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Kathina (Robe Offering Festival)
The annual offering of robes to monks after the Vassa Rains Retreat.
📅 October 21 – 30 days🌙 Lunar calendar
✦ Why It Matters
Kathina is the most meritorious act 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 ↗
Note on dates: This holiday follows a lunar or lunisolar calendar. The date shown is approximate for 2025–2026. Exact dates may vary by one or two days depending on moon sighting and regional tradition. Always confirm with your local community.