The color red holds timeless significance in Hindu culture , representing sacredness and iconic beauty. For a married Indian woman, the presence of red in her garments, jewelry, and accessories signifies a deep-rooted tradition. Among these, the red dye applied to the hands and feet of a woman celebrates holy prosperity.
This red dye is known as Alta. Its name comes from the Sanskrit term Lakshaya Rasa, referring to its traditional composition. Alta was originally made from betel leaves, nuts, lac, and rose color.
The betel leaves were soaked in water for an extended period to produce a thick red dye, which was then applied to a woman's feet. The practice dates back to ancient times, with mentions in the Upanishads and references in Kalidas’ Abhijnana-Shakuntalam, where the protagonist Shakuntala is depicted wearing Alta. In Hindu Vedas, Alta is associated with goddesses Lakshmi and Durga .
Interestingly, Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Krishna, is also depicted wearing Alta on his palms and feet, along with a nose ring and anklet, earning him the name ‘Tribhanga,’ reflecting the feminine aspect of the deity. (Image Credits: Pinterest) The color of ‘Suhagan’ In Hinduism, the color red symbolizes the 'Suhag' of a married woman. In Bengali culture , applying Alta is deeply emotional and holds significant cultural value, akin to Mehendi, and is sometimes referred to as ‘Red Henna.
’ A Bengali bride traditionally adorns her hands and feet with intricate red and white Alta de.