Hello everyone

Phop Phra District is a district in Tak Province, near the Thai-Myanmar border. The area has a rich cultural and religious life, and local Buddhist temples and communities hold significant ceremonies and festivals.

The tradition of the Kathin Ceremony (ทอดกฐิน) is a Buddhist merit-making event held after the end of the rainy retreat, where lay people offer new robes (and other requisites) to the monastic community. In this region, such ceremonies often involve the whole village, with processions, offerings, communal meals, and sometimes local cultural performances.

Every year, after the Buddhist Lent, local temples hold a special event called the Kathin Ceremony — a once-a-year tradition of offering new robes to monks. My younger sister and I join this event annually by setting up a free food stall (Rong Than) to share food with everyone who attends. Since my sister runs a boat noodle shop, we usually serve freshly made boat noodles to the visitors during the ceremony 🍜. It has become one of our family’s favorite traditions, filled with joy and a sense of giving.

This year’s Kathin Ceremony was more solemn and meaningful than in previous years, as it coincided with a period of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother of King Rama IX, who passed away. Because of this, the community refrained from holding any lively celebrations. Traditional activities such as the Kathin procession with elephants carrying the robe offerings were canceled, and even the usual dance performances and cheerful music were toned down or omitted entirely. The atmosphere was quieter, filled with respect and remembrance, yet still carried the same spirit of faith and unity.

The Chong Khaep Temple is located in the same village where my younger sister lives. It’s a peaceful temple with a large wooden sermon hall, beautifully built in a traditional Thai style. The hall has become a gathering place for villagers during important ceremonies like this one, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who comes to make merit.

Whenever there is an important ceremony, this wooden sermon hall comes to life. The doors are opened, and people from nearby villages gather inside to join the monks in prayer and participate in the rituals. The sound of chanting echoes softly through the wooden beams, creating a calm and sacred feeling that fills the whole space 🙏.

After the monks’ ceremony was completed, it was time for all the Rong Than (free food stalls) to begin serving food, drinks, and snacks 🍜🥤. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked dishes and the cheerful voices of people enjoying the offerings. Everyone — from elders to children — joined in, walking from one stall to another, tasting and smiling. It’s one of those heartwarming moments that remind you how generosity and community spirit are deeply rooted in Thai traditions.

As the sun began to set, the Kathin Ceremony slowly came to an end. The temple grounds grew quieter, leaving behind only the sound of laughter and the faint aroma of food drifting through the air. My sister and I felt tired, but also deeply content — knowing that what we gave, even something as simple as a bowl of noodles, brought smiles to so many faces 🍜😊.

Events like this remind me how special it is to be part of a community that still values kindness, generosity, and togetherness. It’s not about how much you give, but the heart you give it with. Every Kathin Ceremony carries this spirit — a blend of faith, gratitude, and joy that connects people beyond words.

As I packed up and watched the villagers slowly head home, I felt thankful for another year of sharing, giving, and being part of something meaningful. I know I’ll be back again next year — same place, same smiles, same warm feeling in my heart 🙏💛.

Thank you for your support
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