Background
The Shoton Festival of Tibetan ethnic group, which was inscribed on the first list of China Intangible Cultural Heritage, is one of the most important festivals in the Tibetan Buddhism and in Tibetan area. “Sho” means the Yoghurt and “ton” means banquet in the Tibetan language. So the Shoton Festival means the festival when people eat Yoghurt according to the explanation of Tibetan. As Tibetan operas are performed and Buddha paintings are exhibited at this time, it is also called “Tibetan Opera Festival” or “Buddha Exhibition Festival.” It will last from August 10 to 16 this year.
The Gelug Sect regulates that between April and June according to Tibetan calendar, Lamas can only practice Buddhism in monasteries to avoid treading and killing tiny lives. The ban will be lifted at the end of June. At that time, all lamas go out of monasteries and the laymen will offer them sour milk and perform Tibetan operas for them. After 1642, the Gandain Phodrang (Paradise Palace) of the Drepung Monastery became the political, religious and cultural centre of Tibet. Tens of thousands of people rushed there each June 30th to give sour milk to lamas and ask for blessings. The Tibetan Opera troupes and wild yak dancing troupes all came to perform. In this way, the Shoton Festival was formed.
Nowadays, the Shoton Festival has become a comprehensive celebration activity with the most influences in Tibet. It is also a grand meeting for commodity exchanges.
With the topic of “Visit Lhasa and enjoy Shoton”, the 2010 Lhasa Shoton Festival will witness art performances, forums, painting exhibitions and business exhibitions to boost the development of tourism and culture in Lhasa.
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