A khata (Tib.: ཁ་བཏགས་; Wylie: kha btags) also known as Jeldar (Tib.: འཇལ་དར་; Wylie: 'jal dar) is a traditional ceremonial scarf in Bon and Tibetan Buddhism. It originated probably from pre-buddhist Bon tradition, and nowadays is quite common in cultures and countries where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced or has strong influence.
The khata
symbolizes purity and compassion and are worn or presented with incense
at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals,
graduations and the arrival or departure of guests. However,
not every fabric is suitable for making a khata: the Tibetans
themselves say that the right khata can be made only from natural
fabric, such as silk or satin.
Tibetan khatas are
usually come in five colors, symbolising five elements. The most elegant
gestue is the offering of five khatas of different colors put on each
other.
Red khata is a symbol of warmth, love, security.
This high quality khata is made of plain silk and decorated with mantras and ashtamangala (Eight Auspicious symbols) and traditional Tibetan greeting "Tashi Delek".