Today, February 8, the union of Chokhosnebi (Chokha-wearers) "Chokhosnebi – 1973" traditionally celebrates the feast day of the Great King, marking the 953rd anniversary of his birth. This is an unbroken tradition that, for over half a century, has served as a symbol of strengthening national identity and a protest against the negative realities of the Soviet past.

Historical Context

In 1973, students of the Evening Faculty of History at Tbilisi State University sought to commemorate the 900th anniversary of King David the Builder. The Dean's office refused to grant them permission even to create a wall newspaper dedicated to the Great King, as such actions did not fit within the framework of Soviet ideology (where non-Russian monarchs were generally discouraged).

In a move of silent protest, an idea was born: every February 8, friends dressed in the traditional Chokha would gather to celebrate David the Builder's Day.

The union was founded in 1973 under the Soviet regime by four students: Henri Kuprashvili (TSU), Giorgi Tskhovrebadze (Academy of Arts), Zurab Gvelesiani (GTU/GPI), Tamaz Sherozia (GTU/GPI).

They dared to mark the 900th anniversary by appearing demonstratively in Chokhas, which at the time was a bold and direct challenge to Soviet ideology.

To avoid the scrutiny of the Soviet state security organs (KGB), the union appeared outwardly as a simple circle of friends celebrating the King’s feast day. In reality, the members worked conspiratorially and without fanfare to raise national consciousness. Their efforts focused on highlighting periods of Georgian history suppressed by officialdom, preserving national traditions, countering the "Russification" of the language, and distributing illegal political literature.

Today’s Celebration

Today, 53 years later, two of the original four founders—Henry Kuprashvili and Zurab Gvelesiani—remain in the ranks. Sadly, Giorgi Tskhovrebadze and Tamaz Sherozia have passed away. Now nearing their 80s, the friends faithfully continue their path: this morning, they attended a prayer service at the Church named after David the Builder, followed by a flower-laying ceremony at the Great King's monument.

This year's gathering is particularly emotional. Following the passing of co-founder Tamaz Sherozia a year ago, his sister—the renowned physician Manana Sherozia—has stepped in to continue her brother’s legacy. To uphold the national banner raised in 1973, Manana Sherozia donned the Chokha and was symbolically consecrated as a member of "Chokhosnebi – 1973."

Comment from Henri Kuprashvili:

"This is not just a meeting; it is a testament that the Georgian spirit and tradition are unbreakable. The memory of our friends, Giorgi Tskhovrebadze and Tamaz Sherozia, and the name of David the Builder give us the strength to wear the Georgian Chokha with pride even after 53 years. Our goal is for our national identity to always be felt clearly within the great European family."

As per tradition, the event was attended by the family members, children, and spouses of the Chokhosnebi, once again emphasizing the continuity of this movement and their unwavering loyalty to the country.