Annual Kathina Ceremony 2026

Milton Keynes Vihara are holding their Annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 15 November, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the North Crawley Institute in Newport Pagnell (MK16 9LH). It's a day that only happens once a year, marking the end of the rainy-season retreat when lay devotees offer the Kathina robe and other requisites to the Sangha. In the Buddhist calendar, it's one of the highest forms of meritorious activity, and it brings the Sangha and the laity together in a way that's central to the tradition.

The day starts with a perahera, a procession that brings the sacred Buddha relics and the Kathina robe to the venue. Once the robe arrives, it stays there for devotees to stitch until 1:00 pm, so if you want to take part in that, it's worth arriving early. Lunch is served to all devotees, with light refreshments available throughout the day, and the whole thing is organised by the Milton Keynes Vihara community.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind if you're planning to go. Attendees are asked to dress appropriately, in white or national costume, and to show respect to the sacred relics and the Maha Sangha. It's a long day, running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, so you've got plenty of time to settle in and take part in the different parts of the ceremony.

Entry is free, though registration is requested. If you're thinking of heading over, it's best to get your name down in advance. The ceremony takes place at the North Crawley Institute, Newport Pagnell, MK16 9LH, on Sunday 15 November, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.