"Significance of Kathina Robe"
Kathina festival itself takes place during the months of October and November. According to the scriptures, a group of thirty Bhikkus (monks) were journeying together with the intention of spending this special retreat season with the Lord Buddha. However the rains began to fall before the monks reached their destination and they were sadly compelled to stop their travel. Due to this natural adverse happening, the Bhikkus were unhappy at not being able to see Lord Buddha. Later on hearing of their unhappy plight, Lord Buddha shared their distress, but then uplifted and cheered them. Thereafter the Tathagata Buddha established the procedure whereby the lay devotees were allowed to donate a special (Kathina) robe and other items because at that time each priest was allowed to have a single robe which easily gets soiled due to mud dirt etc. As a result with the above provision the Bhikkus set about sewing a special cloth which is called the Kathina robe. In those days the preparation method involved spreading many pieces of cloth on a frame called a Kathina and stitching them together in the layout shape of a paddy field. All the Kathina activities especially the final Kathina celebration with the offering of the special robe is considered/classed as one of the higher meritorious activities. Further whatever other offerings made by any individual during the Kathina are considered as equal to and bestows similar merits as donating the special robe.
