What activities are there at Shoton Festival?
The Shoton Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is held every year from June 30 to July 6 in the Tibetan calendar and lasts for one week. The Shoton Festival is not only a grand festival for the Tibetan people, but also an important window to showcase Tibet’s unique culture and religious traditions. In recent years, the Shoton Festival has become more and more colorful, attracting a large number of tourists and media attention. The following are Shoton Festival-related activities and hot topics that have been hotly discussed on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Main activities of Shoton Festival
During the Shoton Festival, a variety of activities are held across Tibet, including religious ceremonies, cultural performances, sports competitions, etc. The following are the main activities of Shoton Festival:
| Activity name | Activity content | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Show off the Big Buddha | A huge thangka Buddha statue is displayed in the temple square, and believers worship and pray. | Lhasa Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, etc. |
| Tibetan opera performance | Traditional Tibetan opera troupes perform classic plays such as "Princess Wencheng" | Norbulingka, Potala Palace Square |
| equestrian show | Tibetan riders demonstrate superb equestrian skills and traditional costumes | Damxion County Racecourse |
| Yogurt feast | Families making and sharing traditional yogurt foods | Homes and monasteries across Tibet |
| Turn the sutra and pray for blessings | Believers walk along the prayer path and pray for peace and prosperity | Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace |
2. New highlights of Shoton Festival in 2023
This year's Shoton Festival added some modern elements and interactive experience projects to the traditional activities, attracting the attention of more young tourists:
| new highlights | Specific content | How to participate |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Buddha | Using AR technology to allow tourists to "catch" the virtual Buddha statue Hada on their mobile phones | Drepung Monastery Scenic Area Scanning QR Code Experience |
| Intangible Cultural Heritage Market | Focus on displaying traditional handicrafts such as Thangkas, Tibetan incense, and Tibetan carpets | Pedestrian Street on the south side of Barkhor Street |
| Camping under the stars | Plateau stargazing themed activities held on the banks of Namtso Lake | Reservation required in advance |
| Short video contest | Call for short videos on Shoton Festival themes, with a maximum prize of 10,000 yuan | Douyin platform #Shouton Festival topic |
3. Practical suggestions for tourists to participate in Shoton Festival
For tourists planning to travel to Tibet for the Shoton Festival, here are some practical suggestions:
1.Plan your trip in advance: Hotel bookings in Lhasa surge during the Shoton Festival. It is recommended to book accommodation at least one month in advance.
2.Be careful about altitude sickness: Most festival activities are held outdoors, so you need to prepare sun protection products and anti-hypersensitivity drugs.
3.respect local customs: Don’t make loud noises when watching the Buddha, and walk clockwise when performing prayers.
4.Traffic tips: Traffic control will be implemented around the Potala Palace. It is recommended to use public transportation or walk.
4. The cultural significance of Shoton Festival
Shoton Festival is not only a religious festival, but also an important carrier of Tibetan culture. Through the Buddha-drying ceremony, the Tibetan people's devout belief in Buddhism is demonstrated; the Tibetan opera performance inherits the ancient drama art; and the yogurt feast reflects the unique charm of Tibetan food culture. In recent years, with the development of tourism
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