Every year, during the period from September 15 to October 15 of the lunar calendar every year (equivalent to about mid-November to December 15 according to the Khmer calendar), Khmer people in the South organize the Buddhist robe offering ceremony (Kathina ceremony) at local Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas.
“Kathina" in the Theravada Buddhism means the solidity or tightness. The Kathina ceremony is a practice by lay Buddhists for offering robes and necessities to Buddhist monks in their respect.
The Kathina ceremony is often held after the three-month Buddhist summer retreat and before the Ooc - Om - Boc ceremony, and only Buddhist monks who complete the summer retreat will receive blessings of this great ceremony.
Kathina ceremony is often held in two days. On the first day, a prosperous household performs rituals at home, inviting relatives and Buddhists to attend, and monks to recite Buddhist sutras for blessings.
On the second day, the host family and lay Buddhists carry offerings in their hands, together with the Chhay-dam drum team and dance groups parading around a Buddhist pagoda’s main hall, before presenting Buddhist robes to the pagoda’s monks. Then, the pagoda’s abbot and monks perform traditional rites such as the taking refuge in the Three Jewels, the preaching on the meaning of Kathina ceremony, reciting a Buddhist sutra for peace and blessings, the merit transferring to death relatives, etc.
Lay Buddhists parade around Xiem Can pagoda’s main hall in Bac Lieu during Kathina ceremony
Offerings in the Kathina ceremony include Buddhist robes, bowls for monks to beg for alms, notebooks, pens, and other daily necessities such as medicines, food, household items...
The Buddhist robe is the most important offering in the Kathina ceremony. According to the Buddhist tradition, the Buddhist robe is a symbol of Buddhist Dharma and symbolizes the noblest, virtuous and sacred things, which is revered and respected by lay Buddhists.
During the Kathina ceremony, lay Buddhists carry a Buddhist robe and offerings on their heads with the respect and unity toward monks, showing lay Buddhists’ wish to support the sangha.
On this occasion, many lay Buddhist families also donate to the pagoda some items such as beds, tables and chairs, cabinets, blankets, pillows, etc. in their respect, or contribute funds for the restoration of the pagoda and provide food to Buddhist monks.
Performing rituals of robes offering and Buddhist chanting to bless lay Buddhist families
Kathina ceremony is a tradition of Khmer people, not only show the goodwill of lay Buddhists for supporting to the sangha, but also features prayers for peace in the village, favorable weather, and family happiness.
