Photo taken on Aug. 19, 2020 shows a giant thangka painting exhibited during a traditional “Sunning the Buddha” ceremony at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The traditional Shoton Festival, or yogurt festival, began in Lhasa on Wednesday. (Xinhua / Zhan Yan)
LHASA, Aug. 19 (Xinhuanet) – In Lhasa, capital of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, celebrations for the traditional Shoton or Yogurt Festival began on Wednesday.
The festival kicked off with a traditional “Sunbathing of the Buddha” ceremony, during which a huge thangka painting with the image of the Buddha was displayed on the hills near Drepung Monastery.
“I started queuing after 6:00 am,” said Basang from Quxu County. “The Buddha’s sunbathing is the main activity of the Shoton Festival, so I am delighted and satisfied that I was able to take a look.”
Tibetan opera performances, equestrian events, a photo competition, and a walking gathering are also planned during the festival.
Due to COVID-19 control and prevention measures, the activities will take place in different locations, including Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.
The festival will last until August 25th.
Shoton Festival, which literally means “Yogurt Banquet Festival”, is one of the most important festivals for Tibetans.
It dates back to the 11th century when it began as a religious ceremony for local residents to offer yogurt to monks who complete their meditation retreats. End item
