Phnom penh: The Kathina Festival, one of the biggest Buddhist festivals in Cambodia, starts today across the country and will last until Nov. 5. The festival is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and is observed nationwide with great enthusiasm.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the term “Kathina”, derived from Pali, refers to pieces of cloth or Chivara, which are the robes offered by worshippers to the Buddhist monks. These offerings are made to monks who remain within their pagodas, refraining from collecting alms as usual during the three-month Chol Vossa or Rainy Retreat.
The Kathina period begins fifteen days after the Pchum Ben Festival, also known as the Festival for the Dead. This year-long tradition spans almost a month, starting from the first day of the waning moon of Assoch to the fifteenth day of the full moon of Kattik. During these twenty-nine days, Cambodians from various social backgrounds come together, contributing donations in the form of materials or cash to support the Buddhist m
onks in constructing achievements within their pagodas or communities.
Kathina, celebrated annually throughout Cambodia, is more than just a religious observance; it is a festival that fosters solidarity among people from all walks of life, uniting communities in shared purpose and devotion.