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

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

For the Mongolian activist, see Hada (activist). For the clan of Rajputs, see Hada.

A khata, khada, khadag, or hada (Tibetan: ཁ་བཏགས་; Mongolian: хадаг, IPA: [xɑtk]; Chinese: 哈达) is a traditional ceremonial scarf used in Tibet and Mongolia. It symbolizes purity, goodwill, auspiciousness and compassion. It is usually made of silk. Tibetan khatas are usually white symbolising the pure heart of the giver^[1], though it is quite common to find yellow gold khatas as well. Mongolian khadags are usually blue, symbolizing the sky.

The khata is a highly versatile gift. It 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^[2]. In Mongolia, khadags are also often tied to ovoos, stupas or special trees and rocks.

The 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.^[3]

[edit] References

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