Love at first sight: Russian nevalyashka toys win over visitors at "INNOPROM. India"
Several limited-edition nevalyashka (roly-poly) toys were purchased within the first minutes of the International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM. India". Visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA stand were charmed by the collection of the famous Russian toy in an Indian-inspired design, created for the presentation of the Department Store in New Delhi.
The "INNOPROM. India" Trade Fair opened in New Delhi on 9 September. As part of its exposition, the National Centre RUSSIA is presenting its flagship Department Store in India for the first time, bringing together products from Russian manufacturers and a cultural zone introducing visitors to folk arts and crafts.
The special series of nevalyashka toys has become one of the symbols of Russian-Indian cultural dialogue. Indian cultural motifs were incorporated into the toy's design, giving the traditional Russian image a new interpretation created especially for the international presentation. This is not the National Centre RUSSIA's first experience of producing themed series: similar nevalyashka toys were previously presented at exhibitions in Uzbekistan and China.
"I really like Russia and its culture. There are many interesting things here at the stand, but the nevalyashka caught my eye straight away. It is very cute, and I love that its costume features Indian motifs. I decided to buy several at once and will give them to my parents as keepsakes," said Vikram Deshmukh.
The nevalyashka is one of the most recognisable images of Russian childhood, a symbol of optimism and resilience. At the same time, each themed series becomes a kind of cultural ambassador for Russia, introducing international audiences to Russian traditions through a warm and easily recognisable image.
At "INNOPROM. India", the National Centre RUSSIA is presenting a wide range of products from different regions of the country — from food, cosmetics and accessories to decorative and applied arts. In the cultural zone, visitors can see Dymkovo toys, amber products, Kislovodsk porcelain, Dagestani carpets, Fedoskino miniatures, gold embroidery, Zhostovo trays, Bogorodsk wood carvings, various types of lace and other works by Russian artisans.
The first item sold by the Department Store in India marked a symbolic beginning for a space that offers visitors a way to discover modern Russia through individual products, regional stories and the living creativity of its artisans.
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