The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari (1998)

The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari (1998) poster

The Pshavi people of the eastern mountains of the Republic of Georgia perform a ritual which can be characterized as a syncretism of ancient polytheistic beliefs and Orthodox Christian faith, but which is qualified by city habitants of Tbilisi as "pagan". The ritual of Tamar and Lashari celebrates queen Tamar (12-13th century) and her son Lasha, deified by the mountain dwellers. Each year, and for three days, on the hillside of a Caucasus valley, pilgrims consecutively meet at two sanctuaries consecrated to these deities and worship them through prayers, songs and sacrifices, enjoying at the same time food and happy chats with friends they have not seen for a year. In addition to prayers and sacrifices by a shrine priest, religious songs are an essential part of the ritual.

Director: Hugo Zemp
Runtime: 75 min
Release Date:
Country: Georgia
Language: ქართული
Original Language: ka
More Films by Director: Hugo Zemp

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari about?
The Pshavi people of the eastern mountains of the Republic of Georgia perform a ritual which can be characterized as a syncretism of ancient polytheistic beliefs and Orthodox Christian faith, but which is qualified by city habitants of Tbilisi as "pagan". The ritual of Tamar and Lashari celebrates queen Tamar (12-13th century) and her son Lasha, deified by the mountain dwellers. Each year, and for three days, on the hillside of a Caucasus valley, pilgrims consecutively meet at two sanctuaries consecrated to these deities and worship them through prayers, songs and sacrifices, enjoying at the same time food and happy chats with friends they have not seen for a year. In addition to prayers and sacrifices by a shrine priest, religious songs are an essential part of the ritual.
Who directed The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari?
The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari was directed by Hugo Zemp.
How long is The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari?
The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari has a runtime of 1h 15m (75 minutes).
Where was The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari produced?
The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari was produced in Georgia.