Tibetan Opera Ache Lhamo and Shoton

Mr. Lobsang Samten, performing art’s director, at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala, explains the background of ‘Shoton’ and Tibetan Opera. Shoton means Yogurt Festival. In ancient time when the summer retreat is over, monks are served with yogurt followed by entertainment of folk songs and dances called Ache Lhamo opera. Ache Lhamo Opera was founded by the 14th century Tibetan Yogi Thang Tong Gyalpo, who is also known as Chaksampa, which means iron bridge builder.