Custom-made: Russians play cops and kings at embassy ball

The tradition of celebrating Christmas 13 days after December 25-a custom dictated by the Russian Orthodox Church in accordance with the old Julian calendar-was started at the Russian Embassy about seven years ago. "It has since become an annual feature," said Alexander M Kadakin, ambassador of the Russian Federation. "Since Christmas is always full of fun, we decided to add a masquerade and fancy costume ball to the festivities here in Delhi," added the envoy, dressed up as an Indian maharaja for the celebration on Monday."This costume is perfect for me as I feel I am half-Indian, half-Russian," he said with a smile.
Traditionally, the Russian Christmas is a day of solemn ritual, with people gathering for an all-night service at cathedrals, as well as joyous festivity. According to old customs, on the eve of Christmas, followers are supposed to fast till either the evening service or until the first star is sighted. This ritual is followed by a grand feast or the holy supper with the family.
As Stylyagi, a band flown in straight from Moscow, played retro Russian hits from the 60s-even rendering an old Bollywood number, Goron ki na kaalon ki, duniya hai dilwaalon ki...-guests walked in attired in costumes that were both imaginative and outlandish. Like the 'dwarf' that effortlessly carried Sergey V Karmalito, senior counsellor of the embassy, on its shoulders. "He insists on carrying me around," quipped the diplomat, whose new companion was specially stitched and prepared for the evening. "My wife and I did a lot of online research to create this little fellow," said Karmalito, who turned quite a few heads during the evening.
Towering over guests dressed up as characters straight out of Harry Potter, the Matrix series and historicals like Alexander, was a tall, golden giraffe head worn by a Russian diplomat, who simply introduced himself as Arthur. "Having turned vegetarian during my one-year stay in Bihar, some years ago, I want to spread the message of peace," he said.
The "urgent need" for measures like the odd-even car scheme to reduce pollution levels was highlighted by travel executives Amit and Monica Aggarwal, displaying car plates with odd and even numbers around their necks. Publisher Amit Mittal walked in as a kabadiwala "just to feel a little down to earth and empathize with the guys who collect raddi from our homes".
Besides Mickey Mouse, pirates, bandits, vampires and a Kathakali dancer, the gathering also had young Russian lads dressed up in kurta-pyjamas with green and saffron stripes - colours of the Indian flag. Another Russian guest came in a Delhi Police uniform, complete with shoulder pads and nameplate. "This is my tribute to a very inspiring police force," he said.