On June 28, 2015, the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik”, initiated the “Dolma-2015” Festival, with the support of the Hayartun Center and private benefactors. The festival was held in the Saint Etchmiadzin Church in Tbilisi.

National cuisine is a significant part of the Armenian culture. The presentation of national food (gata, harissa, and dolma) in Tbilisi has already become a tradition.

Pans of Dolma, cooked by Armenian women of Tbilisi, were laid on the tables in the courtyard of the church. Considering the large number of participants, the Diocese decided not to conduct a competition and instead decided to place the emphasis on cooking, so that anyone who wished could demonstrate their cooking skills.

Among the participants were the members of the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik”, the students of the Hayartun Center’s artistic classes, the parents of the children from the “Saint Movses Khorenatsi” Preschool, and members of the “Taron”, “Vank” and “Ani” Dance Ensembles. Each group presented 2-3 types of Dolma.

The Chairman of the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik”, Susanna Khachatryan opened the festival and pointed out the importance of preserving traditions, including national cuisine.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan blessed the participants and appreciated highly the trend towards preservation of the Armenian culture in Tbilisi. Then Rev. Fr. Ter Manuk Zeinalyan blessed the food and wished the participants good luck.

The Counselor from the RA Embassy in Georgia, Karen Melikyan, the wife the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of RA to Georgia Mrs. Eleonora Vardanyan, writer and translator Givi Shahnazar, Armenian public figures, foreign guests and many others attended the event and tasted Dolma.

The festival was accompanied by the concert organized by the Director of the Hayartun Center, Levon Chidilyan. The event was hosted by Liza Torosyan.

During the “Dolma-2015” Festival, cold drinks were served by the “Ritsa” company, headed by Eduard Muradyan and bread (Armenian Lavash) was delivered by the company, headed by Aramais Kamalyan.

The Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik” thanks all the benefactors for provided assistance.