The Tibetan drama, photo from China Tibet Information Center.

The closing ceremony, photo from China Tibet Information Center.

2008 Lhasa Shoton Festival successfully concluded with an awarding ceremony for the Tibetan drama performers on Septermber 5.

Shoton Festival, which dates back to the 11th century as a religious activity for pilgrims to serve yogurt to monks and nuns who finished their summer retreat, had gradually become a theatrical event by mid-17th century. The Shoton Festival was inscribed on the list of China Intangible Cultural Heritage in May last year.