“Every last Sunday of May, traditionally in Tbilisi, is celebrated as Sayat-Nova Memorial Day called ‘Vardaton’.
“The traditional holiday, which is celebrated annually in May, this year was more symbolic, because the holiday coincided with the Independence Day of the First Republic of Armenia,” – the head of the NGO “Union of Armenians of Georgia” Mari Arakelova told Jnews.
“For almost 100 years and more, this cultural city has been celebrating this holiday, which is dedicated to the Caucasian ashugh Sayat Nova.
This is the first time I participate in this event. I am very pleased and thankful to all those who are here today and those who have contributed to this event,” said RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia, Ashot Smbatyan, in his speech.
It was also gratifying that “Sayat-Nova” ensemble led by People’s Artist Tovmas Poghosyan took part in “Vardaton”.
In addition to the “Sayat Nova” ensemble, singers, ensembles and dancers from Armenia and Georgia performed various dance and musical numbers.
Makvala Gonashvili, president of the Georgian Union of Writers, made an important statement. In particular, she said: “Next year is a jubilee year, the 110th anniversary of Vardaton.
In this regard, I propose to establish a Sayat Nova Award, which will be given to those people who have contributed to this cause.”
It was first celebrated in 1914 in Tbilisi at the initiative of the great Armenian writer Hovhannes Tumanyan, artist Gevorg Bashinjagyan, and Georgian poet and literary scholar Iosif Grishashvili.
On this day, participants lay red roses on Sayat-Nova’s tomb in the courtyard of Surb Gevorg Church and listen to his works.”
