Armenian festival in Armenia where people drench each other with water. The festival is also observed by Hemshin people of Turkey, a Muslim majority group of Armenian origin.
On 28-th of July Armenia celebrated one of the most beloved summer holidays both by children and adults- Vardavar. Vardavar is famous Armenian water festival during which all people drench each other with water.
Now Vardavar is a Christian holiday- this day Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. However the feast dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival was dedicated to the worship of Astghik , the goddess of water, beauty, love and fertility. According to a legend, goddess Astghik spread love through the Armenian land by sprinkling rosy water, that is why the feast is called Vardavar, where “vard” literally means “rose”.
On Vardavar day in Armenia one can meet children and teenagers menacingly rattling their buckets and looking for somebody to pour water on everywhere in the towns and villages across Armenia. Often the adults also join in the fun. No one is allowed to feel offended or displeased by mischief on this day. People splash water on each other as a symbol of purity.
Vardavar is the best way to become cool during hot summer days in Armenia and it is loved by the tourists too who join the locals and have fun with them.
Music - Aida Sargsyan - Vardavar