The Spirit of Kathina- October 2025

Celebrating the Sacred Kathina 2025 Together.

October at Aranya Sangharama was filled with joy and devotion as the community came together to celebrate the Kathina ceremony — a time of gratitude, offering, and renewal.

Preparing the monastery grounds with devotion for Kathina.

Preparations began early in the month, with volunteers arriving ahead of time to help transform the monastery into a welcoming space for the Sangha and guests. The volunteering team served with great energy — cleaning, repainting, setting up tents, and beautifying the grounds. The dedicated kitchen team ensured that everyone was well cared for throughout.

Welcoming Luang Por Liem and the Sangha

Receiving Luang Por Liem and the Sangha with reverence and devotion

On the 9th, a number of Aranya Vihara Trust members along with Ajahn Gunakaro and Ajahn Nyanavaro received respected Luang Por Liem along with monks and lay people in Delhi, marking the beginning of several days of Dhamma, fellowship, and celebration.

Moments of Learning and Inspiration

Learning and devotion in the lead-up to Kathina.

A highlight of the days leading up to Kathina were visits to the old monastery site and Chaneti Stupa. The evenings were filled with paritta chanting and Dhamma talks, including a deeply inspiring discourse by Luang Por Liem, which touched the hearts of all present.

Kathina Day

A moment of devotion marking the beginning of the Kathina ceremony.

The main Kathina ceremony was celebrated on 12 October with devotion and joy. The day began with the traditional rice pindapatta, followed by the sewing and dyeing of the Kathina robe — a beautiful expression of generosity and communal harmony.

The day also featured a presentation by Ajahn Kevali and Ajahn Gunakaro on the development of Aranya Sangharama, and a talk by Bhante Sugatananda from the Mahabodhi Society.

A glimpse into the next phase of the monastery’s development.

The highlight of the afternoon was a presentation by Shri Mannat Singh from Imarat Architects, who introduced the design of the kutis that will be built as monastic residences— a milestone symbolizing the next chapter of the monastery’s development.

Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony

The ceremony culminated in the evening with the offering of the Kathina robe to Ajahn Gunakaro.

Dhammarama: Transitions and Gratitude

Closing a chapter, continuing the path.

Following the celebrations, the focus turned to the Dhammarama closing ceremony — a moment of heartfelt appreciation and reflection.

Led by Anish Ji, the ceremony marked the conclusion of many years of Dhammarama’s service as a space for Dhamma practice and gatherings. Luang Por Liem presented a Buddha Rupa to Anish Ji and the Goel Family, in deep recognition of their generous offering of the Dhammarama premises and their long-standing support of the Sangha. Their kindness and devotion have made possible countless Dhamma activities over the years and continue to inspire many.

In the days that followed, Yashika and Payal assisted with organizing and transferring the remaining items from Dhammarama to Sangharama.

Life at the Monastery

Welcoming cooler days and new helping hands at Sangharama.

With the arrival of cooler weather, the monastery has gently returned to its regular rhythm of daily practice. Under Ajahn Nyanavaro’s guidance and support, the offerings from Kathina have been carefully organized and stored.

Sanju has joined the community in Sangharama. His long experience and devotion to the Dhamma will be a valuable asset to the monastery.

Infrastructure Development

Protection and enhancement at Sangharama.

Infrastructure development at the monastery continued : a simple gate was installed at the crematoria end of the monastery compound. This will help regulate access to the monastery. Additionally, a shed behind the dining room has been completed. Mainly it is meant to enhance the space available to visitors, especially day visitors as well as the spillover that we have during events. It will also protect from the strong sun that we get from that direction many hours each day.

Visiting and Supporting

The monastery is currently experiencing the best weather of the year — bright glorious days and not-too-cold evenings. We welcome visitors in this period who would like to share this beautifully spiritually steeped landscape.

👉 Learn more about visiting: https://aranyavihara.in/visiting-aranya-sangharama/

If you would like to support the monastery to continue to serve as a fountainhead of Dhamma:

🙏 To support the monastery, please click here: https://aranyavihara.in/donations/

More Pictures from the Kathina Ceremony