Join nationality festivals in Western China
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| The Buddha exhibition at the Drepung Monastery [CRI] |
The Shoton Festival in Tibet
The Shoton Festival is the second most important festival of the Tibetans, after the Tibetan Calendar's New Year's Day. The Tibetan word 'sho' means 'acidophilus milk or yogurt', and 'ton' means 'eat', indicating that 'shoton' is a festival for yogurt-eating. Now, the festival is mainly for Tibetan opera shows and Buddha exhibitions, combining cultural entertainment with religious activities. This year, besides the opening ceremony in front of the Potala Palace, the festival will also have a fireworks show, the Shoton Economic and Trade Conference, and the 'Shoton Star' singing competition. Among the festivities, the Buddha exhibitions at Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery are ceremonies you can't miss. When the first ray of sun shines on the ground, the huge Sakyamuni Joss is brought out accompanied by the sound of Buddhist bugles. Then, all of the Buddhists put their palms together and prostrate themselves on the ground to pay homage to the Buddha.
Time: Aug 10 – Aug 16
Place: The Potala Palace Square, Lhasa, Tibet
Bathing Week of Tibet (The Bathing Festival)
The Bathing Festival is a traditional festival in Tibet. The festival lasts for 7 days, earning it the nickname 'the Bathing Week'. During the week, all the Tibetans bathe, play and swim in the Lhasa River at sunset. They even wash their clothes and bedding there. After tiring of the bathing activities, the Tibetans have a bonfire party along the riverside, eating and having fun.
Time: Aug 15 – Aug 21
