BMBMC Kathina Day Celebration 2009

Yesterday, Amy and I participated in the BMBMC Kathina Day Celebration. We arrived at the centre at about 7:30 am and there were already many people there.
Amy is in charged of the free-books distribution stall in which various titles of Dhamma books were distributed free. Some of the books were given to me by Inward Path Publisher which is a prominent Dhamma Books publisher in Penang.
For the second time, the Kathina Celebration commenced with a pindapatta session. This year we are fortunate to be able to invite 12 bhikkhus for the Kathina Day Celebration including our two residing Sayadaws.
Most of us at BMBMC were a little bit worried as the sky decided to open up just after 8.00 am. Probably due to the blessing and good intentions of the members of BMBMC, the rain stopped just before the pindapatta session is about to start.

A total number of 300 members lined up along the road leading away from the centre; each member was given a packet of rice (Amy brought hers from home) given free by the centre.
Led by Sayadaws, the sight of 12 bhikkhus, walking mindfully and patiently waiting for us to put our scoops of rice in the bowl was indeed an experience worth remembering.
After the pindapatta session, Sayadaw U Vimala gave a Dhamma talk. Unfortunately, I was unable to mindfully listen to it as a result of being given the responsibility of taking care of the robes offering ceremony.
With Amy able to man the book stall, I am fortunate this year to be able to help in the food offering ceremony. This year, the bhikkhus took their food from the buffet-long table as compared to being presented in trays as previously done.
While the bhikkhus were having their meal, our members and guests were also invited to help themselves with various types of food and fruits. This year, the quantity of food exceeds the consumption rate and most of the helpers managed to have their fill before the robes offering ceremony.