Although now a Christian tradition, Vardavar's history dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty, love and fertility. The festivities associated with this religious observance of Astghik were named “Vartavar” because Armenians, also releasing doves and sprinkling water on each other. Vartavar was celebrated during harvest time. offered her roses as a celebration (“vart” means “rose” in Armenian), also releasing doves and sprinkling water on each other. Vartavar was celebrated during harvest time.
Vardavar is currently celebrated 98 days (14 weeks) after Easter. During the day of Vardevar, people from a wide array of ages are allowed to douse strangers with water. It is common to see people pouring buckets of water from balconies on unsuspecting people walking below them. The festival is very popular among children as it is one day where they can get away with pulling pranks. It is also a means of refreshment on the usually hot and dry summer days of July.
Clik on the image or on the link below to see the photos of © Ara Aslanyan and Arno Martirosyan dedicated to Vardavar. Armenian celebrities have posed for those photos.
Vardavar photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldinfosearch/sets/72157624961527413/
As Vardavar is celebrated 98 days after Easter (which has a changeable date) the date of Vardavar is also changeable. Below is the list of dates from 2008 to 2030.
When Vardavar is celebrated
29.06.200819.07.2009
11.07.2010
31.07.2011
15.07.2012
07.07.2013
27.07.2014
12.07.2015
03.07.2016
23.07.2017
08.07.2018
28.07.2019
19.07.2020
11.07.2021
24.07.2022
16.07.2023
07.07.2024
27.07.2025
12.07.2026
04.07.2027
23.07.2028
08.07.2029
28.07.2030
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