Hill of Rites

A 35-meter by 30-meter Thangka painting bearing the image of Sakyamuni, founder of Buddhism, is unveiled August 12, 2007 on the hillside next to the Zhebung Monastery in Lhasa, capital of China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The occasion marks the beginning of the annual Shoton (Yogurt Banquet) Festival that is believed to date back to the 11th century. Originally a religious activity for pilgrims to serve yogurt to monks and nuns finishing their summer retreat, the festival has become a theatrical event since the mid-17th century. The week-long festival features Tibetan opera performances and yak races.

{ Source : www.chinadaily.com.cn }