Discovering the Kathina ceremony of the Khmer ethnic people

Every year, after three months of an cư nhập hạ, a period when monks focus on meditation and practice, without violating any monastic vows, the Kathina ceremony takes place, typically from the 16th day of the ninth lunar month to the full moon of the 10th lunar month.

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According to regulations, each temple is only allowed to hold the grand Kathina robe offering ceremony once a year, and the ceremony normally lasts for 30 days.

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The cà sa robe is the most important item in the Kathina ceremony, and it must be carefully and respectfully packaged to symbolize the devotion and reverence of the laypeople towards the monks and their monastic life.

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Holding the Kathina ceremony in early November this year, Phu Ly 2 Pagoda in Vinh Long Province has attracted thousands of Buddhist followers from local villages, as well as from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and neighboring areas.

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The ceremony takes place in a joyful and warm atmosphere, bringing together a sense of community and devotion.

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The monks and Buddhist followers perform the flag-raising ceremony.

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Khmer young women perform a welcoming dance.

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The Buddhist followers are preparing to perform the Nhiễu Phật – a Buddhist ritual where followers walk around a Buddha statue or a stupa three times in a clockwise direction. The ritual symbolizes the devotees’ respect and gratitude towards the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

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The offerings are carried by the Buddhist followers on their heads as they walk three times around the main hall, symbolizing their deep respect and devotion to the Buddha and the monastic community.

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The Buddhist followers walk barefoot to show their reverence and respect.

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The officiants perform the robe offering ritual in the main hall

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The monks are preparing to open the box containing the robes offered by the Buddhist followers.

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The monks perform the robe ordination ritual in the main hall in front of the Buddhist followers. The ceremony symbolizes a renewal in the monastic life of the monks, marking a new phase in their spiritual practice and purification.