The Sho Dun Festival, also spelled Shoton, is one of the liveliest celebrations in Tibet. It is also known as the Yogurt Festival or Banquet. This event got its name from a centuries-old tradition of a yoghurt banquet prepared by people for monks. Later on, opera and theatre shows were added to the celebration, creating a mesmerizing experience, full of fascinating cultural traditions.
Cultural & Religious Events
Nowadays, this event attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors. It is held annually at Norbulingka Palace in Lhasa, one of the biggest cities in Tibet. The Sho Dun Festival usually consists of three main parts: the Great Buddha Display, the Tibetan Opera Show, and the Horsemanship and Yak Race Show.
Great Buddha Display
The unfolding of a famous Buddha, also known as Tangka in Tibet, officially marks the beginning of the festival. A massive 5381 square feet (500 m) canvas is brought out of the Drepung Monastery by almost a hundred Buddhist spiritual leaders, called lamas, and displayed by the building. The ceremony normally begins at 8 am, with the horns sounding the start of the event. The unfurling of Tangka is truly a sight to behold not only because of its size but also because of its craftsmanship. The monks fold the canvas two hours later and carry it back to the monastery.
Tibetan Opera Shows
Tibetan Opera shows are held in Norbulingka from 11 am until dark. Whole families come to admire the plays and various shows while sitting on mats and tasting traditional butter tea. Ethnic songs and dances, colorful costumes, and night bonfires are also part of the celebration. It's a great time to observe the culture, religion, and traditions of Tibet.
Other Celebrations
Besides the religious ceremonies and opera shows, you can also participate in the community gathering in the park of Norbulingka. Locals gather together to sing, dance, and taste traditional festival food, such as yogurt. Other activities also include the Yak Race show, where you can witness some of the strongest yaks running until the finish line.
Festival Dates
The festival is held in summer, but the dates vary from year to year, based on the Tibetan Calendar. Normally, the celebrations take place from the 1st to the 7th of the 7th Month in the Tibetan Calendar. The general duration of the Sho Dun festival is seven days.
Location
Norbulingka Palace is located west of Lhasa and boasts an impressive territory of 88 acres (36 ha). From the 18th century until the 1960s, it was known as the summer residence of several Dalai Lamas. Nowadays, the Norbulingka palace is a public park and a cultural landmark of Tibet, drawing in thousands of tourists to its premises.
