(VOVWORLD) - The Kathina ceremony, an offering of robes to Buddhist monks, is an important event of Theravada Buddhism. Each year, from the 15th day of the 9th lunar month to the next full-moon day, Theravada Buddhist Khmer people in Vietnam’s southern region joyfully celebrate the Kathina ceremony to pray for happiness, peace, favorable weather, and a bumper crop by offering robes and other items to Buddhist monks.
 A Kathina ceremony at Pitu Khosa Rangsay pagoda. (Photo: Nguyen Dac Hong Phuong/VOV) |
The Kathina ceremony is a source of pride and aspiration for every Khmer family. They give robes and other items, such as beds, desks, chairs, and wardrobes, to the pagodas and monks to show their respect.
The family of Nguyen Thi My Linh in Can Tho City said her family had been preparing for nearly a year for the solemn ritual.
“This is a very important ceremony. It used to be attended by hundreds, even a thousand people. But this year only a few dozen Buddhist followers came because of the COVID-19 pandemic. My family organized the ceremony despite many difficulties, because we have been blessed. I have now fulfilled my wish to organize a Kathina ceremony and I’m very happy,” said Linh.
 Buddhist followers offer robes to monks. (Photo: Nguyen Dac Hong Phuong/VOV) |
The Kathina robe offering ceremony takes place over 2 days with 2 parts: a ceremony and a festival.
On the first day Buddhist followers collect contributions of cash and kind. Then the monks hold a prayer session to pray for peace for the contributors and other villagers.
On the second day, a Kathina procession goes around the village, accompanied by a Sa Dam drum team, Robam dancers, and Hanuman monkeys. Young girls and Buddhist followers line up in two rows to carry the offering to the pagoda. The monks lead them around the pagoda 3 times and then into the Kathina ceremony in the main hall.
Banh Ngoc Phuong, a participant, said, “I’m very happy to have been invited to the robe offering ceremony. The rituals have been solemnly and well organized, as in previous years. I hope that when the pandemic is contained, more people can attend the ceremony.”
 Theravada Khmer monks receive new robes. (Photo: Nguyen Dac Hong Phuong/VOV) |
The local authorities helped organize folk games and performances of traditional folk arts. 12 Khmer Theravada pagodas and a Theravada Institute in Can Tho City will organize Kathina ceremonies.
Venerable Ly Hung, deputy head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Can Tho City and head of Pitu Khôsa Răngsây pagoda, said the Kathina ceremony has strengthened unity among Buddhist monks and followers.
“People offer robes and other items to monks to receive blessings of happiness and prosperity. People who make an offering to the monks accrue a great blessing in their present life,” said Venerable Hung.
As the lives of the Khmer have improved, they have organized the Kathina ceremony on a larger scale and more joyfully. They take the occasion to repair and upgrade pagodas, houses for monks, and schools, and consolidate the community bond.