Today, where bridal trends are constantly evolving, Bollywood divas are embracing an age-old tradition, giving a kickstart for a glamorous comeback. Atla, a popular red dye design for hands and feet, is taking centre stage as many celebrities, including Aditi Rao Hydari and Sonam Kapoor, ditched the dramatic mehendi designs for bold, minimalist atla patterns. Renowned for its rich colour and cultural significance, atla designs are becoming a staple of both heritage and fashion.
While the stars are reviving this old art form for modern brides and festive glam, let's take a closer look at how they slayed the alta trend. New bride Aditi Rao Hydari adorns ardha-chandra alta Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth | Instagram Aditi Rao Hydari recently tied the know with her long-time love, Siddharth, in an intimate ceremony at the historic 400-year-old Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple in Telangana. While keeping it minimal with her South Indian ensemble, the Heeramandi star donned a tissue organza lehenga embellished with intricate gold zari work from the shelve of the designer label, Sabyasachi.
She complemented her minimal elegance with traditional gold accessories, but what really stole the show was her palm and feet adorned with beautiful ardha-chandra (half-moon) atla. Sonam Kapoor's 'sindoor look' Sonam Kapoor at Ambani's Ganeshotsav 2024 | Instagram This year, at Ambani's Ganeshotsav celebration, Sonam Kapoor turned heads in a red crushed silk ghagra set from ace Indian designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla's unreleased couture collection. She accentuated her all red-look with statements of jewellery and atla designs on the palm and feet.
Atla: A symbol of tradition Atla, also known as Lakshaya Rasa, Alah, or Mahavar, is a vibrant red dye that women apply to their feet and hands, either in intricate patterns or simple designs. This traditional adornment has deep roots in Indian culture, sublimating fertility and prosperity. Historically, alta traces back to ancient India, with mentions in the Upanishads as one of the 16 traditional ornaments of a woman, known as Solah Shringar.
It holds a cultural significance in East Indian weddings and festive rituals..
