The Ambassador of Myanmar to India attends the 17th Kathina Robes Donation Ceremony (17-10-2025, Gaya, Bihar State, India)

The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar annually commemorates the Kathina Robes Donation Ceremony at the Myanmar Monastery in Bodh Gaya, India. This year, the 17th ceremony was held on 17 October 2025 at the Myanmar Monastery in Bodh Gaya, Bihar State, India. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr. Aye Tun, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture; Mr. Zaw Oo, Ambassador of Myanmar to India; Mr. Thein Win, Director-General of the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, and officials from the Ministry of Religious and Culture Affairs, Embassy of Myanmar in New Delhi and the Myanmar Military Attache Office in New Delhi(Army, Navy, and Air).

During the ceremony, Venerable Sayadaws, monks, nuns, and lay disciples from 42 Myanmar monasteries across India, together with monastic students from various Buddhist universities, received Kathina robes and other offerings. Following the presentation of offerings, the Deputy Chairmen (2) of the All-India Sangha Nayaka Association, including the Venerable Baddanta Obhāthathana, Abbot of Sāvatthi Myanmar Jetavana Monastery in Uttar Pradesh, India, delivered a Dhamma Anumodana (sermon of appreciation). The Venerable Sayadaws then led prayers and shared water libations for the accumulation of merit, while the ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Buddhasāsanaṁ ciraṁ tiṭṭhatu blessing three times. Devotees, monks, and nuns attending the event also contributed additional offerings. Since the establishment of the Buddha’s sacred teachings in the Mizzima region, Myanmar-born Theravāda monks have diligently supported the revival and propagation of Buddhism in Buddha Gaya. Under the guidance of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, the Kathina Robe Donation Ceremony has been organized annually at the Myanmar Monastery in Gaya since 2008, and this year marks the 17th ceremony.

Since the time when the Buddha’s sacred teachings were first established in the Mizzima region, Myanmar-born Theravāda monks who have been devotedly serving the Sasana have continuously supported the revival and flourishing of Buddhism in this holy land. With the noble aim of ensuring that the venerable monks may continue their monastic duties without material hardship, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, under the guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, has organized the annual Maha Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony at the Myanmar Monastery in Buddha Gaya, Gaya City, Bihar State, India, since 2008. This year, 2025, marks the 17th (Sattarasama) ceremony.