By the initiative of the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik” and with the support of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church in Georgia Boon Barekendan (or Original Carnival) was celebrated.

This holiday precedes Great Lent and is marked with traditional Harisa festival, which this time took place on Feb 10, after the Sunday Divine Liturgy, at the Hayartun Cultural Center of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church in Georgia.

The leader of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan and the clergy of the church, Armenia's Consul in Georgia Anahit Barseghyan, First Secretary of the RA Embassy in Georgia Vahagn Afyan, members of social organizations and public representatives attended the event.

Fr. Manuk Zeinalayn, the priest at St. Echmiadzin Church in Tbilisi, spoke about the festival and told in detail about the nature and meaning of Great Lent, which comes after the Original Carnival.

His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan blessed prepared harisa, which afterwards was given to people, and letters of gratitude were handed to women who cooked the dish.