Katina Ceremony – 19th October 2025

Katina Ceremony

The Katina Ceremony marks the end of the three-month Rainy Retreat observed by Theravāda Buddhist monks. This retreat begins on the full moon day of July and concludes on the full moon day of October.

There is a story behind how the Rainy Retreat came into existence. During the time of the Buddha, monks travelled from place to place spreading the Dhamma—the teachings of the Buddha. Some people, mainly followers of the Jain tradition, complained, saying: “Buddhist monks travel even during the rainy season, treading on newly grown grass and killing small creatures such as worms and insects on muddy paths. Even birds remain in their nests during this time.”

When these complaints reached the Buddha, He addressed the monks, saying:
“O monks, I hereby advise and permit you to observe the Rainy Retreat during the rainy season.”
From then on, Buddhist monks began to observe this retreat. Although the timing of the rainy season differs from country to country, the three-month duration of the Rainy Retreat has always remained unchanged.

During this period, monks stay in the same monastery without undertaking long journeys, focusing instead on spiritual cultivation through meditation and the study of the Dhamma. The Rainy Retreat is significant for both monks and laypeople, as it provides an opportunity for them to come together and engage in meritorious activities, deepening their spiritual practice.

At the conclusion of the three-month retreat, the Katina Ceremony is held, during which devotees offer the Katina Robe to the monks who have observed the retreat. All these observances are conducted according to the monastic disciplinary code.

The word Katina means hard, firm, or solid. It is believed that offering the Katina Robe brings abundant and powerful merit to the devotees.

Rev. P. Hemaratana

Redbridge Buddhist Vihara

09 Balfour Road, Ilford.