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Vardavar is one of the most treasured and eagerly awaited Armenian holidays, celebrated as a timeless symbol of love, fertility, and salvation. This beautifully illustrated poem-book takes readers on a journey through the ancient roots of Vardavar in Armenian mythology, uncovering how it grew to embody love, courage, salvation, fertility, unity, and kindness.
The tale unfolds with a fearsome dragon abducting Astghik, the radiant goddess of love and beauty, casting the world into despair. Love and kindness fade, rain ceases to fall, and a relentless drought overtakes the land. Yet, even in the depths of darkness, hope refuses to fade.
Astghik’s devoted lover, Vahagn, the god of war and lightning, rises to the challenge. On a daring quest to defeat evil, he battles the dragon in an epic struggle, ultimately rescuing Astghik. Her return brings a renewal of love that spreads across the world—rain blesses the parched earth, and roses burst into bloom in joyous abundance.
And so, Vardavar is born—a celebration of love, renewal, and the enduring harmony that binds us all.
The 1990s in Syunik: A Memoir
In recent years, I’ve ventured into projects that push me beyond my comfort zone, yet feel profoundly meaningful. One such endeavor is my current work on a book—a heartfelt, non-fiction narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of the first Nagorno-Karabakh War between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The story is told through the eyes of my six-year-old self, offering an intimate glimpse into the struggles and resilience of my family as we navigated the challenges of daily life in Armenia’s Syunik province during the 1990s. At its core, the book is a tribute to the enduring power of love and the unyielding spirit of humanity—forces that illuminate even the darkest of times.
The book is more than a recounting of history; it’s a deeply emotional journey that celebrates hope, courage, and the connections that keep us alive and whole, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.