What is Kathin Chibor Dan?
Chibor (চীবর) is the robe of a Buddhist monk and dan means offering. Kathin Chibor Dan is the ceremony in which lay devotees offer robes and other requisites to the Sangha — the community of monks — at the end of the rainy-season retreat. Many Buddhists consider it the most meritorious offering of the whole year.
When is it held?
Monks spend the three months of the rainy season, the Vassa (বর্ষাবাস), in one monastery — from Ashari Purnima until Prabarana Purnima. Kathin can only be offered during the one month after Prabarana, and each vihara can hold it only once a year. In 2026 the ceremonies run from 26 October to 24 November.
Where does the tradition come from?
According to the Pali scriptures, a group of thirty monks from Pava hoped to spend the retreat with the Buddha at Savatthi but were stopped by the rains. When they finally reached him after the Vassa, their robes were soaked and worn out from the journey. The Buddha then allowed the Kathina offering, so that monks who had completed the retreat could receive new robes.
Kathin in Bangladesh
Bangladesh's Buddhist communities — Barua, Chakma, Marma and others — celebrate Kathin across Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Dhaka. At Rajban Vihara in Rangamati, devotees famously spin, dye, weave and sew the robe within twenty-four hours before offering it.
How to take part
- Find a ceremony near you on Nandan's Kathin Chibor Dan 2026 list — search by vihara name or tap a date.
- Use the Map and Directions buttons to get there.
- Offerings can include robes, food, medicine, books and other requisites; check with the vihara committee in advance.
- If your vihara is missing, use the "Add your Vihar" form at the bottom of the list.