The Annual Kathina Ceremony 2026 was held on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at Meppershall Village Hall, Shefford, Bedfordshire, organised by Letchworth Buddhist Viharaya and the Buddhist Community Centre, Letchworth.
The sacred Buddhist ceremony brought together the various aspects of Buddhist religious traditions, including the preparation and offering of the Kathina robe, religious observances and offerings to the Maha Sangha.
The day's programme commenced with the opening of the hall at 8.00 am, followed by devotees participating in the traditional stitching of the Kathina robe at 8.30 am.
One of the key highlights of the ceremony was the Kathina procession (Perahera), which commenced at 9.30 am from the village hall before returning at 10.45 am. This was followed by the Buddha PΕ«jΔ, where devotees paid homage to the Buddha.
The religious proceedings continued with the offering of alms food (DΔna) to the Maha Sangha and the Kathina CΔ«vara PΕ«jΔ at 11.30 am. At noon, devotees also participated in offering AαΉapirikara and other essential requisites to the Maha Sangha.
A special KathinΔnisaαΉsa Dhamma sermon, delivered in both Sinhala and English, was scheduled for 12.30 pm, providing an opportunity for devotees to reflect on the significance and merits of the Kathina ceremony.
The programme also included a thank-you speech by the Kathina sponsors, followed by lunch for devotees.
Main Sponsors
The Annual Kathina Ceremony 2026 was generously supported by the following sponsors and their families:
- Mr Dushantha and Mrs Gayani Sumithraarachchige and Family
- Dr Muthulingam and Mrs Manel Muthulingam and Family
- Mr Sanjeewa and Mrs Damayathi Uduwarage and Family
- Mr Lanka and Mrs Vathsala Perera and Family
- Mr Nilantha and Mrs Dilhani Rodriguez and Family
- Mr Shashika Ranaweera and Mrs Geema Karunarathne and Family
- Mr Prasanga and Mrs Kavindi Gunatilake and Family
- Mr Thushara Saman and Mrs Ridmika Dulari and Family
- Mr Tharanga Mendis and Mrs Sajeevi Godage and Family
- Mr Rasika Weerasooriya and Mrs Nilushi Gange and Family
- Mr Shiran Fernando and Mrs Dinusha and Family
- Mr Rasanga Sameera Abrew and Family
- Mr Kapila and Mrs Sewandi Arechie Semasingha and Family
- Mr Ihan and Mrs Iresha Kularatne and Family
The ceremony concluded with the scheduled hall cleaning and tidying, with the participation of devotees.
The Kathina ceremony remains one of the most significant occasions in the Buddhist calendar, providing an opportunity for the Buddhist community to come together through generosity, devotion and the practice of Dhamma.
The organisers extend their gratitude to all the sponsors, devotees and well-wishers who contributed to the Annual Kathina Ceremony 2026.
Photographs by Praneeth Hettiarachchi
