The ninth annual Great Kathin ceremony at Wat Buddhapromyan in Chachoengsao Province set a historic mark of faith, surpassing 116 million baht in donations and concluding with great celebration.
On 7 Nov 2016 GMT+7, it was reported that the grand annual merit-making event, “Million Kathin, Million Merits, a Million Hearts for Buddhism,” took place at Wat Buddhapromyan, Moo 2, Bang Talad Subdistrict, Khlong Khuean District. Led by Abbot Phra Watcharapanyarak (Luang Por Chao Khun Ekalak), this ninth consecutive year of the event marked a record closing, gathering devoted disciples and faithful supporters from across the country to create a historic Kathin merit-making phenomenon.
This year’s net Kathin donations totaled 116,477,601.41 baht (one hundred sixteen million four hundred seventy-seven thousand six hundred one point four one), an enormous sum born from the faith, unity, and dedication of Buddhists jointly preserving Buddhism. This amount exceeded last year’s total of just over 102 million baht. Although attendance was somewhat lower than the previous year due to overlapping Kathin ceremonies at multiple temples, the strength of faith remained undiminished, with large crowds still arriving to donate, pushing the total beyond the prior year’s.
The ceremony included offerings and worship of the Triple Gem, led by Phra Ajahn Ekalak Panyakamo, who recited the chanting to clear temple debts and led the procession carrying the Kathin robe to the pavilion of Luang Por Phra Ratchapromyan. The Kathin chairpersons were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pichanee Potharamik and Khun Phich Potharamik with their family, joined by the Wat Buddhapromyan Foundation, Pichcharam, disciples both inside and outside the palace circle, and all faithful supporters. Thousands of Buddhists and disciples traveled to participate in the grand merit-making, jointly continuing the Kathin tradition and supporting Buddhism with strong turnout.
Funds from this Great Kathin will be used to support Buddhist activities and develop Wat Buddhapromyan, including constructing the great stupa and glass ubosot, purchasing land, repaying temple debts, building a parking lot, a second pier, and other facilities, as well as covering temple expenses. Though the 'Million Kathin' project concludes this ninth year, the enduring power of faith and goodness created by all remains—like a legacy of merit engraved in people's hearts—serving as a vital force to sustain Buddhism.
Moreover, the success of the 'Million Kathin' project over the past nine years reflects not only the donation figures but also the collective faith and cooperation of many people united by a shared goal: to uphold Buddhism and continue the Kathin tradition for generations to come.
