Shishu Koruna Sangha

Kathina Cibara Danotsav at Bodhicariya Educational Complex Ven. Mrinal Bhante
BODHICARIYA EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX, Oct 24^th, 2009: The Kathina Cibara Dana is an annual Buddhist occassion where the Upasakas and Upasikas offer cibaras(robes) to the monks. Kathina Cibara Danotsav was observed at the Bodhicariya Educational Complex on the 24th of October 2009 (2552 BE). Buddhist Monks, upasakas and upasikas from in and around Kolkata including Bodhicariya Educational Complex and from Bodhi Sukha School, Barasat came in large numbers for the auspicious ceremony. A Sangha Dana was performed in the morning. This was followed by Pindu Daana for the Bhikkhu Sangha. A Dhamma Sabha was also held and eminent Buddhist Monks such as Ven. Bimal Mahathero, Dr. Ven Grimananda Bhikkhu, and Dr. Ven . Nandawata Mahathero delivered sermons to the upasakas and upasikas.	Ven. Bimal Bhikkhu addressing the gathering during the Alumni Reunion
In the evening the Kathina Cibara Dana was performed and new robes were offered to the Bhikkhu Sangha at the Ceremony. Traditionally the Kathina Cibara Danotsav starts a day earlier, and the upasakas and upasikas spin cotton into thread dye them, weave them into cloth and stitch the cibara in 24 hours. In an urban setting the cibaras are usually bought for the occassion, because of the lack of time and other resources to make them from scratch. In the evening a cultural programme was organised. Students of Bodhicariya School performed songs and dances on the occassion. The special attraction for the cultural programme was Baul Songs performed by a troupe led by Valentine Hardings an English national from Shantiniketan. Baul music celebrates celestial love, but does this in very earthy terms, as in declarations of love by the Baul for his lifemate. With such a liberal interpretation of love, it is only natural that Baul devotional music transcends religion. The famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore was greatly influenced and inspired by Bauls.

Grand Kathina Cibara Danotsav at Sarnath