Odisha: The 29th Tibetan Shoton (Yogurt) Festival was inaugurated on 18 March, 2026, at the Odisha Phuntsokling Tibetan Settlement, drawing more than 500 monks, nuns, and laypeople.

The opening ceremony, held at 9:00 a.m. in front of the settlement’s administrative office near Camp No. 1, was presided over by chief guest His Eminence Kyabje Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, alongside special guest His Eminence Kyabje Jigme Rinpoche and other religious leaders, officials, and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations.

In his welcome address, Dhondup Tsering, director of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, highlighted the historical significance of the Shoton Festival and noted that this year’s celebration coincides with the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, being observed as a “Year of Compassion.” He stated that the festival is being organised as part of these commemorations.

Addressing the gathering, Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche expressed joy at hosting the traditional festival in the settlement and underscored the importance of preserving Tibetan opera (Lhamo), a cultural heritage strongly supported by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He also praised the performance on the life of Jetsun Milarepa and stressed the need for younger generations to safeguard Tibetan culture.

The cultural program featured traditional invocations followed by excerpts from classical Lhamo operas performed by various troupes from settlements including Kollegal, Tibetan Children’s Village (Chauntra and Dharamshala), Bhandara, Bylakuppe, and Odisha Phuntsokling.

Following the performances, Jigme Rinpoche emphasised that preserving Tibetan language and culture is a shared responsibility, particularly for the youth, while religious practitioners continue to uphold the Dharma.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Tenzin Phuntsok, artistic director of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, and a closing opera performance.

Although around twelve Lhamo troupes usually participate in the festival, groups from Mundgod, Nepal, Kalimpong, Mussoorie, Mainpat, and Poanta Sahib were unable to attend this year due to various challenges.

The event ended on a festive note, with participants and performers joining in traditional Tibetan circle dances.

– Report filed by Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts