, Russia does not produce spices.

Apart from two obstacles — language (the majority speaks only Russian…even senior immigration officers at international airport can’t understand English) and food, if you are a strict vegetarian, Indian tourists are at advantage because difference between the rupee and the rouble, Russian currency, is marginal.

As one gazes at a blue and clean sky with winter setting in wonderful Moscow while mapping memories of my short trip, one realises it is impossible not to fall in love with the city having great culture and artistic, organised life. Moscow has a wealth of lessons on how to preserve a country’s, like India, rich cultural past in tandem with urbanisation. Exploring Russian capital can involve a bit of work, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, rewards are abundant.