Katina: Origins and Significance

The Katina ceremony is a Theravada Buddhist tradition that is over 2500 years old. It commemorates the conclusion of Vas, a 3-month rainy season retreat that monks undertake between the Esala and Vap full moon Poya days. 

In the Buddha’s time, there were several major religions in India, including Jainism. Ascetic Niganta Natha Putta was a well-known Jain leader. During the rainy season, he would stay indoors and perform special rituals. Since Buddhist monks have no home, they would often travel between monasteries by foot to spread the Dhamma. However, after criticisms from followers of other religions, the Buddha recognised the potential damage monks could cause by traveling during the rainy season. This included accidentally stepping on insects during their journey. In turn, the Buddha recommended during Vas that monks reside in one monastery, dedicate additional time to practicing the Dhamma and share the Dhamma with laypeople. 

Before monks undertake the retreat, laypeople need to invite monks to observe Vas. This ceremony is called Vas Aradhana and originated after the Buddha accepted a female disciple’s (Visakha) offer to invite monks to Vas and present each monk with a special cloth. When inviting a monk to observe Vas, the layperson assumes the responsibility of ensuring monks are provided with the required food, clothes, shelter, and medication. During this period laypeople will prepare a special robe called the Katina chivara.

To signify the end of the Vas period there is a Pavarana ceremony. In this ceremony, monks come together to provide constructive criticism regarding their practice during the Vas period. This ceremony provides the opportunity for all monks to reflect upon their spirituality and is followed by a Katina robe offering ceremony. The Katina Perahara is a parade involved with this ceremony during which laypeople offer monks the Katina chivara. The monks decide amongst themselves, who will receive the robe. It is important to note, monks cannot request the robe; instead, it must be given by laypeople of their own accord. The offering is of great significance and is thought to be immensely meritorious.  

Overall, the Vas period is an important time for both laypeople and monks. It provides a great opportunity for devotees to listen to pirith chantings and Dhamma sermons as well as participate in religious discussions and meditation programs.