MOSCOW: Over 2,000 people gathered at Kuusinen Street 19A in Moscow on March 30th to celebrate the Indian New Year 2025 with a grand cultural extravaganza. The event was jointly organized by the Indian National Cultural Center “SITA,” the Textile Business Alliance (TBA), and the Sindhi Association of Russia, bringing together a convergence of multiple festivals – Cheti Chand, Ugadi, Navreh, Gudi Padwa, Navratri, and even Eid al-Fitr – in one joyous celebration. The Indian Ambassador to Russia, H.E. Vinay Kumar, joined Mr. Sammy Kotwani, President of SITA, in inaugurating the festivities with inspiring opening remarks that highlighted the spirit of unity in diversity.
“It is inspiring to see such a vibrant display of India’s culture here in Moscow,” said Ambassador Vinay Kumar in his welcome address. “This celebration of multiple festivals under one roof truly reflects India’s unity in diversity and strengthens the bonds of friendship between our peoples.” Mr. Sammy Kotwani echoed the sentiment, noting that this was the 11th annual Sindhi New Year (Cheti Chand) celebration in Moscow, and the largest one yet. “This year’s turnout of over two thousand people has made our Sindhi New Year celebration in Moscow one of the largest in the world,” said Mr. Kotwani. “By embracing other Indian New Year festivals alongside Cheti Chand, we shared our joy with the entire Indian community and our Russian friends, truly exemplifying the spirit of unity.”
Cultural Program Bridges Traditions
The audience was treated to a vibrant cultural program showcasing the rich traditions of India’s diverse communities. Festivities began with traditional Sindhi rituals associated with Cheti Chand – the Sindhi New Year. Devotional bhajans and kirtans (spiritual songs and chants) filled the air, and the ceremonial Bherano (Behrana Sahib offering to Jhulelal, the revered Sindhi patron saint) was performed, invoking blessings for the new year. Dancers also performed the lively Chej folk dance, inviting everyone to clap and cheer along. These rituals offered a glimpse into age-old Sindhi heritage, setting a pious and joyful tone for the evening.
Following the rituals, the stage came alive with a high-energy concert. A special live performance by the “Shades of Music” ensemble, led by acclaimed singer Lalit Shankar, took the audience on a musical journey through India’s cultural landscape. The band enthralled the crowd with a fusion of Sufi melodies, Bollywood hits, and folk tunes, prompting attendees of all ages to dance and sing. The name “Shades of Music” rang true as the performance seamlessly blended genres and regional flavors, symbolizing the coming together of different cultures. Lalit’s soulful voice and the group’s dynamic instrumentation kept the audience spellbound, capping off the cultural show with thunderous applause.
A Divine Culinary Experience
One of the most beloved aspects of the celebration was the food – a true “divine culinary experience.” In line with the festive and spiritual ambiance, organizers arranged a satvik vegetarian feast (prepared without onion and garlic) that delighted all guests. What made the dining truly special was the authenticity and care invested in every dish: fresh vegetables were flown in from India to capture the genuine flavors of home. Under the personal guidance of Mr. Sammy Kotwani and a team of volunteer Sindhi chefs led by Mr. Andy Kotwani (SITA’s Vice President), the cooking team toiled for hours to prepare a sumptuous banquet of traditional dishes.
Attendees were treated to a variety of classic Sindhi delicacies, all offered free of charge as a gesture of goodwill. The menu included favorites like Sai Bhaji (a hearty greens and lentil stew), Sindhi Curry (tangy gram flour-based vegetable curry) with rice, Aloo-Baingan (spiced potatoes and eggplant), and an assortment of sweet treats such as Suji Halwa (semolina pudding) and Malpuha (sweet fried pancakes).
