Khata - Tibetan Offering Scarf

Large and superior in quality, these traditional white offerings scarves are an essential symbol of energetic exchange, gratitude, and connection in Tibetan societies. They are used as a token offering and symbolic benediction for an array of occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations, and the arrival or departure of guests.

For Tibetan Buddhist practitioners, it is standard to offer a khata, symbolizing the stainless mind, to gurus upon receiving teachings. This is usually returned to the student and placed around their neck as a blessing.

‘Khata culture’ is actually quite complex, with many different standards and customs based on the occasion and relationships between individuals. Sometimes they are kept by the recipient, sometimes they are returned, and sometimes they are exchanged with another khata!

Khatas are also commonly used when handling precious artwork, relics, and sacred substances, and they are frequently employed on the shrine as altar cloths, text covers, and even to adorn statues.

Classic Tibetan khatas are usually white, though it is also common to find golden yellow khatas, and scarves dyed in all five colours may be used for particular ritual items or activities.