Kathina robe offering ceremonies held by Theravada Buddhist communities

Theravada Buddhist communities in Vietnam and the United States recently held Kathina robe offering ceremonies, a significant traditional ritual performed after the rainy season retreat (Vassa).

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Nam Son Pagoda hosted a three day event from October 30 to November 1. The ceremony included traditional rituals such as circumambulating the Buddha, offering robes and essential items to monks, and performing Rom Vong traditional dances. The event served as a cultural gathering for the Khmer community to maintain their ethnic identity and religious values.

In Garden Grove, California, the Quan Tam Monastery organized a major Kathina ceremony led by Venerable Thich Phap Gioi. The ritual allows laypeople to offer new robes, food, and supplies to monks who have completed their three month retreat. Participants noted the spiritual importance of the event, which provides merit to both the donors and the recipients.