Alta:a comman Indian tradition

Symbolic of fertility and prosperity, Alta also known as ”Mahavar” - the bright red dye or liquid is applied on the soles of the feet while the upper foot is adorned with intricate designs. The wearing of Alta is an age old tradition popular commonly in North and Eastern India. Predominantly women of states like Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh ,Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh apply Alta on their feet,its application not only enhances the beauty of the feet but it also cools the body.
Alta as mentioned in the Upanishad is included among the "Makeup stages" or "Solah Shringar" the sixteen bridal adornments. Alta is referred to as Lakshya Rasa in Sanskrit since it was originally prepared with lac.Gradually Alta was made with beetal leaves, vermilion and Kum Kum powder but nowadays chemicalcolors are being used to make Alta.  A Bengali bride is incomplete if her hands and feet are not adorned with Alta.
Women adorn their feet with Alta on religious occasions and weddings. Even the exponents of classical dance apply Alta on both their feet’s and palms. The red color painted palms make the mudras look more splendid and dramatic. The feet’s of our Goddesses Durga and Lakshmi are also embellished with Alta.
On every festival and pujas, I have seen my mother putting "mahavar" on her delicate feet, as times passed even I learnt the art of applying Alta. My mother gets her "Ranga Java" alta all the way from Kolkata,till the time my maternal grandmother was alive, she used to send a parcel of red vermilion and Alta to my mother. As of now my brother does the needful as he is settled in the city of joy.
Wearing of Alta has been slowly replaced by Henna though Henna too, looks beautiful, however, I strongly feel that whatever be our cultural tradition, it must be preserved and encouraged.

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