Rains Retreat - Vassavasa 2023

Vassavasa is an annual three-month monastic retreat. During this period, the monastic Community remain in the monasteries or vihara respecting the rain and engaging themselves in the study of the Tipitaka and contemplation.

The three-month vassāvāsa (rains-retreat) of the Saṅgha concludes with the pavāraṇā (invitation) ceremony, which is in turn followed by Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony. It is a traditional ceremony that has been preserved for thousands of years since the Buddha’s time. Today, the Kaṭhina robe offering is a large, annual festival where Buddhists get together and celebrate the day by offering robes and alms.