Khata

Richard Gere presented with a khata by the 14th Dalai Lama

Blue khadags tied to a stone stele at Manzushir Monastery in Mongolia

This article is about the scarf. For other uses, see Hada.

A khata, khada, khadag, or hada (Tibetan: ཁ་བཏགས་; Mongolian: хадаг [xɑtk]; Chinese: 哈达; pinyin: hǎdá) is a traditional ceremonial scarf common in Tibetan and Mongolian culture. It symbolizes purity and compassion. It is usually made of silk. Tibetan khatas are usually white symbolising the pure heart of the giver, though it is quite common to find yellow gold khatas as well. Mongolian khadags are usually blue, symbolizing the sky.

Khatas can be presented at any festive occasions to a host or at weddings, funerals, births, graduations, arrivals and departure of guests etc. The Tibetans commonly give a kind acknowledgment of "Tashi Delek" (meaning good luck) at the time of presenting. The 14th Dalai Lama is known to offer khata as a gift to diplomats, visitors, or other monks, which symbolizes purity of intention and the beginning of the relationship.^{[citation needed]}

In Mongolia, khadags are also often tied to ovoos, stupas or special trees and rocks.

References

A Tibetan khata.