Similarities between Russian and Indian culture

The ancient cultures were all interconnected. The Russian and the Indian cultures has many such similarities. India has always maintained a cordial relationship with Russia. When exploring these two diverse cultures one can easily strike a balance between unity in diversity. Both of these Cultures are unique in its own way but a few things draw the passion of both these Cultures. Let’s begin.

Tea: Tea is one such beverage which both the Russians and Indians have a common passion for. “Chai” means tea both in Hindi and Russian dialect. Domestic consumption of tea is high in both the countries. India is the world’s second largest exporter of tea. Russia annually imports 150 million kg. Consumption of tea occupies equal gusto in both the countries.  Russians love to have tea after every meal along with sweets. However, In India tea forms a part of savoury snacks and an in-between meal. The Russians like their tea without milk. The concept of ‘Masala Chai’ is becoming increasingly popular in Russia like India. Many grocery shops in Moscow stock a 3-in-1 masala tea powder. So a good cup of tea is an excellent icebreaker in both the countries.

Cinema: Gone are those millennia where Russian people used to wait in long queues in various parts of the Soviet union to watch Indian cinema. However, the older generation still has collection of old Indian films on video tapes. The idea of cinema and flocking to the movie theatres to escape the dark realities of life is what binds the Indians and the Russians together. Cinema presents a temporary escape into another time, place and realm. The urban cities of the countries are passionate about art films and documentaries. However, in recent times Hollywood has crept into the Russian youngsters creating a struggling market for local films. There should be a better distribution system both for Indian films in Russia and vice versa. Definitely a niche market for Russian films in Indian metros exists.

History: Both the Russian and Indians are proud of their rich cultural history and children from a very young age are made aware of the golden past. Both Russia and India are full of architectural marvels and ancient monuments that indicate some great achievements. Both of these Cultures records great scientific past to roar pride.

 Traditional family Values: The very institution of the family is sacred in both countries. It’s quite common that the adults of thirties in both Russia and India live with their parents. Though it has been argued that this is due to the financial constraints of both the countries which force the children to keep their parents but that’s a very simplistic view. Indians do not need an occasion to visit their parents. This legacy has been carried to Russia as well. Even if children stay separately, they visit their families often. This is because both of these societies are less individualistic. Though divorce rates have increased in the past 30 years in both Moscow and Mumbai but both of these Cultures still place high value in institutions of family and marriage. A broken family arrangement is never considered normal in both of these countries till date.

Music: Both these traditions have musical culture since millennials. It represents the classical tradition of the centuries. Music is looked upon as a national treasure in both the countries. Music has also been an essential part of cinema in both countries. Dinners, picnics and all such social gatherings have music in it across both the cultures. Music is the part and parcel of overnight campfires and family gatherings. Both the countries record the best attires while going to concerts. Concerts can be probably a fashion show or ramp walk next to weddings.

So both of these Cultures are two sides of the same coin. They portray rich heritage and anyone from India would feel at home in Russia and vice versa. So keep following us for more interesting articles. We promise to be back soon with more electrifying anecdotes. Stay healthy and take care.