Patiya Central Buddhist Monastery & Welfare Complex joyfully and reverently celebrated the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony on November 8, 2024, Friday. The event took place at the monastery premises, drawing a large gathering of Upasaka and Upasika.

The afternoon segment commenced at 1:30 PM, featuring a grand and solemn atmosphere. His Holiness the Most Venerable Shasanapriya Mahathero, Deputy Sangharaj of the Supreme Sangha Council of Bangladesh, presided over the ceremony. The chief Dhamma speaker, Ven. Gayanendriya Mahathero, noted author and translator of the holy Tipitaka, along with Ven. Mettabangsha Mahathero, resident of Rajbana Bihar, Rangamati, also graced the occasion.

The event was expertly coordinated by Venerable Dr. Sanghapriya Mahathero, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Sangharaj Bhikkhu Mahasabha and the Founder & Principal of the monastery. Ven. Ratana Nanda Thero, office secretary of the Supreme Sangha Council of Bangladesh delivered the inaugural speech.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Dhammakaya Foundation of Thailand for their generous offering of the Kathina Robe and donations. Special thanks are due to Venerable Phra Shasanakirti H Mahipal Mahatharo , the Bangladesh representative of the Dhammakaya Foundation and chief Abbot of Jetaban Bihar in London, UK, for overseeing the donation process.

During this auspicious occasion, students who excelled in their SSC and HSC examinations with A+ grades were honored with crests. Additionally, the mothers of students with the highest attendance at the Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Education were recognized and awarded crests for their support.

The audience was captivated by a beautiful performance of Buddha Kirtan by the students of the Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Education, showcasing their melodious voices.

In the morning segment, which began at 9:30 AM, lay Buddhists offered Sangha Dana to the Bhikkhu-Sangha in remembrance of their ancestors. The inauguration of this phase was led by Praggasharoti Ven. Prajnananda Mahathero, with Venerable Somananda Mahathero serving as the chief guest. Dhamma speakers, including Ven. Shilajyoti Mahathero, Ven. Gayanajit Mahathero, Ven. M. সংঘরত্ন এম. প্রজ্ঞামিত্র থের , Ven. Priyabodhi Thero, and Venerable Bhikkhu Bijoyananda , also participated in the auspicious ceremony.

We express our sincere appreciation and blessings to the former students, members, and all students of Nalanda for their dedicated efforts and unwavering commitment. Heartfelt thanks to all Upasaka and Upasika for their pure presence and patience throughout the ceremony.

May all beings be happy and peaceful!