Rasta (Mandaeism)

A rasta (Classical Mandaic: ࡓࡀࡎࡕࡀ) is a white ceremonial garment that Mandaeans wear during most baptismal rites, religious ceremonies, and during periods of uncleanliness. It signifies the purity of the World of Light. The rasta is worn equally by the laypersons and the priests. If a Mandaean dies in clothes other than a rasta, it is believed that they will not reenter the World of Light, unless the rite "Ahaba ḏ-Mania" ('Giving of Garments') can be performed "for those who have died not wearing the ritual garment."

A rasta also has a stitched-on pocket called the daša.

Women also wear a robe (ʿabā) over the rasta during masbuta.: 16 

Traditionally, a new rasta is worn for Dehwa Daimana (Dihba ḏ-Iamana ࡃࡉࡄࡁࡀ ࡖࡉࡀࡌࡀࡍࡀ).

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