KATHIN CEREMONY AT KANTARAWICHAI

On November 6 MSU Division of Student Affairs organised a traditional Kathin event which was held this year in Ban Don Nong in Kantarawichai led by MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sujin Butdisuwan.

Kathin is a traditional Buddhist event which is normally held within four weeks of the end of Buddhist Lent. Kathin is also the name of the traditional robes worn by monks and the Kathin ceremony includes the giving of robes to the monks on this day.

MSU staff and students accompanied Dr’s Supachai and Sujin in the traditional ceremony which is a full day event commencing when the visitors  enter the village through a specially constructed gate. They then parade through the village bearing special krathin, gifts, food and money to be presented to the monks and villagers later in the day. Besides normal monk’s robes being presented, a special kathin is presented which has been hand made from pieces of cotton stitched together.

Participants join in meals, dancing and ceremonies together. This day is one of many community events illustrating the importance Mahasarakham University places on keeping traditional customs and ceremonies alive. It allows new students to meet community members and while attending MSU  feel a part of ceremonies they would normally participate in at their home towns or villages.