The Royal Kathina Ceremony at Binajuri Smashan Vihara, Chattogram, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on the Occasion of 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic[...]

On 29 October 2022, H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, presided over the Offering Ceremony of the Royal Kathina Robes graciously bestowed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua to the congregation of Buddhist monks at Binajuri Smashan Vihara, Chattogram, the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The ceremony was headed by His Holiness Gyanasree Mahasthavir, Supreme Patriarch of Bangladesh Buddhists and Abbot of Binajuri Smashan Vihara. Participants in the ceremony included H.E. Mrs. Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy and spouse, Mr. Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, Honorary Consul of Thailand in Chattogram, representatives of the municipal district of Chattogram as well as over 500 Bangladeshi Buddhists.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has organized the Royal Kathina Ceremony in neighbouring countries since 1995 as part of cultural diplomacy. This is the fourth occasion that the ceremony was held in Bangladesh as part of the activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Bangladesh. Binajuri Smashan Vihara is one of the oldest temples in Chattogram which was founded in 1880. The monastery also houses social and educational institutions, namely a school and an orphanage.

The Royal Kathina Ceremony was warmly received by Thai and Bangladesh Buddhists, who were profoundly appreciative of royal benevolence in supporting Buddhism. The Royal Kathina Ceremony was a testimony to the deeply rooted bonds of friendship between the governments and the peoples of the two countries, based on common cultural heritage including a shared faith in Buddhism.

The donation from His Majesty the King, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka as well as Thai and Bangladesh community amounted to 392,090 baht (1,031,570 taka).

After the ceremony, the Deputy Permanent Secretary and the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka presented essential goods to the Binajuri Orphanage which nurtures 30 children.