Alta (dye) explained

Alta (Bengali: আলতা), Lakshaya Rasa, Alah, Mahavar is a red dye that is applied to the hands and feet of women, mainly in the Indian subcontinent.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] It is applied with a cotton swab or brush to the hands and feet during marriage ceremonies and festivals.

Alta is originally produced from red-lac (dye) derived from Lac resin, although today it is mainly replaced with synthetic dyes.[6]

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.[7] [8]

Cultural significance

Bengali culture

Alta has great cultural significance in Bengali culture.[9] [10] [11] Regardless of religious beliefs, Bengali women traditionally adorn their hands and feet with alta for marriage[12] [13] and cultural festivals like Pahela Baishakh, Pahela Falgun and others.[14] [15] [16] Wearing Alta on Durga Pooja is a common ritual for Odia and Bengali women.[17]

Odia culture

Alta is also significant in Odisha. It can be commonly seen worn by Odissi classical dancers on hands and feet while performing. It is especially prevalent during Raja or Mithun Sanakranti, which is a three-day festival celebrating womanhood (menstruation).[18] During this festival, as a part of the ritual, women apply alta on their feet symbolising fertility and auspiciousness. Alta and turmeric is also applied during marriages in Odia culture.

Nepali

In Nepal it is known as 'Alah' and it is important part of wedding, religious rituals and festivals. [19]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: bn:আলতা . https://www.kalerkantho.com/print-edition/education/2019/11/07/836116. 17 October 2020. Kaler Kantho. 6 November 2019 . bn.
  2. Web site: bn:আলতা রাঙা পা. https://www.daily-bangladesh.com/lifestyle/51917. 17 October 2020. Daily Bangladesh. bn.
  3. Web site: Bengali Hindu Wedding - Rituals, Customs, Dress, Food. 17 October 2020. www.culturalindia.net. en.
  4. Web site: Newari girls participate in mass Bel Bibaha [with photos]]. 17 October 2020. kathmandupost.com. en.
  5. Web site: Shrestha. Shreeya. November 2017. An Elaborate Ritual called Marriage. 17 October 2020. ECS NEPAL. en.
  6. News: Rath . Bikash . A sacred dye to return . Down To Earth . 2 September 2014 . en. "Originally prepared from lac and hence known as lakshya rasa in Sanskrit, this dye has long been replaced by synthetic products in the market that most users were unaware of."
  7. Web site: Alta : The Red Indian Dye and its Significance . Enroute Indian History . 18 September 2023.
  8. Web site: Assomull . Sujata . “Sabyasachi Red” makes a case for the traditional alta in the brand's latest campaign . Vogue India . en-IN . 16 January 2023.
  9. News: bn:ଅଳତା আলতা . https://www.kalerkantho.com/print-edition/education/2019/11/07/836116. 29 September 2020. Kaler Kantho. 6 November 2019 . bn.
  10. Web site: bn:আলতা রাঙা পা. https://daily-bangladesh.com/lifestyle/51917. 15 October 2020. Daily Bangladesh. bn.
  11. Web site: প্রামাণিক. কল্লোল. পায়ে আলতা পরিয়ে শুভলগ্ন রাঙিয়ে তোলেন তিনি. 16 October 2020. anandabazar.com. bn.
  12. Web site: দাও গায়ে হলুদ, পায়ে আলতা . e-barta247.com . bn.
  13. Web site: Learn How Bengali Mehndi Blends Simplicity, Authenticity and Ethnicity on the Wedding Day. 16 October 2020. www.weddingwire.in. en-IN.
  14. News: bn:আলতা রাঙা বৈশাখ . https://archive.ittefaq.com.bd/index.php?ref=MjBfMDRfMDhfMTRfNF8xNF8xXzEyMTUyNA== . 30 December 2020 . The Daily Ittefaq . bn.
  15. Web site: আলতা পরা পায়ে. 30 December 2020. m.newsg24.com. bn. 26 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210726102613/https://m.newsg24.com/lifestyle/fashion/544/%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%86%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%B2%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%A4%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%BE%20%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%AA%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%B0%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%BE%20%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%AA%C3%A0%C2%A6%C2%BE%C3%A0%C2%A7%C2%9F%C3%A0%C2%A7%C2%87. dead.
  16. Web site: বৈশাখী উন্মাদনার ঢেউ শাবিতে. 30 December 2020. banglanews24.com. bn. 17 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201017032055/https://m.banglanews24.com/cat/news/bd/384643.details. dead.
  17. Web site: 17 November 2016. Alta Dye: Bright Red Liquid Color Used to Adorn Palms and Feet. 25 May 2021. Utsavpedia. en-US.
  18. Web site: Odisha Tourism : Raja, A Festival Of Fun, Frolic and Mouthwatering Delicacies. 25 May 2021. odishatourism.gov.in. en.
  19. Web site: The Allure of Alta: A Symbol of Prosperity, Reimagined As A Fashion Accessory . HerZindagi English . en . 29 July 2023.

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