Spiritual Events
Kathina (Robe Offering)
The close of the rains retreat, marked by the community's offering of cloth for robes.
What it is, and when it falls
Within the month following the end of Vassa — October or November.
Kathina is the oldest known ceremony in which lay people give to monastics as a community rather than individually: cloth is offered for the making of a robe.
It closes the three-month rains retreat and thanks the monastics for keeping it.
Why it matters
Kathina is the clearest picture of how this tradition works. Monastics do not earn, ask or fundraise. Lay people supply the four requisites — robes, food, shelter, medicine — and in return receive teaching, freely.
The gift is deliberately practical. Cloth, not cash.
How the day runs
| Time | What happens | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Gathering and precepts | The community assembles; the precepts are taken. | |
| Offering of the meal | Food offered to the monastics. | |
| The robe offering | Cloth is presented to the Sangha on behalf of the whole community. | |
| Dhamma talk | On generosity and the meaning of the requisites. | |
| Tea | Everyone stays; questions welcome. |
Who leads
The Sangha Council receives the offering; a lay office-holder coordinates the day.
What a visitor should know
- You do not need to bring anything. The community offering is made together.
- The ceremony is short and explained aloud as it happens.
How to take part
- Attend — the offering is made on behalf of everyone present.
- Contribute to the requisites through Get Involved.
