New Delhi, November 03, 2024: Maha Bodhi Society of India successfully conducted a two-day Kathina Chivara Dana ceremony on November 1-2, 2024, bringing together hundreds of Buddhists from India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and beyond in a celebration of community, generosity, and spiritual unity.
The ceremony was highlighted by the sacred offering of the Royal Kathina robe, graciously bestowed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, symbolizing the King’s deep commitment to the Buddha’s teachings and the global Buddhist community. Buddha statues, also bestowed by His Majesty, were distributed to Buddhist families in New Delhi by the Chief of the Thai Dhammaduta Bhikkhus in India-Nepal, embodying the spirit of generosity and devotion.
Hon’ble Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, graced the auspicious event along with his delegation. The Hon’ble Minister offered the Kathina robe to the Venerable Bhikkhu Sangha, underscoring the spirit of reverence and community that defined the gathering.
A written message from Ven. P Seewalee Thero, General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, was read aloud by Ven. R Sumithananda Thero, Bhikkhu-In-Charge of the Sarnath Centre of the Maha Bodhi Society. In the message, Ven. Seewalee Thero expressed profound gratitude to the King of Thailand, conveying heartfelt appreciation for the King’s unwavering support in the promotion and global propagation of the 2,500-year-old legacy of the Buddha and Buddhist tradition. Ven. Seewalee Thero also extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests and thanked the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi for their initiative in supporting this special, sacred program. He noted that the gathering had become a noble assembly of Buddhists, well-wishers, and sympathizers at the Society’s Buddha Vihara—a matter of great privilege for all present.
Distinguished attendees included Ven’ble Bopitiye Dhammissara Thero, Sanghanayaka of Kalutara District, Sri Lanka; Most Ven. Phra Dhambodhiwong, Chief Abbot of the Royal Thai Monastery in Bodhgaya and Head of the Thai Buddhist Missionary in India-Nepal; H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India; H.E. Mr. Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore to India; H.E. Ms. Kshenuka Senewiratne, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in India; as well as diplomats, dignitaries, senior officials of the Government of India, and officers and members of the Maha Bodhi Society.
The event concluded under the able guidance of Most Ven. P Seewalee Thero, with coordination and oversight by Ven. M Dhammalankara Thero, Bhikkhu-In-Charge of the New Delhi Centre of the Maha Bodhi Society of India. Held at the Buddha Vihara of the New Delhi Centre, the event celebrated unity and shared values among Buddhist communities, strengthening bonds across nations and honoring the 2,500-year-old legacy of the Buddha.
