Russia, the focus country 2025’ – International Calendar Exhibition
Debasmita Moulick - Senior Journalist, Curator of Russian calendars at ICES-2025
The 71st International Calendar Exhibition was held at Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata from 3-9 March. Russia was the focus countrythis year, along with feature contributions from over twenty countries, aiming to foster cross-cultural appreciation and artistic dialogue. The event was graced by the Russian Consul General in Kolkata Mr Maxim Kozlov, along with his spouse Mrs. Natalia Gerasimova, Swami Somananda – Secretary International Calendar Exhibition Society (ICES), Prof. Aloke Kumar – President ICES, dignitaries and visitors.
ICES has been organizing the annual event since its inception in 1954. The exhibition was started by Dilip Kumar Gupta (known as D.K.), founder of Signet Press, the famous publishing house, Swami Somananda of Ramkrishna Ashram, eminent historian Kalidas Nag and others. The famed film-director Satyajit Ray worked as a visual designer for Signet at the onset of his career.
The week-long exposition with the active participation of the Russian Embassy in India, showcased twenty-five selectedcalendars, which reflected Russian history, culture andtraditions. The collection comprised of wall, desk, planner and corporate calendars. Through landscapes, significant dates and anniversaries, paintings, nature, botanical themes and artistic illustrations, the calendars provided aunique cultural experience of Russia. The calendars gathered from the three Russian cities of Moscow, St Petersburg and Nizhni Novgorod, also covered travel, seasonal and animal-focused themes.
One of the main attractions was a calendar called ‘India is in my Soul’ marking 150th birth anniversary of Nicholas Roerich, the Russian painter, writer and theosophist. The calendar displayed his paintings of the Himalayas. ‘Nature& Poetry’ from 2024, marked the 225th birthday of Alexander Pushkin, Russia’s national poet. Visitors were drawn towards a calendar of Spartak, Russia’s popular football club based in Moscow, known for its rich history and passionate fanbase. Painter Vladimir Sizov’s calendar ‘Soft Surrealism’ and ‘National Costumes of Russia’ inspired curiosity. ‘Cultural Heritage of Russia -2025’, calendar of the Russian Embassy in India in partnership with the Russian Geographical Society founded in 1845, which portrayed striking landscapes characterized by dramatic features, unique geological formations and vibrant colours was a favourite with the guests.
The Consul General during his inaugural speech said ‘We look at calendars everyday, they are an integral part of our lives. However, other than the functional aspect, it is important to note that calendars have transformed into an art, that depicts the history, culture and development of a country. They narrate how memorable events are celebrated. Our collection includes two calendars dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 (WW II), a very significant global event. Russia is planning an extensive celebration this year on 9 May, Victory Day. I am delighted that Russia is the focus country this year.”
Dr Gairik Das, Professor &Head MBA, Indian Institute of Social Welfare & Business Management (IISWBM) remarked, “These calendars speak so much about the country. ‘Best trips around Russia-2023’ with the bear family on the cover is amazing. Furthermore, research reveals that print media has a more substantial effect on the human brain than digital media. These tangible, printed calendars on display providea delightful glimpse into Russia”.
Ishaan Bandopadhyay, journalist and student of Russian language with Gorky Sadan, Kolkata was emotional, “My favourite is the one called ‘Moscow in Watercolours’, it brings back memories of my trip to Russia in 2024 when I was a delegate at the World Youth Festival in Sochi city”.
A.Tosh & Sons, one of the oldest and renowned tea retailers, who played an important role in cementing of the India-Russia connect, by being the first Indian company to be registered as the USSR government’s tea purchasing and shipping agents in 1953, was one of the sponsors of the event along with K.C. Das, the confectioners and others.
