Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony-2024

Reported by: Ven. Nanasami, BA3 student
International Buddhist College (IBC) organized a Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony on 20 October 2024 at its multi-purpose hall. Kaṭhina is a Buddhist festival held at the end of Vassa, the three-month rainy season retreat. During Vassa, monks remain in one place because the rainy season is the peak time for crops and insects. To avoid unintentionally harming them, the Buddha's guideline for monks is to stay in one place during Vassa. The festival's origin began with a group of thirty monks who were traveling to see the Lord Buddha, who was staying at Savatthi in Jetavana, Anathapindika’s monastery. As Vassa was approaching, they were unable to reach Savatthi in time, so they entered Vassa on the way at Saketa. They spent Vassa in a state of longing, thinking: 'The Lord is staying close to us, six yojanas [about 60 kilometers] from here, but we are not getting a chance to see the Lord.'

After Vassa, the monks continued their journey to Jetavana, Savatthi, where the Lord was staying. It was raining, and the waters were gathering, while swamps were forming. By the time the monks arrived at their destination, their robes were dirty, wet, and torn. The Buddha was pleased with their dedication and patience and gave them new cloth that had been offered to him by a pious laywoman. Therefore, nuns and monks traditionally receive new robes at this time of the year.

At IBC, the festival this year was celebrated with a series of activities. The event began with the welcoming of guests and the paying of homage to the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha), followed by the giving of the five precepts to the lay devotees and Dhamma Sharing to audiences led by Venerable Dipananda. The main part of the event was the offering of robes and requisites to the venerable monks and nuns. There was also a Dhamma talk whereby the monks gave teachings to the devotees and participants. This was followed by chanting and the transference of merits performed in the Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Tibetan traditions. A group photo was taken to commemorate the occasion, reflecting the sense of community and togetherness.

Finally, the ceremony concluded with lunch. Thus, IBC’s Kathina ceremony was successfully concluded with monks, nuns, and laity coming together in a shared celebration of gratitude and mutual support. Special thanks also to all donors, participants, and devotees from Malaysia for their support in making this event a success.