People throw hadas, or silk scarves used by Tibetans to express respect and greeting, at a huge Thangka painting during the "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, Aug 16, 2023.  [Photo by He Bingjie/Xinhua]

LHASA  -- Celebrations for the traditional Lhasa Shoton Festival began in Lhasa of Southwest China's Tibet on Wednesday.

Shoton Festival, which literally means "yogurt banquet festival," is one of the most important festivals for Tibetans. It dates back to the 11th century when it began as a religious ceremony for local residents to offer yogurt to monks finishing their meditation retreats.

This photo taken on Aug 16, 2023 shows a huge Thangka painting during the "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region.  [Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua]

Monks carry a huge Thangka painting at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, Aug 16, 2023.  [Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua]

Monks carry a huge Thangka painting at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, Aug 16, 2023.  [Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua]

Believers and visitors look at a huge Thangka painting during the "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, Aug 16, 2023.  [Photo by He Bingjie/Xinhua]

Monks prepare for the "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, Aug 16, 2023.  [Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua]

Monks lift a large yellow curtain on a huge Thangka painting during the "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, Aug 16, 2023.  [Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua]