23.10.2025
Svetoslav Roerich’s Birthday Celebrations in IRMT
On 23 October 2025, traditional celebrations were held at the picturesque Roerich Estate in Naggar, India, to honour the birthday of the exceptional artist, thinker and public figure, Svetoslav Roerich (1904–1993). The day was an opportunity to honour the memory of this great man and his tireless efforts to preserve the invaluable legacy of his parents, Nicholas and Helena Roerich. Svetoslav Roerich was particularly passionate about this cause, and it was thanks to him that the International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT) in India and the International Centre of the Roerichs (ICR) in Russia were established. Memories of his achievements were particularly warmly recalled in the anniversary year of the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Roerich Pact, the first international treaty on the protection of cultural heritage. All the celebrations in Naggar in October 2025, which culminated in the commemoration of S. Roerich's birthday, were held under the auspices of this event: the Banner of Peace – Banner of Culture.
Traditionally, the festive events opened with a Shanti Puja, a sacred ritual often referred to as a rite of peace. Conducted by Shri Jaidev Acharya, a pujari from the ancient Naggar Krishna temple, it emphasised the Roerich family's inseparable connection to the Indian culture and traditions of the Kullu Valley.
The puja took place in a unique open-air temple and museum located next to the Roerichs' house. Under the canopy of a mighty four-trunk pine tree here stands the revered statue of Guga Chohan, a deity, hero and patron of the Kullu Valley. Discovered by the Roerichs on the grounds of the Urusvati Institute, he is depicted in Nicholas Roerich's paintings. During the puja, the sacred murti statues were bathed in sunlight, with the sparkling, snow-capped, double-peaked Mount Gepang – or 'Mount M' as the Roerichs called it – providing a majestic and inspiring backdrop. This mountain is a symbol of purity and higher motives. Thus, the peace ceremony in Naggar became a powerful symbol of unity between Indian traditions, Russian heritage and the universal principles of the Roerich Pact.
The solo exhibition of works by the Russian artist Elena Yakovleva, which opened on this momentous day, is more than just a display of paintings; it is a sincere 'gift from the heart' to Svetoslav Roerich, timed to coincide with the great artist's birthday.
Elena Yakovleva has long been closely associated with the IRMT, regularly volunteering at the ICR and donating her wonderful paintings to the Trust annually. Her work is renowned far beyond the exhibition halls; local residents delight in recognising themselves in her portraits, which she always presents as gifts to her subjects.
The symbolic unity of cultures inherent in the spirit of the Roerich Estate was vividly reflected in the important ceremony of raising the flags of India and Russia, as well as the Banner of Peace. During the Roerich festivals at the IRMT, the raising of the national flags of India and Russia embodies the deep and long-standing cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries. This emphasises the special status of the Roerich Estate in Naggar as a Russian-Indian cultural centre based on the Roerich family's ideas, and confirms the commitment of both sides to preserving and developing this heritage. Meanwhile, raising the distinctive Banner of Peace, with its symbol of trinity, is a powerful visual manifestation of the universal idea that culture is the cornerstone of civilisation and peace. In the context of the anniversary year of the Roerich Pact, this act took on special planetary significance, affirming that cooperation and the protection of beauty and culture are essential for lasting peace. It was fitting that the ceremony was blessed by the revered pujari, Sri Jaidev Acharya.
The honour of raising the Russian flag this year fell to Vladimir Okolotin, a Doctor of Historical Sciences and Professor at Ivanovo State University, as well as a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. He was joined by his wife, Larisa Okolotina, an artist, poet and doctor who has received the Pirogov Order. The couple were guests of honour at the 23 October celebrations. The Indian national flag was raised by Suresh Kumar Nadda, the Indian IRMT Curator. The Banner of Peace was raised by the Russian IRMT Curator, Larisa Surgina, and the leaders of the ICR volunteer group: Tamara Merges and Vasily Tkachev.
Following the ceremony, guests and organisers led by the pujari made a procession and laid garlands of marigolds on the sculptures of Svetoslav Roerich and his wife Devika Rani, as well as on the bronze busts of his parents, Nicholas and Helena Roerich.
The artist received a special birthday gift in the form of two exhibitions, which opened in the IRMT Exhibition Halls on this day. The first exhibition presented to the audience was a collection of photographs by the photographer Atul Bhardwaj, titled 'Inspired by Naggar'. During the tour, the photographer emphasised that his fascination with Naggar began with the Roerichs' legacy. For Bhardwaj, Naggar is first and foremost the home of a great family, which is why he has spent many years seeking to capture its spirit in his photographs. His works capture the wonderful, almost mystical, natural and atmospheric phenomena of the Himalayas that are accessible only to the attentive eye. With no less sensitivity, he presents portraits of local residents and Russian volunteers of the ICR, whose bright, traditional costumes particularly impressed the photographer. Bhardwaj's profound vision and 'kind eye' enabled him to capture the essence and soul of Naggar, arousing keen interest among all those present.
However, the current exhibition came as a real surprise. Instead of sun-drenched Himalayan peaks, Elena Yakovleva presented deeply atmospheric scenes from the Tagatuni Estate — the memorial property of Svetoslav Roerich and Devika Rani near Bangalore, where the couple lived for many years.
Svetoslav Roerich himself dedicated dozens of works to South India and the vibrant city of Bangalore. By paying tribute to his legacy, Elena Yakovleva has managed to capture the modern spirit and beauty of this sacred place. Her paintings offer viewers a glimpse into the sacred creative refuge that inspired the great artist.
Participants and guests of the festival then headed from the exhibition halls to the Green Theatre, where a rich cultural programme awaited them.
The programme began with a performance of the traditional hymn to the goddess Saraswati by pupils from the Helena Roerich Academy of Arts for Children. Following the welcome ceremony, the curators of the IRMT were invited on stage: Suresh Kumar, the Indian Curator, and Larisa Surgina, the Russian Curator who works at the Roerich Trust under the direction of the ICR. In their speeches, the curators warmly welcomed the festival's guests and participants and emphasised that, in these challenging times, the Roerich family's ideas are particularly relevant. They noted that the traditional October events at the IRMT serve as a strong cultural bridge between India and Russia, actively promoting international cooperation for the common good. Svetoslav Roerich's creation of two organisations — the International Centre of the Roerichs (ICR) in Moscow and the International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT) in Naggar — was no coincidence. Their close collaboration is essential to honouring the legacy of this remarkable family.
In conclusion, the Curators expressed their special gratitude to the ICR volunteers, emphasising that such large-scale October celebrations would not have been possible without their incredible efforts and dedication.
The guest of honour at the event, Dr Vladimir Okolotin, addressed the audience on behalf of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. He drew attention to another significant event that the world will commemorate in 2025: the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War. He recalled that the Roerich family had always been true patriots of their homeland. Dr Okolotin urged everyone to remember Nicholas Roerich's covenant: 'The defence of the Motherland is also the defence of Culture.' In order to preserve the memory of the past and the achievements of past generations, we must make efforts in the present to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
The guest of honour expressed his deep gratitude to India and its people, as well as to all the Roerich Trust employees for their reverent and respectful attitude towards the legacy of the great Russian artist. In turn, he paid tribute to Indian culture, which had inspired Nicholas Roerich throughout his life and had become an integral part of his work.
The highlight of the evening was the award ceremony for the winners of the International Festival of Children's and Youth Creativity, 'The Roerichs' Realm', in the 'Fine Arts' category. Organised by the International Centre of the Roerich and supported by ICR volunteers, the festival provides an important platform for promoting cultural values among young people. It brings together young talents from different countries and inspires them to interpret the Roerichs' legacy creatively. Organising such a large-scale festival is one of the ICR's main activities, in line with the ideas of the Roerich Pact and the Banner of Peace. Schoolchildren and students from Russia, India, Belarus and Kazakhstan participate in the festival's various categories, and the number of participants grows every year.
The “Roerichs' Realm” festival, held in the Roerich Trust, takes place in two stages in the Fine Arts category. The regional stage takes place in May and October as part of the “Russia–India: Heart to Heart' festival. Winners of this stage go on to participate in the international ‘Roerichs' Realm’ festival.
This year's autumn children's drawing competition was themed "Let's dream about the future: The Banner of Peace Guarding the Culture of the Kullu Valley” was the theme of this year's autumn children's drawing competition. Held on 18 October, it brought together young talents from the H. Roerich Academy of Arts for Children and schools in the Kullu Valley.
The winners of the regional and final international stages of the Roerichs' Realm Festival received diplomas, commemorative prizes and gifts from Russia from the guests of honour, Vladimir and Larisa Okolotins of the Roerich Trust, together with the festival coordinators, iCR volunteers Tamara Merges and Vasily Tkachev.
Victory means more than just an award for young artists: their works will soon begin their journey across Russia, where they will be presented at numerous exhibitions in various cities, becoming a symbol of cultural exchange and a creative bridge between countries.
After the awards ceremony, the Green Theatre stage came alive with music, songs and dances as the much-anticipated artistic programme got underway. Students from the IRMT Academy of Arts for Children and guests from Russia and Kazakhstan — volunteers from the ICR — took part.
Special thanks are due, of course, to the Academy's teachers: Anshul Kumar, Mamta Thakur and Sapna Thakur, as well as Mira Kumari, whose skill and diligence helped to create the wonderful, unforgettable atmosphere of the evening. The performances by guests from Russia and Kazakhstan — public figures united by the International Centre of the Roerichs in Moscow and the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar — added a unique charm and depth to the concert.
The audience was thrilled to be immersed in this cultural extravaganza. First, they enjoyed traditional music and dance, colourful costumes, and folk songs and dances representing India as a whole, as well as the local Kullu Valley. Next, Russian songs prepared by volunteers, teachers and students from the Academy were performed, transporting the guests to the homeland of the Roerichs — Russia. The celebration concluded with a performance of Russian folk dances by the Russian guests, showcasing their lively beauty.
Special thanks are due, of course, to the Academy's teachers: Anshul Kumar, Mamta Thakur and Sapna Thakur, as well as Mira Kumari, whose skill and diligence helped to create the wonderful, unforgettable atmosphere of the evening. The performances by guests from Russia and Kazakhstan — public figures united by the International Centre of the Roerichs in Moscow and the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar — added a unique charm and depth to the concert.
