Alta (Bengali: আলতা), lakshaya rasa, alah, or mahavar is a red dye mainly used in the Indian subcontinent[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] to tint the hands and feet of women as a cultural practice. It is usually applied with a cotton swab or brush during wedding ceremonies and festivals.
Natural alta is produced from soaked betel leaves, although today it is mainly replaced with synthetic dyes.[8]
Early history
Early mention of alta comes from Upanishads where it is known as lakshaya rasa meaning red-lac dye pigment derived from lac resin as one of sixteen adornments of woman known as solah-shringar.[9][10]
Cultural significance
A ceremony welcoming the newly wed bride to her new home, with the feet dipped in a mixture of milk and alta
Odissi classical dancer wearing alta on her hands and feet
It can be commonly seen worn by Odissi classical dancers on hands and feet while performing. It is applied to women's feet as an auspicious symbol during Raja (Mithun Sankranti), which is a three-day festival celebrating womanhood (menstruation).[18]
In Nepal it is known as alah and it is an important part of weddings, religious rituals and festivals. [19]
^Rath, Bikash (2 September 2014). "A sacred dye to return". Down To Earth. "Originally prepared from lac and hence known as lakshya rasa in Sanskrit, this dye has long been replaced by synthetic products in the market that most users were unaware of."
