<p>In Theravada Buddhism, there are two holidays I can think of that are related to giving: the kathina robe making and the day after the rains is over, called in Thailand <strong>devorohana</strong> (descending of the lord).</p>

<p><strong>Kathina</strong></p>

<p>Kathina refers to the frame used to make a robe in the time of the Buddha. After the rains, the monks would gather together cloth they had found or received as a gift and give it to a specific monk; any monk who has a worn or tattered robe is an eligible candidate to receive the kathina robe cloth or, if no such candidate exists, the robe may be given to any monk who is skilled in the making of the robe. Once it is determined who will receive the robe cloth, the community gathers together and offers the cloth. They then have twenty-four hours to complete the making of the robe. If they succeed in the communal effort, the entire community receives certain privileges that last for the next four months.</p>

<p>More information about <a href="http://archive.today/a0XxY" rel="nofollow noreferrer">kathina</a> can be found here.</p>

<p><strong>Devorohana</strong></p>

<p>After the Buddha spent the rains in the Tavatimsa heavenly world teaching the Abhidhamma, he is said to have descended to the city of Samkassa on a mystical staircase. In celebration of this event (and the ending of the rains retreat), a ceremonial alms-giving with a Buddha statue leading the way is often performed on this day, often descending from whatever staircase happens to be handy. E.g.:</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/sdvaJ.jpg" alt="Alms round descending from staircase"></p>

<p>Other than that, pretty much all Buddhist holidays (Theravada, anyway) are traditionally seen as occasions for special attention to charity as well as morality and mental development.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2014-06-23T12:34:39.980Z
2018-12-28T23:38:32.963Z
2018-12-28T23:38:32.963Z
yuttadhammo
<p>Here in Sri Lanka we have Dansal(alms giving stalls) on poya days. Just like how Anathapindika used to do in Buddha's time. Anyone and everyone can come and take as much as they like. I had free ice-cream on last Poson poya day. Usually they give away food items. But recently some have even started giving away phone reloads. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-06-23T08:13:41.273Z
2014-06-23T08:13:41.273Z
Sankha Kulathantille
<p>Are any Buddhist holidays associated with gift giving? If so, which holidays and what types of gifts are customarily given?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-06-23T03:08:36.707Z
Any Buddhist holiday is as good an excuse as any to give gifts :)
yuttadhammo
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-06-23T11:30:39.940Z
Any day is a good day for giving a gift. :-)
FullPeace.org
<traditions><holidays>
Buddhist Holidays & Gifts
# Buddhist Holidays & Gifts

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-06-23)

Are any Buddhist holidays associated with gift giving? If so, which holidays and what types of gifts are customarily given?

**Tags:** traditions, holidays

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Any Buddhist holiday is as good an excuse as any to give gifts :)  
> **username_2**: Any day is a good day for giving a gift. :-)  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-06-23. Score: 7 | Accepted answer

In Theravada Buddhism, there are two holidays I can think of that are related to giving: the kathina robe making and the day after the rains is over, called in Thailand **devorohana** (descending of the lord).

**Kathina**

Kathina refers to the frame used to make a robe in the time of the Buddha. After the rains, the monks would gather together cloth they had found or received as a gift and give it to a specific monk; any monk who has a worn or tattered robe is an eligible candidate to receive the kathina robe cloth or, if no such candidate exists, the robe may be given to any monk who is skilled in the making of the robe. Once it is determined who will receive the robe cloth, the community gathers together and offers the cloth. They then have twenty-four hours to complete the making of the robe. If they succeed in the communal effort, the entire community receives certain privileges that last for the next four months.

More information about [kathina](http://archive.today/a0XxY) can be found here.

**Devorohana**

After the Buddha spent the rains in the Tavatimsa heavenly world teaching the Abhidhamma, he is said to have descended to the city of Samkassa on a mystical staircase. In celebration of this event (and the ending of the rains retreat), a ceremonial alms-giving with a Buddha statue leading the way is often performed on this day, often descending from whatever staircase happens to be handy. E.g.:

![Alms round descending from staircase](https://i.sstatic.net/sdvaJ.jpg)

Other than that, pretty much all Buddhist holidays (Theravada, anyway) are traditionally seen as occasions for special attention to charity as well as morality and mental development.


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### Answer by username_3 on 2014-06-23. Score: 4

Here in Sri Lanka we have Dansal(alms giving stalls) on poya days. Just like how Anathapindika used to do in Buddha's time. Anyone and everyone can come and take as much as they like. I had free ice-cream on last Poson poya day. Usually they give away food items. But recently some have even started giving away phone reloads.


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