Colorful Religious Festivals

Shoton, Tibet
Opera and yogurt might seem an unusual pairing, but that's the main attraction at Tibet's Shoton Festival. Held in August, the festival marks the end of a period of Buddhist meditation in mountain monasteries. As the monks descend to the settlements below, they're met by singing opera troupes and drink yogurt offered by the villagers. The festival includes the unveiling of huge thankas, traditional Buddhist religious paintings.

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