Phuket Temples Begin Annual Kathin Robe Offering Ceremonies

Buddhist temples across Phuket have begun holding annual Kathin ceremonies, during which laypeople present new saffron robes and other offerings to monks following the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat, known as Vassa.

Vassa is a three-month period during the rainy season when monks traditionally remain in one place and devote themselves to religious practice. The Kathin season begins after the retreat ends, with each temple holding its ceremony once a year.

The first Kathin ceremony in Karon took place on the morning of November 1 at Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, also known as Wat Karon. Monks at the area's main temple received new robes and other religious offerings.

The next ceremony in the area is scheduled for the morning of November 7 at Wat Pa Yuan Phueng, a small temple nestled in the forest on the slopes of the Nakkerd Hills. Last year, the event at this temple attracted members of the expatriate community.

The series of Kathin ceremonies in Karon will conclude on the morning of November 22 at Wat Kittisangharam, commonly known as Wat Kata. The temple also regularly serves as a temporary shelter for people evacuated because of natural disasters or other emergencies.

The Kathin robe offering is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist traditions. It represents gratitude, generosity and unity within the community, while allowing the faithful to support the monastic community and preserve a ritual passed down through generations.

Kathin ceremonies are held once a year at each Buddhist temple after Vassa. Their dates are arranged so that events at different temples do not overlap, allowing devotees to attend ceremonies at several locations.

The main national Kathin ceremony, attended by the King and Queen of Thailand, is taking place in Bangkok today. A procession of royal barges along the river forms part of the event, with Their Majesties traditionally travelling by royal vessels to the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun, to present saffron robes and other offerings to monks.