This year’s ‘Kathina’ ceremony of the Thames Buddhist Vihara was held on Sunday 16^th October 2011 among a large gathering, many of whom observed the ‘Nine Precepts’ (Navanga Upositha Seela) administered by the Head of the Vihara Ven. Pahalagama Somaratana Chief Sanga Nayaka Thera, who also explained the significance of the annual offering of ‘Kathina Cheevara’ robe for a Buddhist Venerable. ‘Kathina’ ceremony was the culmination of three months of ‘Rainy Retreat’, by Venerables who have previously been invited to spend the ‘Rainy Retreat’ at the Vihara.

The devotees who have observed the ‘Nine Precepts’ spent the day taking part in Buddha Pujas, listening to sermons, Pirith chanting, practising meditation and offering of the ‘Kathina Cheevara’ ceremony. The morning session ended with the ‘Dana’, the mid day meal, offered to both the Venerables and those who have observed precepts, by Mr. & Mrs. Dilan Perera.

Head of the London Buddhist Vihara Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Chief Sanga Nayaka Thera conducted the ‘Kathina’ Ceremony, accompanied by Venerables Warapitiye Rahula Thera, Karawilakotuwe Dhammathilaka Thera, Pulasthigama Dhammakusala Thera, Akurala Samitha Thera and Bhikku Assaji. By common consent Ven. Warapitiye Rahula Thera was chosen as the proper recipient of the ‘Kathina Cheevara’. A Troupe of Drummers appropriately clad (children of the Vihara’s Sunday School) ceremonially escorted the donors of the robe, Mr. Nimal & Mrs. Hiranthi De Silva, who have purchased, stitched and prepared the robe according to age-old Buddhist tradition. Venerables K. Dhammathilaka Thera, P. Dhammakusala Thera, A. Samitha Thera and Bhikku Assaji delivered sermons, while Dr. Shiroma Bandara conducted meditation sessions in the morning and afternoon. Among those taking part was the Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Amsa. The ceremony ended with a lavish Srilankan style evening meal provided by ‘Serendip’ Indo-Sri Lankan Cuisine of Sutton.