The Kathina season is here!
Observed at the conclusion of the three-month Vassa, or Rains Retreat, Kathina is one of the most significant annual festivals in the Buddhist calendar. It is a time when lay devotees come together to offer robes to the Sangha.
But Kathina is about more than giving a piece of cloth. It is also an opportunity to practise generosity, express gratitude and support the monastic community.
In 2026, Kathina falls across a particularly active period from late October through November, with ceremonies taking place in Singapore as well as nearby Malaysia. Whether you are a long-time practitioner or new to the Kathina festivities, here are eight events to put on your calendar!
To explore more Buddhist events, you can also visit the Handful of Leavesβ Events Directory, your go-to resource for discovering Buddhist events near you, including meditation retreats, chanting/ puja, Dhamma talks, Buddhism courses, all in one place.
If you missed our Kathina guide last year, you can check that out here as well!
1. Mangala Vihara
π Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple, Singapore
π 25 October 2026
β° 5.30am
Start your Kathina season early at Mangala Vihara, which has scheduled its 2026 Kathina Day for 25 October.
The temple describes Kathina as a special occasion for the Buddhist community to come together in gratitude and generosity, offering Kathina robes and requisites to the Sangha following the completion of the Vassa (Rains Retreat).
The day will include the Kathina Robe Procession, Buddha Puja, Kathina Robe Offering, Sanghika Dana, and evening Bodhi Puja and Buddhist Pali Naming Ceremony.
Kathina robes and requisites donations can be made at the MV Treasury Office every Sunday, 9:00 am β 12:00 pm.
Why go: An early-morning start makes this a particularly traditional way to begin the Kathina season. End the day with a unique Buddhist Pali Naming Ceremony.
2. Singapore Buddhist Mission
π Singapore Buddhist Mission
π 1 November 2026
β° 9am – 1pm
The morning begins with a Kathina procession at 9am, followed by Buddha Puja and chanting. The programme then includes the observance of the Five Precepts, Kathina robe offering, a Kathina sermon, offerings of robes and requisites to the Maha Sangha, a blessing ceremony and dana. A vegetarian lunch for devotees is scheduled for noon.
The Singapore Buddhist Mission also explains the significance of the ceremony in accordance with the vinaya rules – although robes can be offered to monks at other times, a Kathina robe is a special collective offering to the Sangha following the Rains Retreat.
Why go: A comprehensive programme to experience many of the elements associated with Kathina in a single morning.
3. Wat Ananda Metyarama
π Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple, Singapore
π 1 November 2026
β° 9am
Singapore’s Buddhist landscape includes several traditions, and Wat Ananda Metyarama offers an opportunity to experience Kathina within the Thai Buddhist tradition.
Established in 1918, Wat Ananda Metyarama is Singapore’s oldest Thai Buddhist temple, making it a particularly interesting stop for readers who want to explore how Kathina is observed across different Theravada communities.
Why go: An opportunity to experience Kathina in the Thai Buddhism tradition
4. Santi Forest Monastery
π Santi Forest Monastery, Johor, Malaysia
π 1 November 2026
β° 7.30am
Want to turn Kathina into a day trip?
Santi Forest Monastery in Johor has held its Kathina ceremony annually since 2000, bringing together devotees from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
The monastery’s Kathina tradition also reflects the broader spirit of generosity surrounding the occasion. Besides robes, devotees offer food, medicines and other requisites, while volunteers help sort large quantities of offerings for distribution to non-profit organisations and villagers in need.
That makes a visit particularly interesting for readers who want to see how Kathina can extend beyond the temple and into wider community support.
Why go: A forest monastery setting and a strong emphasis on communal generosity. This is an overseas event, so factor in the journey across the Singapore – Malaysia border and check the monastery’s latest announcement before travelling!
5. Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary
π SΔsanΔrakkha Buddhist Sanctuary, Taiping, Malaysia
π 1 November 2026
β° 7.30am
The Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary, a monastery for Buddhist monks to deepen their knowledge, practice and realization of the Buddhaβs teachings, has listed Kathina 2026 for 1 November. For the elderly and those who are physically unfit, transport will be provided from the Greeneries Memorial Crematorium Area to the Kathina venue!
Why go: For readers interested in experiencing Kathina in a different setting from Singaporeβs, and within the sprawling, serene environment of Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary. This is in Taiping, Malaysia, so it is better approached as a dedicated pilgrimage or weekend trip rather than a casual Singapore day outing.
6. Burmese Buddhist Temple
π Burmese Buddhist Temple, Singapore
π 8 November 2026
β° 9:30am – 8pm
The Burmese Buddhist Temple’s Kathina celebration offers another opportunity to encounter a distinct Theravada cultural tradition within Singapore. Scheduled for 8 November, the temple lists these five kinds of benefits for the donors of the robes!
- The donor will always have a safe journey without worry, danger or obstacle.
- They will never suffer shortage of food and will not be harmed by poisoned food.
- They will not suffer loss by robbery or theft.
- They will not suffer loss by natural disasters.
- They can easily accomplish what they set out to do.
Why go: A chance to see how Kathina is embedded within the wider Burmese Buddhist community
7. Dhammakami Buddhist Society
π Dhammakami Buddhist Society, Singapore
π 22 November 2026
Dhammakami Buddhist Society currently lists its Robe Offering Ceremony (Kathina) 2026 for 22 November. Those who wish to participate in this meritorious tradition of dana are warmly invited to sponsor robes for the monks. Donated robes will be offered to monks training centres in Sri Lanka!
Why go: A later opportunity to experience Kathina for those who missed the October and early-November ceremonies.
