Kathina 2025 – A Visual Journey

Aranya Saṅghārāma celebrated its first Kathina with deep joy in the presence of respected Luang Por Liem, Ajahn Sangwong, Ajahn Kevali, and the Saṅgha.

This memorable two-day gathering, held on 11–12 October 2025, brought together faith, simplicity, and heartfelt generosity.

This visual journey offers a gentle glimpse into the key moments of their visit and the Kathina celebrations.

Kalyāṇamitta Bhavan Decorated for Kathina

Warm colours & serene natural surroundings set the tone for the celebrations at Aranya Saṅghārāma.

Shrine & Floral Preparations – 9 October

Earlier that day, Ajahn Gunakaro and Ajahn Nyanavaro, along with Aranya Vihara Trust members, travelled to Delhi to receive respected Luang Por Liem, Ajahn Sangwong, Ajahn Kevali, and the Saṅgha, while the resident monks quietly oversaw the preparations at Aranya Saṅghārāma.

Gentle decorations and heartfelt effort filled the monastery as it prepared to welcome the visiting Saṅgha.

The main shrine hall was readied for their arrival—serene, radiant, and beautifully adorned with fresh flowers. Across the pathways, floral designs and a warm “WELCOME” rangoli brought colour and joy to the space.

These simple, sincere preparations set a peaceful tone for the days ahead.

Welcoming Luang Por Liem & the Sangha – 9 October

As the Sangha approached, the community gathered with quiet joy — villagers, families, and lay disciples waiting patiently to offer their respects. The Thai lay community, who travelled together with Luang Por Liem and the Sangha, joined us for this first Kathina Ceremony at Aranya Saṅghārāma, sharing the same spirit of humility and devotion. In the Dhamma, all are equal, and this simple gathering reflected a beautiful harmony — people from different places coming together with one intention: to honour the Sangha and support the unfolding of the Kathina season.

With these warm and peaceful moments, Day One concluded with gratitude and a sense of shared purpose.

Morning Practice & Visit to Adibadri & Chaneti Stupa – 10 October

After a full and meaningful first day, the morning at Aranya Saṅghārāma began at 5:30 AM with peaceful meditation and chanting in the shrine hall. The Sangha led the chanting, and lay disciples joined in person and online, coming together in the same spirit of mindfulness and devotion. The stillness of the morning set a gentle tone for the visits and preparations that followed.

A Gentle Flow of Practice – 10 October

After a serene start with the morning meditation , the community gathered again at 7:00 AM as breakfast—lovingly prepared by volunteers and the kitchen team—was offered to the Sangha and the lay community. Soon after, the Sangha set out for pindapāta, walking mindfully through the peaceful surroundings before everyone gathered to visit Adibadri, a place deeply connected with the Buddha’s time. There, the Sangha and lay disciples chanted together with devotion and quiet joy.

Back at the monastery, the meal offering took place in the shālā. Later in the afternoon, one group accompanied the Saṅgha to the Chaneti Stupa, offering flowers, chanting Itipiso, and sitting in peaceful meditation around the ancient structure. Meanwhile, another group remained at the monastery with a few Saṅgha members, helping prepare for the upcoming Kathina celebrations.

The entire day carried the gentle rhythm of practice, service, and togetherness—each moment flowing effortlessly into the next.

Behind the Scenes

These behind-the-scenes moments capture the heart of the celebration — silent work, joyful cooperation, and shared service that brought the Kathina event to life.

Sunrise walk

A walk in harmony with nature at dawn’s first light

Pindapāta – 11 October

After the sunrise walk, the Saṅgha set out for pindapāta in the village, joined by Ven. Sugatananda from the Mahabodhi Society, Bengaluru.

Welcoming the Lay Community for the First Kathina

Dhamma friends and companions arrived from different cities—each carrying joy, devotion, and the wish to be part of this rare occasion. Warm hugs, heartfelt greetings, and familiar smiles filled the space with ease and connection. The atmosphere quickly became light and joyful—a shared feeling that something precious was about to unfold as we gathered for the first Kathina at Araṇya Saṅghārāma.

Setting the Space – 11 October

A few calm moments of final sound checks, arranging seats, and preparing the shrine before the Kathina ceremony began.

Kathina Ceremony – 11 October

The first day of the Kathina ceremony began around mid-morning, as the community gathered in the tent to welcome respected Luang Por Liem and the Sangha. Everyone took Refuge in the Triple Gem and undertook the Five Precepts, followed by a short, warm Dhamma talk by Ajahn Kevali.

Soon after, Saṅghadāna offerings were made with deep devotion, and Luang Por Liem offered his blessings to the gathering.

Land Tour

After the meal, some of the lay community took a short rest, while others joined the Saṅgha for a gentle land tour. The walk was led by Mr. Mannat Singh, Senior Architect from Imarat, who shared the vision for the future kutis — simple dwellings for monks to live in stillness, close to nature.

People of all age groups joined the land tour — from the youngest ones walking with bright curiosity to long-time supporters who came to see the unfolding vision of Aranya Saṅghārāma. Their presence added warmth and light.

Evening Gatherings

After the land tour, the community slowly returned to the monastery. Some sat in the shālā for a few moments of tranquil meditation, others shared warm conversations or offered respects to the Ajahns. As dusk settled gently over Araṇya Saṅghārāma, the community gathered again for the evening Kathina ceremony.

Luang Por Liem and the Saṅgha led the evening chanting, followed by gentle Dhamma reflections that filled hall with stillness. Together with the Sangha, the lay community joined in the parittas with devotion, creating a serene and unified atmosphere.

The first day of the Kathina concluded with gratitude and harmony — a peaceful pause before the main offering and robe-sewing ceremony that awaited the next day.

Behind the scene preparation – 12 October

Heartfelt preparation as the community arranged the rice for pindapāta.

Pindapāta – 12 October (Main Kathina Day)

The Saṅgha steps forward for the Pindapāta (alms round), while the lay community awaits in reverence

A beautiful moment of generosity as the community offers rice to the venerable Saṅgha.

Gathering in the Tent

After the Pindapāta (alms-round), the Sangha gathered under the main tent for chanting and a short
reflection on the meaning of Kathina.

Saṅghadāna Offerings

The offering ceremony unfolded gently, as the community approached the Saṅgha with devotion. Each offering was placed with sincere devotion — a simple expression of gratitude, generosity, and support for the monastic life.

Sewing Ceremony

The monks measure, cut, and prepare the cloth with great care, following the ancient tradition of robe making during Kathina.

The Saṅgha works together in harmony, sewing the robe with focus and devotion.

Lay community with the Sangha

Lay community members join in offering support during the robe-sewing process.

Dyeing and Drying Process

The completed Kathina robe, ready for Saṅgha-kamma.

Talks & Presentations

A few sharing sessions were also held in the tent during the day. Ajahn Kevali began with a brief reflection on the Forest Tradition and its re-establishment in India, offering context and inspiration for the community.

This was followed by an update on the monastery development from Bhante Mahāpañyo and Ajahn Guṇakaro, who shared the progress and vision for Araṇya Saṅghārāma.

Finally, Mr. Mannat Singh from Imārāt Architects presented the proposed kuti designs, offering a glimpse into the future of the monastery’s dwelling spaces.

A short Dhamma reflection by Ven. Sugatananda from the Mahabodhi Society, Bengaluru added a gentle pause before the community moved on to the next part of the day

Shared Lunch and a Warm Interaction with Ajahn Kevali

Following the Saṅghadāna, the village community joined for a shared lunch, adding warmth and togetherness to the Kathina day. What followed was a simple, heartfelt interaction with Ajahn Kevali that brought joy to the children and families.

Moments Before the Evening Saṅghakamma

Before the evening Saṅghakamma, the community enjoyed simple, relaxed moments—flowers, conversations, and time with the Ajahns.

Saṅghakamma

The Sanghakamma culminated in the evening with the offering of the Kathina robe to Ajahn Gunakaro — the most significant moment of the ceremony. This was followed by a brief Dhamma reflection by Ajahn Kevali and the traditional forgiveness ceremony — a gentle closing that left everyone with a sense of harmony, gratitude, and shared blessing. With hearts full and the robe-offering complete, the Kathina day came to a peaceful and memorable close.

Photo credits