The annual traditional Shoton (Yogurt) Festival, inscribed on the list of China Intangible Cultural Heritage in May 2006, was opened here on Tuesday. Buddha Thangka painting unfolding ceremonies in Zhaibung Monastery and Sera Monastery, Tibetan operas, and horse racing are to be presented during the Shoton Festival. Shoton, or Xodoin, means yogurt banquet in the Tibetan language, and the Shoton Festival, believed to originate in the 11th century and been originally 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.