MTSKHETA-MTIANETI

Dusheti District

Lomisoba (the seventh week after Easter) – the Day of Lomisa has been celebrated since pre-Christian period. It is celebrated in the Aragvi and Ksani Valleys. Lomisa represented the most important pre-Christian pagan idol in Mtiuleti. One of the temples dedicated to the worship of this deity is situated on the hill separating the Ksani and the Areagvi rivers while the other is located in the village of Mleta. On the day of Lomisa the pilgrims from all over Eastern Georgia used to gather in Mleta. According to tradition, the deans carried the flag and took it to the mountain singing the song “Perkhisa”. As the legends go, Lomisa is St. George of Gzovani who liberated 7 thousand captives from Khorasani and settled on the mountain of Mleta sitting on the horns of an ox. The people prayed to St. George to be blessed with children, eyesight, fertility of land and cattle. The Holy Cross was worshipped as the symbol of Lomisa. According to the legends, Lomisa is believed to be a warrior riding a red horse holding a whip in his hand. After hitting the evil ones with his whip, they become enveloped with burning flames of fire. Lomisoba is a movable holiday usually celebrated after 7 weeks from Easter.

The Day of 300 Aragvelians (June) – is celebrated in memory of 300 Aragvelians in Zhinvali (Dusheti District).

Kopaloba (July 12) – Kopala represents a pre-Christian deity worshipped by the mountain people. Its main temples were situated in Pshavi (the village of Udzilaurta) and Khevsureti (Likokiskheoba, Chalaisopeli). Kopala temples are also found in Mtiuleti and Khevi. Kopaloba is celebrated in the village of Akhaltsikhe, Kazbegi District). He was believed to be born as a human who was later elevated to become a deity. God gave him and Iakhsar the mission to defeat Devis (magical creatures in old tales) settled in Pshav-Khevsureti in ancient times. Kopala was also believed to fight with the evil spirits and protect his followers and other human beings from them. As the legend goes, Kopala used to help his people in times of need, and accompanied them in wars. Kopala and Iakhsar were believed to be divine brothers (friends).

Eliaoba (July 20) – Elia is a Georgian pagan god of rain and thunder. According to a legend, he is blind and therefore while traveling in the sky, he sent clouds of hail over inappropriate areas. Thus, every time it looked like it was going to hail, the people used to shoot their guns and ring the bells. By doing so, they tried to send a message to Elia telling him that there was a village and he should stop. As part of the pagan religion, the people sacrificed a goat (kids) to Elia. This pagan deity was related to Biblical Elijah the Prophet (St. Ilia)

Atengenoba (July 18-23) – Christian holiday established at the end of the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th century in memory of Bishop Atengene (Atinogen) from Sebastia - the Greek Martyr. It is a movable holiday usually celebrated on the 98th day after Easter. The holiday is still marked by the mountain people in Eastern Georgia. Atengenoba is a pagan holiday with some Christian elements. On that day, a special ritual is held and the people pray to him for blessing.

Iakhsaroba (NLT July 25) – is a pagan deity in Pshav-Khevsureti, Mtiuleti-Gudamakari and Ertso-Tianeti. The celebration takes place in the village of Shuapkho. Unlike other deities, Iakhsar was believed to be sent from Heaven with an imagine of a cross or a pillar. According to a legend, he fought with the evil spirits (Devi, goblins, demons) and protected his followers and strangers who asked him for help. Using Iakhsar’s flag the Elders of the mountain tried to exorcise demons from an ill person and “save the soul” of the one killed in accidents (drowned, struck by lightening, killed in an avalanche).

Vazhaoba (August- September) – public holiday dedicated to Vazha-Pshavela. It is celebrated in the village of Chargali – his birthplace, where his home-museum is located. On that day, famous writers, public figures, university students, schoolchildren and those who admire Vazha-Pshavela’s poetry, arrive in Chargali. Special evenings and concerts are held dedicated to the poet.

Lasharoba (October 1) – Lashari Jvari (cross in translation) represents the main khati (meaning an icon in standard Georgian usage) for Pshavi people. The celebration usually takes place on so called “Lashari Hill”, across from the village of Khoshari, the upper part of the Aragvi Valley. Lashari Jvari was regarded as a God - warrior leading the army of his followers on a horse with agate wings. Being the patron of all of the twelve communities of Pshavi, the people prayed to him asking for rich harvest, well being and health of their families. Lashari Jvari was thought to be one of the richest gods. He was believed to possess numerous treasures through donations (including those from the Georgian kings) as well as estates and vineyards in Kakheti. Based on some popular sources Lashari Jvari was built by Lasha-Giorgi. Although according to the historical and linguistic data along with the function of the deity, Lashari Jvari should have been a celestial pagan idol.

Lasharoba is celebrated in Tianeti, Khevsureti and Pshavi. It is remarkable that as part of the tradition, the people practice animal sacrifice; also, the Elder carries Lashari Holy Flag blessing the people. On that day, a traditional horse race and other cultural events take place.

Shatiloba – (September - October) – public holiday celebrated in the village of Shatili.