Rasta (Mandaeism)

A rasta (Classical Mandaic: ࡓࡀࡎࡕࡀ) is a white ceremonial garment that Mandaeans wear during most baptismal rites,[1] religious ceremonies, and during periods of uncleanliness.

[2] If a Mandaean dies in clothes other than a rasta, it is believed that they will not reenter the World of Light,[3] unless the rite "Ahaba ḏ-Mania" ('Giving of Garments') can be performed "for those who have died not wearing the ritual garment.

[citation needed] A Mandaic hymn, Left Ginza 3.11, states: "He created me and clothed me with radiance, like that which the chosen men put on.

"[9] Other ritual clothing pieces that typically go along with the rasta when worn by men, especially priests, are:[5] Special prayers in the Qulasta are also recited when putting on the burzinqa and pandama.

[7] Other Mandaean ritual clothing listed in Abak (2018) and van Rompaey (2024):[10][11]