Traditional Yogurt Festival kicks off in China's Tibet

Celebrations for the traditional Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival, began in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Wednesday.

A traditional "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony marked the start of the festival, with a huge Thangka painting bearing the image of the Buddha being displayed on hillsides near the Drepung Monastery.

Tibetan opera performances, horse riding events, a photography contest and a walking assembly, are also scheduled during the festival.

Due to COVID-19 control and prevention measures, the activities will be held in different venues including Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.