This year March 7 and 8 - Monday and Tuesday - are days of public holiday in Russia. But for men, it’s not a day to spend relaxing in front of the TV.

International Women’s Day or as the holiday is better known in Russia - the Eighth of March - is widely celebrated in Russia – and men have been flocking to shops in search of bouquets and gifts.

This is also one of the rare days when women can expect men to don aprons and oven gloves, to cook up some surprises.

Ideally, for women the holiday means a day of fun and games – away from the kitchen...and for teachers - greeting cards and flowers from their students and two days off from school....

Happy March 8!