Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
A large-scale citywide celebration of the Eastern New Year took place at the "Russia – My History" historical multimedia park. Representatives of national cultural associations, educational organizations, and creative groups gathered for the festivities. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, along with the St. Petersburg House of Nationalities, acted as a partner and co-organizer of the event.
The celebration was held as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2026. It aims to strengthen interethnic dialogue, develop cultural exchange, and promote the traditions of the peoples of Russia and the countries of the East.
Thanks to the Dobro.Center "Harmony" and its director, Tatyana Anatolyevna, we had the unique opportunity to be part of the exhibition and perform at the "Russia – My History" museum. We are truly grateful for this—this experience was truly inspiring! The museum's space not only allowed us to organize a larger-scale celebration but also to share with our Russian friends how this magical holiday is celebrated in Indonesia," noted Imanullah Tegu, head of the Indonesian Polytechnic University student community.
University representatives participated in the opening ceremony and a roundtable discussion on national cultures, traditions, and social interaction. Among the guests of honor were Pavel Nedelko, Assistant to the Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU, and Tatyana Nam, Director of the Harmony Volunteer Projects Center and Deputy Director of the Humanities Institute.
Experts discussed issues of preserving cultural heritage, the role of youth in developing interethnic cooperation, and the importance of educational institutions in fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and civic unity.
Being far from home, it was very warm and pleasant to hear national songs, meet familiar people, and simply have a good time. The event featured many stations where students from different countries and regions of Russia shared their traditions and customs, held competitions and master classes, thereby introducing everyone to the richness of their culture. "Such celebrations not only educate but truly unite and bring people together," shared Aryuna Komissarova, a student at the Institute of Mechanics and Technology from Buryatia.
The active participation of international students from the Humanities Institute and the Higher School of International Educational Programs (HSIEEP) added particular significance to the event. International students from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other countries presented the cultural traditions of their countries. Together with Polytechnic students from other Russian regions—Buryatia, Kalmykia, and other regions—they contributed significantly to the festive atmosphere and meaningful program of the festival.
The Indonesian station became one of the central interactive platforms. Guests were introduced to the cultural diversity of the world's largest island nation, comprising approximately 17,000 islands, including the well-known island of Bali.
The exhibition included traditional musical instruments, the Angklung and Gamelan, which play an important role in the national musical culture. Visitors were also presented with elements of decorative arts and everyday culture: batik fabric with an Indonesian map motif, a batik-style wallet, a souvenir 2,000-rupiah banknote, and a traditional fan.
Of particular interest were the men's "Blangkon" headdress, a character from the Wayang Kulit shadow and puppet theater, and the Barong masks—Balinese and Javanese. The students provided detailed explanations of the exhibits' symbolism, historical significance, and role in contemporary Indonesian culture.
The Indonesian portion of the program culminated in a performance of "Rato Jaroe," a traditional dance from Aceh province used to welcome honored guests. This dance, previously performed at the Asian Games Opening Ceremony, is considered a symbol of respect and community unity. The performance was performed by students Imanullah Tegu, Raihan Farrell Umar, and Febrian Riua.
The Chinese platform was organized with the active participation of foreign students: Mao Yiling, Zhao Ziyan, Lu Chunyu, Liu Chengran, Wang Yi, Li Junying, Tian Xutong, and Zhang Xinyue.
The event left an exceptionally positive impression. I consider it an extremely significant and memorable event. I have never before participated in projects that brought together so many representatives from different countries and regions. The vibrant presentations allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the uniqueness and mutual enrichment of world cultures. I would especially like to note that, knowing Russia's status as one of the most multinational countries, consistently strengthening friendship between its peoples, this event left a lasting impression on me," said Mao Yilin, a student at the Institute of Humanities.
The station's program included a master class on the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting (Jianzhi), making festive lanterns, and an introduction to the tradition of fortune-telling with fortune sticks. A themed quiz was also included, aimed at expanding knowledge of Chinese culture, holiday symbolism, and philosophical traditions. A concert program featuring dance and song performances by Humanities Institute students Zhang Xinyue and Ye Zizhou.
The Buryat station combined elements of arts and crafts with traditional hospitality. Students held a workshop on creating a paper model of a yurt, with the option of painting it with traditional ornaments. Participants learned about the peculiarities of nomadic culture and the symbolism of traditional dwellings.
Guests were told about the significance of the hadak—a sacred silk scarf symbolizing respect, purity of intentions, and good wishes. The color meanings of the hadak were explained, and the traditional greeting gesture, "zolgolgo," was demonstrated. National treats, boovs, enhanced the atmosphere. Activists Aryuna Komissarova, Adisa Mizhitova, and Adisa Tsyrenova presented the culture of Buryatia.
Although New Year's isn't celebrated according to the lunar calendar in my homeland, I admire how the Chinese, Buryats, Indonesians, and other peoples of Russia celebrate it. While organizing the New Year's event, it was especially important for me to create a space where representatives of different cultures could feel part of a unified whole," shared Begench Mukhammedov, head of international volunteering at the Harmony Center and a student from Turkmenistan at the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science of the Humanitarian Institute.
Special thanks go to Igor Zhukov, Director of the House of Nationalities; Dmitry Arsenyev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU; Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security at SPbPU; and Natalia Chicherina, Director of the Humanities Institute, for their support of interethnic dialogue and student initiatives.
Polytechnic's participation in the annual celebration of the New Year according to the Eastern calendar demonstrates the high level of social engagement of students, including international students of the Preparatory Faculty of the Higher School of International Relations, and emphasizes the university's significant role in shaping the space for intercultural interaction in St. Petersburg.
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