The Kathina (robe offering) ceremony is being held for the first time at the Khmer pagoda in the Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Son Tay district, 40km west of Ha Noi’s centre.
The ceremony, spanning October 18-19, is one of the official tradition rituals of Theravada Buddhism, during which Buddhist followers donate new robes to the monks with a hope that both devotees and recipients will gain merits.
The event is expected to draw thousands participants, including Buddhists monks, nuns and followers across the nation, ambassadors of ASEAN countries, and Lao and Cambodian students in Ha Noi.
It aims to improve the cultural and spiritual life of Buddhist followers and strengthen their solidarity.
The festival also offers a prime opportunity to introduce the Buddhist culture and the religious life in Viet Nam to international friends.