Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c12.s1.t4: Zho Ston Festival
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c12.s1.t4
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Zho Ston Festival
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Shoton Festival (zho ston), transliterated from Tibetan "Zho ston", which means "a feast of yoghurt", is the largest religious and cultural festival in Lhasa, Tibet.
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In 15th century CE, Tsongkhapa strictly standardised the regulations of Ganden Monastery (dgav ldan dgon) and called on all the lamas to reside in their respective monasteries and practice Buddhism in summer, avoiding harming other living things such as insects if they go out. When they stop meditation and go downhill, the secular world offered yoghurt as a thankful gesture for their successful practice. That later became a rule, more specifically, a grand Buddhist festival locally. In the beginning of 17th century CE, it evolved into a grand event celebrated by both lamas and ordinary people. Lamas hold their "Buddha painting show" and other ceremonies in various large monasteries; on the other
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Lhasa Shoton festival or yogurt banquet, sun shining on the Buddha
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hand, secular folks play Tibetan dramas and other variety of performances in Norbulingka Park (nor bu gling kha) as well as other parks. The festival is mainly held at Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery (Three Monasteries) as well as Norbulingka, Lhasa, from the late sixth month to mid seventh month annually. In either duration or scale, it is second to none. In this way, it has been included in traditional festivals across Tibet with the largest scale but also a ceremonious cultural and recreational activity in summer, in which Tibetan people massively participate.
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(*Kalsang gyal*)