An enormous thangka painting of Buddha is unrolled on a hillside platform at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 23, 2025. Celebrations marking the traditional Shoton Festival began in Lhasa on Saturday. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

LHASA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Celebrations marking the traditional Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival, began on Saturday in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

At around 7 a.m., nearly 100 monks from Drepung Monastery in Lhasa carried the enormous rolled-up thangka painting of Buddha and unfurled it on a hillside platform, marking the start of the three-day festival.

"Shoton means yogurt banquet," said Sogqu, a local resident who attends the event with her family every year. "This tradition has been passed down for generations. It is a holiday that is enjoyed by the entire family."

Losang Chozin, from a village in Lhasa, performed Tibetan opera at the festival for the second time. "I feel incredibly proud to perform at such an important festival," she said. "Tibetan opera is a treasure of our nation, and I hope to share the culture with more people through my performances."

The festival also attracted foreign visitors. Anna, a tourist from Italy who gave only her first name, arrived at Drepung Monastery with friends as early as 5 a.m. "The moment the giant thangka was unfolded, I was really impressed. The local opera also made me truly feel the charm and warmth of Tibetan folk culture," she said.

Originating in the middle of the 11th century, the Shoton Festival was among the first to be inscribed on China's national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2006. During the festival, participants enjoy yogurt, go on picnics, and attend traditional activities such as Tibetan opera and horse racing.

In addition to its traditional programs, this year's festival includes new activities such as cultural tourism promotions, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and sports games. ■

A ritual marking the start of the Shoton Festival is held at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 23, 2025. Celebrations marking the traditional Shoton Festival began in Lhasa on Saturday. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

A ritual marking the start of the Shoton Festival is held at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 23, 2025. Celebrations marking the traditional Shoton Festival began in Lhasa on Saturday. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)