IBC Celebrates the Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony - 2026

Reported by: Rev. Gurumada Ananda Thero
BA1, Student of IBC

“Anujānāmi, bhikkhave, vassaṃ vuṭṭhānaṃ bhikkhūnaṃ kathinaṃ attharituṃ."
“Monks I allow those who have completed the rains retreat to spread the Kaṭhina."

With these words the Buddha set a tradition that has lasted many centuries across the Buddhist world. The Kaṭhina ceremony is much more than an occasion for offering robes; it is an expression of generosity, gratitude, unity, and the close relationship between the community and lay devotees. Following this tradition, the International Buddhist College (IBC) Thailand held its annual Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony on Sunday, 1 November 2026, bringing together Buddhist monks, college members lay devotees and distinguished guests.

The Kaṭhina tradition is linked to the end of the rains retreat, known as Vassa. During Vassa monks focus on the Dhamma, meditation, study and discipline. The Kaṭhina gives lay people a chance to show thanks and help the Saṅgha by giving robes and other needed items. Thus the work of the monks and the kindness of lay people combine to keep the Buddha’s teachings alive.

The program began at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Sumitta Siak was the Master of Ceremonies. He greeted the guests and the crowd. The event started with a chanting procession; devotees carried Kaṭhina robes, flowers, candles, incense etc. The guest monk of the ceremony, Ajahn Sophon, the abbot and meditation master at Wat Suan Dhammāsakol in Hat Yai was welcomed with flowers by Ven. Zhen Sheng, the Director of the Rector’s Office of IBC.

The formal religious ceremony began with paying homage to the Triple Gem, led by Ven. Dipananda. Following this, Ajahn Sophon, Ven. Zhen Sheng, and Khenpo Rangdrol, honorable lecturers of IBC, jointly opened the ceremony by lighting candles, offering flowers, and offering incense to the Triple Gem. These offerings expressed respect and devotion to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha. The program continued with the Five Precepts administered by Ajahn Sophon at the request of Dr. Usha on behalf of the lay devotees. Then, Ven. Dipananda delivered a Dhamma talk on the meaning of Kaṭhina in life, emphasizing generosity, moral development, the importance of supporting the Saṅgha and gratitude to supporters.

An important moment was the formal giving of the Kaṭhina robe to the Saṅgha. On behalf of IBC and the lay people Assistant Prof Dr. Lang Heping, the Dean of Graduate School of IBC, handed the robe to the monks. In Buddhist custom the Kaṭhina robe is not given to one monk but to the Saṅgha. Other lay people also had chance to give robes and must have items showing one by one generosity and help for the monks.

After the offering of robes and requisites, chanting continued and merits were shared by the Saṅgha members. Participants took part in the water-pouring ceremony, wishing peace, joy, and well-being for all living beings. The program also included Mahāyāna chanting led by Ven. Zhen Sheng and Tibetan chanting led by Khenpo Rangdrol, showcasing the harmonious blend of Buddhist traditions at the college.

Ven. Zhen Sheng then expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped. Following this, a group photo was taken to mark the day. A vegetarian lunch, kindly arranged by the college, was served at 11:00 a.m.

Later, at 12:30 p.m., the Theravāda monks performed the Kammavācā ceremony at Wat Yang Thong, completing another key part of the day's religious activities.

The 2026 Kaṭhina ceremony was more than a religious event; it was a clear sign of the lasting bond between monks and lay people. The Saṅgha’s work shows their commitment, to the Dhamma and Vinaya rules. The lay people’s generosity shows they still back the Buddha’s teachings. Through this gathering International Buddhist College celebrated not a Buddhist custom but also values of giving, thanks, mutual respect and harmony that keep Buddhist groups together for many years.

May the merits of this offering bring peace, happiness and well being to all beings.
Namo Buddhaya!