Khata

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A khadag tied to a dead tree at a lake in northern Mongolia

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

A khata, (also khada; Tibetan: ཁ་བཏགས་; Mongolian: khadag (Хадаг); Chinese: hada (哈达)) is a traditional ceremonial scarf used in Tibet and Mongolia. It symbolizes 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]

Due to the German scientist and writer Fritz Mühlenweg the tradition of Khata is well known and used by many German scout organizations since 1954.