History of Shoton Festival

History of Shoton Festival – Origin

Shoton Festival originated in middle of 11th century. At that time, Shoton Festival is a kind of pure religious activity. According to folk legends, there are over 300 precepts in Buddhism. The most important precept is the ban of killing life. Since climate in summer becomes warm, grasses and trees grow up and everything comes to life again. It is unavoidable to kill life when go out. But it infringed the ban of killing life. Hence, the precepts of Gelug Sect fixed that Lamas should stay in monastery to practice from April to June. This is named "yale". The ban will be lifted on June. On the day of lifting ban, monks in monasteries will go down mountains. In order to reward monks, local people prepared yoghurt for them to hold outdoor banquet and performed Tibetan Opera on the celebration party. That' the origin of Shoton Festival.

History of Shoton Festival – Development

In the end of 17th century and early of 18th century, the emperor of Qing Dynasty conferred on the fifth Dalai and fifth Panchen and granted them gold volume and gold seal. It enhanced Tibetan system of unification of the state and the church. Based on records, there are 12 troupes of Tibetan Opera took part in the performance of Shoton Festival. Hence, this traditional festival with over 300 years' history is also Tibetan Opera Festival in a sense. The early period of Tibetan Opera permeating into Shoton Festival is the start of religious activity combining with recreation. Since Drepung Monastery is the center of the activity, people also named it "Drepung Shoton Festival". After the fifth Dalai moved to Potala Palace, Tibetan Opera was first performed in Drepung Monastery in Shoton Festival, and then perform in Potala Palace on the second day. After the Norbu Lingka was built up in 18th century, it became the summer palace of Dalai. So, the activities of Shoton Festival moved to Norbu Lingka from Potala Palace. Since then, the activities of Shoton Festival became more complete, and formed a set of fixed ceremony rite.

Before Tibetan Democratic Reform, the troupes of Tibetan Opera will reach Potala Palace on June 29th. Then, go to Norbu Lingka to send their greetings to Dalai. At last, go back to Drepung Monastery at night. The second day is Drepung Shoton Festival. Troupes performed for one day. In the five days of Shoton Festival, officials gathered in Norbu Lingka to enjoy Tibetan Opera with Dalai.

After Tibetan Democratic Reform in 1959, the content of Shoton Festival became richer. During the Shoton Festival, Tibetans near Lhasa will go to Norbu Lingka with colorful bags and barley wine. Except for enjoying the performances of Tibetan Opera, Tibetans will put up colorful tents in shade, spread cushion and carpet on land and place fruits, wine and foods on the carpet. They will chat and drink wine, sing songs and dance. In the afternoon, every family will go out to visit other families. The host will toast wine to guests and sing beautiful songs. In tents, they will toast wine to each other. The scene is very bustling.