The ancient Armenian New Year
August 11, 2025-September 9, 2025 -
Armenia, Armenia
Navasard, the ancient Armenian New Year, dates back thousands of years. It began in pre-Christian Armenia as a celebration tied to both the seasons and the gods.
The event marked the start of the new year according to the old Armenian calendar, which originally began in early spring. Farmers, warriors, and royalty alike took part, with everyone coming together to honor their deities.
The Armenian pagan priests, known as the magi, were responsible for overseeing the rituals and festivities.
They led ceremonies at sacred places, often near rivers and mountains, where the gods were believed to gather. People thanked the gods for the harvest and prayed for rain, fertility, and protection for the coming year.
During Navasard, the focus was on honoring the gods, particularly Anahit, Astghik, and Vahagn, three central figures in Armenian mythology.
Offerings of food, animals, and symbolic gifts were made in their names. The celebration also involved large feasts, sports, and dancing, making it the most important holiday of the year.
Due to changes in the calendar in the 11th century, the festival shifted from spring to late summer. This adjustment didn’t dampen the spirit, and the celebration continued, although its prominence faded with time.
11 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
12 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
13 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:58
Navasard
14 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
15 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
16 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
17 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
18 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
19 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
20 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
21 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
22 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
23 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
24 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
25 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
26 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
27 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
28 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
29 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
30 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
31 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
01 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
02 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
03 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
04 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
05 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
06 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
07 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
08 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
09 Sep 25
00:00 - 23:59
Navasard
