Assam’s Margherita Buddhist Vihar witnessed two days of spiritual fervour as devotees gathered to celebrate the annual Kathin Chivar Dan Utsav. The sacred occasion, held on October 19 and 20, drew hundreds of monks, devotees, and visitors from across the region. It was marked by prayers, rituals, and acts of generosity, all performed in a deeply peaceful atmosphere.
The festival, which marks the conclusion of the Buddhist Lent, holds immense religious importance. It symbolises the offering of new robes — known as Chivar — to monks by lay followers as a gesture of gratitude and devotion. At Margherita Buddhist Vihar, the event unfolded with sincerity, showcasing Assam’s rich Buddhist cultural heritage.
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The Spiritual Essence of Kathin Chivar Dan Utsav
The Kathin Chivar Dan Utsav is celebrated at the end of Vassa, a three-month retreat observed by Buddhist monks during the monsoon. During this time, monks remain within monasteries for meditation, prayer, and spiritual development. When the retreat ends, devotees offer them new robes as a mark of respect.
At Margherita, the ceremony began with the chanting of the Tripitaka, the sacred Buddhist scriptures. The monastery’s courtyard was filled with devotees offering flowers, incense, and candles. The sound of dhamma recitations and temple bells created an atmosphere of deep devotion.
Bhikkhus and senior monks led the rituals, explaining the significance of generosity in Buddhist teachings. They emphasized that Dana (giving) is one of the highest virtues and a foundation for inner peace and compassion.
Monks Lead Prayers and Discourses
On the first day, monks from various monasteries in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh gathered at Margherita to conduct prayers for global peace and harmony. They delivered sermons on mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion — key teachings of Lord Buddha. Their messages resonated with the devotees who listened attentively, many joining in the collective chants.
Venerable Bhikkhu U. Jotirindra, the chief monk of Margherita Buddhist Vihar, spoke about the need for unity and kindness in today’s world. He said, “The Kathin Chivar Dan Utsav is not merely a ritual but a reminder that giving purifies the mind. When we give with sincerity, we move closer to enlightenment.” His words were met with nods of agreement from the congregation.
A Festival of Faith and Togetherness
The festival’s second day began with a grand procession. Devotees dressed in traditional attire carried offerings of robes, food, and essential items for the monks. The colourful procession moved through the streets near Margherita town, drawing onlookers who paused to pay respect.
Women and children participated enthusiastically, singing Buddhist hymns and holding symbolic umbrellas. The streets were decorated with flags and flowers, symbolizing purity and peace. Upon reaching the monastery, the offerings were presented to the monks with folded hands and bowed heads — a gesture expressing humility and reverence.
The event also included a communal meal known as Sangha Dana, where devotees shared food with the monks and other participants. Volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare and distribute the meals, reflecting the spirit of service and cooperation that defines the festival.
Promoting Cultural and Spiritual Awareness
Margherita, known for its peaceful coexistence of multiple communities, became a hub of interfaith harmony during the Kathin Chivar Dan Utsav. Several local leaders and residents attended the celebration, appreciating the Buddhist community’s efforts to preserve ancient traditions.
Speakers at the event highlighted the relevance of Buddhist values in today’s fast-paced world. They urged people to practice compassion, patience, and mindfulness in their daily lives. The celebration also provided an opportunity for younger generations to connect with their heritage and understand the teachings of the Buddha more deeply.
Messages of Peace and Environmental Balance
Throughout the festival, monks shared insights on the connection between spiritual living and environmental preservation. They reminded participants that Buddhism teaches respect for all living beings and promotes harmony with nature. “Our inner peace depends on the balance of our surroundings,” said one monk during the discourse.
The monastery also organized a tree-planting ceremony on the temple premises to mark the occasion. Devotees participated in planting saplings, symbolizing renewal and hope for future generations. This initiative was welcomed as a meaningful way to combine spirituality with environmental action.
Visitors from Across the Northeast
The Kathin Chivar Dan Utsav at Margherita drew visitors not only from Assam but also from neighbouring states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Nagaland. Many Buddhist monks and followers travelled long distances to be part of the annual celebration.
Local organizers made elaborate arrangements for accommodation and meals, ensuring the comfort of all attendees. The peaceful environment of Margherita Buddhist Vihar made it an ideal venue for reflection and prayer. Visitors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in a festival that embodies unity and compassion.
A Testament to Assam’s Cultural Harmony
The two-day event concluded with a final prayer session and blessings from the monks. As the sound of chants faded into the evening, the faces of devotees reflected joy and peace. The festival ended with the symbolic lighting of lamps, representing the victory of wisdom over ignorance.
Margherita Buddhist Vihar, with its serene surroundings and rich history, once again became a centre of devotion and goodwill. The celebration reminded everyone of Assam’s deep-rooted spiritual diversity and its ability to nurture coexistence among communities.
The Kathin Chivar Dan Utsav is not only a festival of faith but also a reflection of the timeless values that continue to guide the Buddhist way of life — generosity, mindfulness, and compassion.