By Tika Bujiashvili

Pshavi is a small historic region of Northern Georgia along the River Pshavis Aragvi. Chargali is a small mountainous village in Pshavi. It is about two hours drive from Tbilisi. The region has spectacular views of Caucasus Mountains and became a favorite place for tourists. In summer the place is much visited for rafting on the river Aragvi. But in winter nothing interesting happens in this region except experiencing Pshavian hospitality with their traditional dishes-Dambalkhacho, Khinkali and Pkhali and drink Jipitauri, fruit vodka.

On December 25 a charitable concert ‘Pshavian Christmas Legends’, for Salome and Nino, was held at Chargali public school, in Pshavi. Tristan Makhauri, who was Pshavian (or Pshaveli), had his childhood spent in Phsavi and knew Christmas traditions well, told the guests how Phavians met Christmas and New Year’s day and  what traditions they had.

Bend Folka and sisters the Nakeuris sang for the Pshavians. Before the concert, visitors from Tbilisi visited newly opened Pshavian traditional handicraft workshop and then Vazha Pshavela’s, an eminent Georgian poet and a writer’ house- Museum.

Chargali school pupils had prepared a performance for the visitors. The day was very exciting as the girls, Salome and Nino’ dreams for Christmas came true. Besides, the organizers, Nino Nakeuri and Jarji Shukiauri, decided to visit the school once or twice a month and give master Classes to the pupils in singing and acting.

The end of the day was Phavian hospitality at Irakli Baiashvili’s home with their traditional dishes-Erbokhacho, made from Dambalkhacho (I will have an article about it soon) and Khinkali and singing, singing and singing accompanied with Panduri…

The Charitable concert was organised by Aragviani, ArtUniversal Group and Sisters The Nakeuris. It was also supported by Dusheti Municipality.

So, Phavi can became an interesting place for tourists if Pshavian cuisine will be paid enough attraction. Also, Pshavian folk singers will make tourism very interesting too. So, choose Phavi, less tourist attraction place, for your destination and you will never regret!

If you are interested in listening to Pshavian music you can try Pshavian Sisters The Nakeuris’ songs here:

 

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