Significance
The Katina ceremony signifies the close of the three-month Vassana period commencing on the Poya Day of Esala and terminating on the Poya Day of Nikini, and the offering of the Katina Chivaraya or Katina Robe to the Maha Sangha, who observed the Vassana Retreat. It all started from the time of the Buddha, when the disciples of the Buddha came across difficult situations when going about their Pinnapatha rounds, during the rainy season. The Buddha who listened very carefully to his disciples on this issue, permitted that they reside within the temples or monasteries, especially during this three-month rainy season, and expected that the lay supporters would very kindly look after the welfare of his disciples. Since then, the Katina ceremony is held in almost every temple and monastery during this time of the year and extends until the Il Poya Day in November. The three-month vassana period also affords the clergy and the laity to maximize this opportune period solely in the dispensation, practice and propagation of the sublime teachings of the Buddha.
The Katina Ceremony
Kathina is a festival that takes place during the months of October and November. For 2500 years, families have gathered to take part in the largest alms-giving ceremony of the Buddhist year. Friends, parents and children join together in a celebration on the theme of harmony. Kathina Ceremony occurs at the end of the Vas season. During these three months of Vas season, the resident monks of the temples have been obliged by their rule not to travel unless absolutely necessary. This year, our community is delighted to host both Venerable Wajirapala Thero and Venerable Vijitha Thero at NC Buddhist temple during the Vas season. Each month, there will be two Dhamma sermon sessions, Atavisi pooja and Poya day events throughout Vas season. All these events will take place at NC Buddhist Temple on Saturdays. In addition to these main events, daily poojas, chanting pirith and meditation events will continue as usual.
Please check below link for complete schedule of events. Also, you can sign up for each event to confirm your participation. If you would like to coordinate any of those events, we encourage you to do so by signing up as a “Coordinator”.
Rainy season retreat programs Signup
Rainy season retreat program schedule
Day before Katina Day
7: 00 pm Buddha Pooja & Chanting of Seth Pirith Traditional Blessings ceremony
8: 30 pm Dinner
On Katina Day
6:30 am Bringing the Katina Robe to the Temple
7:00 am Buddha Puja
7:30 am Heel Dana for Maha Sangha
8:15 am Breakfast for all participants
10:00 am Arrival of all members and other visitors
10:30 am Katina Robe Procession
11:00 am Buddha Puja by Ven. Vajirabuddhi Thero
11:15 am Offering of Katina Robe and Daval Dana for Maha Sangha
12:30 pm Lunch for all Participants
1:30 pm Offering of the Katina Robe
1:30 PM Dhamma Sermon for children
2:30 pm Gilanpasa Buddha Puja & sharing merits with departed ones
3:00 pm Tea and the end of Katina Ceremony (Cleaning of the temple premises)