The main colour of a khata (Tibetan scarf) is white, symbolising the pure heart of the giver. The formal presentation of a khata is a Tibetan custom of greeting and respect, bringing wishes of happiness.When given as a farewell gesture, it symbolises a safe journey. When given to arriving guests, it symbolises welcome.

Khatas are traditionally presented at ceremonial occasions including births, weddings and funerals, and are therefore an appropriate material object for containing the stories which people share about significant times of their personal lives and wider community history. This long khata is a carrier of fragments of memory. Tibetan people fold the khata in half length-wise, representing the interdependence of each other. They hold it with two hands and put their hands above their head when they offer to respected and honoured people.