Kathina

Santi Forest Monastery holds the Kathina Celebration (Robe offering) at the end of each Vassa (3-month Rains Retreat) held during the monsoon period. During the Vassa period, the wandering Buddhist Theravada monks are required to remain in one place for three months, and the Kathina celebration marks the end of this period. They will then be allowed to wander again. The Kathina celebration, usually held in October or November, has been held yearly since the year 2000.  

The festival is celebrated by the offerings of robes that are given to the monks upon their leaving the monastery by the lay people. Many devotees from the various states of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand attend the celebration of Kathina to rejoice in this meritorious event by offering robes, alms food, medicines and other requisites to the Sangha. 

Each year, a large quantity of requisites is offered by the countless devotees and many volunteers help sort them out for distribution to non-profit organizations and villagers to help the needy.