Father Frost, Russian fairytale character, came to visit India for the second time this year. The kind magician from Russia’s north usually comes on New Year’s Eve to homes and brings gifts to children who behaved well during the year.

Father Frost lives in a big magical mansion near the small town of Velikiy Ustyug in Vologda region. Children from all over Russia come to visit him around the year, but especially in winter.

Every year, Father Frost starts his big journey around the globe right after his birthday, November 18. This is the time when first snow and frost come to Vologda region.

The magician travels to different countries to wish his compatriots who live abroad a Happy New Year and Merry Christmas. This year, the first country to visit was China.

Then, Father Frost continued his journey in India and came to New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. He visited Indian schools and culture centers, talked to children who are interested in the Russian language and culture, and wished a happy New Year to all his compatriots living in India.

He says that his main mission is to spread kindness around the globe. To his mind, we can be friends not just as countries: we can also have great bonds between the peoples and families.

Father Frost’s great New Year’s trip is an initiative of Russian Culture Centers that work under the guidance of Russian embassies. It focuses on spreading Russian culture around the globe.