Today Kathina is an important annual observance for devout lay Buddhists in Theravada countries. Along with cloth, laypeople bring other items monks may need, such as socks, stamps, tools, or fuel.
The exact procedure varies a bit, but usually on the designated day people begin to bring their donations to the temple early in the morning. In mid-morning there is a large community meal, with monks eating first, then laypeople. After this meal, people may come forward with their gifts, which are accepted by the designated monks.