Khata

This article is about the Tibetan scarf. For the khata cottages in Slavic-speaking countries, seeizba.

Khata
A Tibetan khata
Tibetan name
Tibetan	ཁ་བཏགས་
Transcriptions Wylie kha btags THL kha tak Tibetan Pinyin katak
Mongolian name
Mongolian Cyrillic	хадаг
Nepali name
Nepali	खतक

13th Dalai Lamaof Tibet in 1932

Akhataorkhatagalso (Khada)( kadhar: ka = white, dhar = scarf ) is a buddhist offeringscarfinHimalayan Buddhismand intengerism.It is widely used by the Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Ladakhi, Mongolian, and Buryat on various occasions. It originated inTibetan cultureand is common in cultures and countries where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced or has strong influence. The practice of using khatas has influenced people of other communities too who are in close relation to these communities. It is predominantly used in Tibet, followed by other parts of the world. It is a symbol of honour and respect. It is used in Tibetan religious ceremony, ceremonial and traditional dances of etc., It is offered in monasteries and temples. It holds religious and cultural significance. InNepal,khata is used as a gift for various occasions like wedding, graduation, electoral victory, winning an award and several other major lifestones. Generally, the guests or invitees at the reception would put khata on the host of such parties. It is used by both Hindus and Buddhists of Nepal in that manner.

History

Tibetan people used to give animal skins as gifts because there was no silk in Tibet. According to theBonhistorical record, people would put sheep wool around their necks during the time of the ninth king, Degong Jayshi, and head for some religious rituals. This tradition was passed down from that moment onwards. People began making scarves and using silk over time. So, the scarf replaced the plain sheep's wool and people put scarves on the neck and head.

Uses and types

The khata symbolizes purity and compassion and is worn or presented with incense at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations and the arrival or departure of guests. When given as a farewell gesture it symbolizes a safe journey. When given to arriving guests it symbolizes welcome. They were usually made ofsilkbut now much more commonly cotton or polyester. Tibetan khatas are usuallywhite,symbolising the pure heart of the giver,though it is quite common to findyellow-goldkhata as well.Tibetan,Nepali,andBhutanesekhatas feature theashtamangala.There are also special multi-colored khatas.Mongoliankhatas are usuallyblue,symbolizing theblue sky.In Mongolia, khatas are also often tied toovoos,suvargas,or special trees and rocks.

Blue khatas tied to a stone stele at the formerManjusri Monastery,Mongolia,which was destroyed by Mongoliancommunistsin 1937

External links

• Media related toKhata / Haddakat Wikimedia Commons