Shoton Festival in Tibet: Explore Its History & Must-See Festivities for Travelers
As one of the most important summer festivals in Tibet, the Shoton Festival, also known as the Yogurt Festival, offers global travelers a perfect chance to join local Tibetans in a joyous and time-honored celebration.
So, what is the origin of the Shoton Festival, where should you go to experience it, and what are the top highlights you can’t afford to miss out on? In this travel guide, we will uncover the rich history and top travel experiences of the Shonto Festival. Let’s dive into it now!
What Is the Origin of the Shoton Festival in Tibet? Buddhist Practice of Gelugpa School
What else Do Local Tibetans Spend the Shoton Festival?
How to Plan Your Shoton Festival Tour in Lhasa Like a Local?
Etiquettes and Taboos When Visiting Tibet during the Shoton Festival
What Is the Origin of the Shoton Festival in Tibet? Buddhist Practice of Gelugpa School
In Tibetan, “Sho” means yogurt while “ton” suggests enjoying a feast, so the Shoton Festival literally means enjoying a yogurt banquet. That’s why it is also referred to as the “Yogurt Festival.”
The origin of the Shoton Festival dates back to the mid-11th century in the Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelugpa monasteries in Lhasa.
As summer heat rises, insects and small creatures come to life. To avoid accidentally stepping on and killing these tiny beings, Tibetan monks will observe a retreat, meditating and reciting scriptures from the 15th to the 30th day of the 6th month on the Tibetan calendar (in August), following the rules of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Learn the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
On the 30th day, when the retreat finally ended, the monks would come down from the mountains. To welcome them back, local Tibetan villagers and herders will greet them with freshly made yogurt. That’s how the Shoton Festival was born.
Local Tibetans eat yogurt in Drepung Monastery to celebrate the Shoton Festival.
As time went by, more celebrations such as the unveiling of a giant Thangka, Tibetan opera performances, etc. were added in, making the Shoton Festival one of Tibet's most thrilling cultural events, only next to the Tibetan New Year.
Top 4 Highlights of Shoton Festival: Thangka Unveiling, Yogurt Banquet, Tibetan Opera Performance, Horse Racing
The Shoton Festival is teeming with exciting cultural events. As a tradition, it begins with the giant Thangka unveiling in Drepung Monastery.
Before dawn, locals will flock to Drepung Monastery on Gambo Utse Mountain on the western edge of Lhasa to see the Thangka spectacle and get blessings. By 7 am, as the first sunlight breaks through, the sound of long trumpets and ritual drums fills the air. Around a hundred monks carry the massive Jampa Buddha Thangka scroll and slowly make their way up to the Thangka Wall.
As the giant Thangka reached the display platform, the once-bustling crowd quieted. Then, with the echoing sound of ceremonial trumpets and instruments played by monks, the massive Buddha Thanka will be unfolded on the Thangka Wall, marking the official start of the annual Shoton Festival. Learn more about Tibetan festivals.
After watching the Thangka unfolding at Drepung in the morning, locals will head to Norbulingka. The former summer palace of the Dalai Lama is now the most popular park for locals’ relaxation in Lhasa. They come for the vibrant Tibetan opera performance, one of the highlights of the Shoton Festival.
Tibetan opera, known as Lhamo, is a traditional form of performing art that blends singing, dancing, acting, and storytelling staged in the open-air courtyards of Norbulingka. The performers will wear elaborate costumes, and masks, and use dramatic gestures to bring the classic Tibetan legends and folk tales to life.
Locals will bring blankets, local delicacies, esp. Tibetan yogurt, for picnics with families and spending the whole day watching the performances, laughing, and enjoying the lively cultural atmosphere. The blend of fresh yogurt, music, dancing, and the joyous atmosphere takes the Shoton Festival celebration to the next level. The show will last for 7 days in Norbulingka.
Locals enjoy Tibetan opera performances in Norbulingka.
As the Shoton Festival lasts for a week, another highlight you can’t afford to miss out on is enjoying horse racing and horsemanship at the Lhasa Racecourse in Lhasa. Tibetans are born to be great horse riders on grassland. Aside from traditional horse racing, you can watch contestants dancing on horseback, wielding swords and archery, toasting on the saddle, and much more. It will be another eye-opening experience in Tibet. Learn more about the Tibetan horse racing festival.
Tibetans display amazing horsemanship during Shoton Festival in Lhasa.
What else Do Local Tibetans Spend the Shoton Festival?
Aside from celebrating the Shoton Festival in the above four ways, for local Tibetans, the festival itself is also a prime time for visiting friends and families and worshiping Buddhist deities, and doing charities.
Throughout the Shoton Festival, local monasteries will hold Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. Tibetan families will join the prayer sessions, do prostrations, and add offerings. Monks lead the prayers, chanting for peace and blessings, while the faithful add yak butter to lamps as offerings to the Buddha.
Shoton Festival is also a time for family reunions. Many Tibetans travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. Together, they prepare and enjoy butter tea and barley bread (Balep), savoring the warmth of togetherness. It’s a time to reconnect, laugh, and celebrate in the comfort of your home.
Local Tibetan families enjoy picnics in Norbulingka Garden.
Additionally, during the Shoton Festival, Tibetans would wear their finest traditional Tibetan clothing and take part in vibrant dance and singing performances. These lively performances not only bring joy but also tell stories of Tibetan culture and history, keeping the rich traditions alive for generations to come.
In the meantime, locals will engage in traditional sports competitions such as archery, wrestling, and horse racing, enhancing the festive vibes of the celebrations. Others enjoy leisurely board games (Sho) or card games, making the holiday even more entertaining and fun.
Locals play Sho, a board game in Norbulingka.
What’s more, the Shoton Festival is also a time for charity and gift exchange. Many Tibetans use this opportunity to donate food, clothing, or money to those in need. Acts of charity reflect the compassion and kindness that are deeply rooted in Tibetan culture. Friends would exchange items like grains, clothing, jewelry, or other thoughtful gifts to show low and care for each other.
How to Plan Your Shoton Festival Tour in Lhasa Like a Local?
First and foremost is to figure out the exact date of the Shoton Festival in August. Since the Tibetan calendar slightly varies from the solar calendar every year, the most reliable way is to email us to get the exact date of the festivities from our expert travel consultants. Meanwhile, they will offer you the latest and practical travel advice for free to get fully prepared.
Additionally, since overseas travelers can only visit Tibet via a guided Tibet tour, you’d better book your tour at least one month in advance since we will help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for free to board the flight or train to Lhasa. By doing so, You can have ample time to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa and book international flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu before heading to the Tibet Autonomous Region.
A Sample of Tibet Travel Permit.
Once, you arrive in Lhasa by flight or train, the first day is not for exploring Lhasa City. Instead, after hotel check-in, you need to have a good rest to give enough time to adapt yourself to the high altitude in Lhasa (3,650m).
On day two, have an early rise, and our local travel expert will take you to the Drepung Monastery before dawn for the giant Thnagka unfolding at 7 AM, the daybreak of Lhasa. In the afternoon, head to Norbulingka to enjoy the Tibetan opera performance and enjoy the Yogurt banquet with locals in the serene garden.
On day three, you can explore iconic attractions like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, and on day four, visit the Ganden Monastery, the first Gelugpa monastery founded by Tibetan master Tsongkhapa and enjoy dramatic Tibetan monk debate in Sera Monastery.
Our travelers visit Potala Palace during the Shoton Festival.
From day four onward, you can go to Lhasa racecourse to enjoy thrilling horse racing and horsemanship and cover the turquoise holy Yamdrok Lake nearby or budget two to four more days to explore heavenly Namtso Lake or even make it to Everest Base Camp or visit local Tibetan villages to see how they spend the Shoton Festival.
The opportunities for adventure are endless and it depends on your travel preference. We can help you arrange the best local experts, and local drivers, and book hotels and process travel documents, quality local eateries, and other services needed.
Etiquettes and Taboos When Visiting Tibet during the Shoton Festival
For foreign nationals traveling in Tibet during the Shoton Festival, it’s necessary to keep the following local customs, etiquettes, and taboos in mind to avoid unnecessary troubles.
During the Shoton Festival, locals will swarm into Dreung Monastery via winding paths to observe the Thangka unfolding. It will be extremely crowded and please wait in line. If you see Tibetans in prostrations or prayers, please do not block their paths or interfere with their rituals.
When visiting a temple or monastery, always walk in a clockwise direction (known as "kora") around sacred objects or shrines. Also, do not touch statues or sacred objects. For female travelers, please dress modestly and avoid skimpy skirts and hot pants in summer.
Our travelers interact with local Tibetans in Norbulingka.
As you enter monasteries, remove your hat and sunglasses and keep your voice low to show respect. Avoid pointing at Buddha’s statue or making loud noises, especially during prayers and ceremonies.
If you want to take photos of prostrating Tibetans in public areas, either use a telescope lens or ask for permission before. In most Tibetan monasteries and temples, photography is strictly prohibited inside. Pay attention to signs, and if in doubt, ask your guide.
If you see lovely kids in Norbulingka with their families, please do not touch children’s heads since In Tibetan culture, the head is considered sacred. When offered food, especially traditional dishes like yogurt or butter tea, use both hands to accept the plate or cup as a sign of gratitude.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Shoton Festival is one of the most vibrant cultural festivities for global travelers to explore the rich culture and history of Tibet. If you have more questions about the Shoton Festival and Tibet travel, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions and services. Cheers!
Tashi Namgyal is a devout Buddhist and an extraordinary local Tibetan guide who exemplifies the essence of excellence. With 20+ years of guide experience, Tashi excels at channeling his deep knowledge of Tibetan culture to guests through his unique sense of humor.
When off work, Tashi loves reading books on Tibetan Buddhism and practicing Buddhism himself like meditation, which makes him a perfect choice for the Tibet meditation tour.
Apart from that, Tashi was born with a knack for connecting with young people. Whether you are on his cycling tour, Buddhist meditation tour, or Mt.Kailash pilgrimage, you will be taken great care of and have a delightful experience.
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