The Kathina ceremony is celebrated once a year after the conclusion of the Vassa (Rains Retreat). Traditionally, it starts from the day after Devo Day and continues for the whole month.

The ceremony could be traced back to the 25th year of the Lord Buddha's Enlightenment. A group of thirty Monks from Saketa were journeying together with the intention of spending the Vassa with the Lord Buddha at Jetavana Grove near Savatthi in the Kingdom of Kosala, India. However, the Vassa started before they could reach the destination and had to stop travelling.

Immediately, after the Vassa the Monks continued with their journey to Jetavana Grove near Savatthi to pay their respect to the Lord Buddha and listen to his Dhamma. As it was still raining and by the time the Monks reached their destination, they were all exhausted and drenched. Their robes were worn down. Lady Visaka, who was at the monastery saw the condition of the Monks and had requested the Lord Buddha to accept her offering of robes to the Monks. Lord Buddha consented to her request. Since then the Kathina Ceremony is observed every year.