Kathina (Robe Offering Festival)
The annual offering of robes to monks after the Vassa Rains Retreat.
Kathina is held during the one-month season after the Vassa rains retreat ends at the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. Each monastery chooses its own day within that window, usually from October to November.
When Is Kathina (Robe Offering Festival)?
Kathina is held during the one-month season after the Vassa rains retreat ends at the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. Each monastery chooses its own day within that window, usually from October to November.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Kathina is traditionally regarded as one of the most meritorious acts of dana (generosity) in Theravada Buddhism, occurring in the month following the three-month Vassa retreat. Laypeople offer robes and supplies to monks, generating great spiritual merit for both givers and receivers.
How It Is Observed
Processions bringing robes to monasteries, offering of robes and necessities to the Sangha, communal meals, Dhamma talks. Royal Kathin ceremonies in Thailand are elaborate affairs.
Sacred Text
“The gift of Dhamma excels all gifts. The taste of Dhamma excels all tastes. Delight in Dhamma excels all delights.”
, Dhammapada 24:354 ↗