Sarnath, November 14, 2024: The Sarnath Center of the Maha Bodhi Society of India successfully hosted the two-day Kathina Chivara Dana ceremony on November 13th and 14th, 2024. The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of devotees and venerable monks from various Buddhist countries, coming together in a spirit of reverence, generosity, and unity.
The first day of the ceremony commenced with the sacred display of the Buddha’s relics, providing a profound opportunity for devotees to pay homage. Esteemed members of the Venerable Bhikkhu Sangha led the sacred Sutta chanting, invoking blessings for the welfare, peace, and spiritual upliftment of all sentient beings.
This deeply spiritual recitation was performed in the presence of devotees who sought to connect with the teachings of the Buddha. The atmosphere was filled with devotion and serenity as participants prayed for compassion, harmony, and global well-being.
The second day began with a grand Kathina Chivara procession, starting from Maitri Buddha Vihar and culminating at the sacred Mulagandhakuti Vihara. Devotees dressed in traditional attire joined the procession, carrying robes and other offerings while chanting sacred verses in unison.
Upon reaching Mulagandhakuti Vihara, devotees gathered in the courtyard of the sacred Bodhi Tree for the Chivara Dana ceremony. The offering of robes (Chivara) to the resident monks symbolized their support for the monastic community and their commitment to Buddhist teachings.
The sacred relics of the Buddha were once again displayed, offering devotees a rare and spiritually enriching opportunity to connect with the Buddha’s legacy. This special exposition inspired a profound sense of reverence and spiritual reflection among participants.
The event concluded with Sangha Dana, where offerings were presented to venerable monks in honor of their role in preserving and spreading the Buddha’s teachings. The Sacred Relics Procession, a revered highlight of the event, honored the Buddha’s relics while promoting the values of peace and spirituality.
The ceremony was conducted under the able guidance of the Most Venerable P. Seewalee Thero, General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India. The event was coordinated and overseen by Venerable R. Sumithananda Thero, Bhikkhu-in-Charge of the Sarnath Center of the Maha Bodhi Society of India. Their leadership ensured the seamless organization and spiritual success of this sacred occasion.
The Kathina Chivara Dana ceremony embodies the core values of generosity, unity, and faith in Buddhist practice. As devotees and monks gathered at the Sarnath Center, the event served as a reminder of the timeless teachings of the Buddha and their relevance in fostering compassion and harmony in the modern world.
