- By Prerna Targhotra
- Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Alta has been long considered as an iconic bridal adornment and has preserved its elegance and significance in history. Alta is a traditional red dye that is designed on the hands and feet of women, especially brides. It is made of natural ingredients and has no side effects on the skin. But since the emergence of mehendi as a bridal tradition, alta was somehow left behind, until now since Bollywood celebrities have yet again embraced the cultural significance of alta and embraced the designs in their weddings.
Bollywood celebrities have brought back the elegant tradition of alta and awakened people about the artisanal craftsmanship of alta. Here are some popular celebrities who ditched Mehndi and applied alta to their wedding ceremonies.
Bollywood Celebrities Who Applied Alta On Their Wedding
Sonakshi Sinha
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Sonakshi Sinha married her long-time beau Zaheer Iqbal in an intimate wedding ceremony attended by family members and close friends. The main attraction of her bridal makeover was her application of alta instead of mehndi on her hands and feet. The actress embraced the tradition of alta and added a personal touch to her wedding ceremony.
Aditi Rao Hydari
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Aditi Rao Hydari married Siddharth on September 16 in the presence of close friends and family members. What caught our attention was not only her minimal yet elegant bridal look but also the beautiful designs of alta to complete her wedding look. She painted her hands and feet in elegant half-moon designs of alta.
How To Make Alta At Home
Alta is usually prepared from the leaves of the Alkanna tinctoria plant, also known as Ratanjot. The leaves of the plant are first soaked in water, then crushed to extract the dye and then mixed with other ingredients like turmeric, alum and lime to create a vibrant red colour.
Importance Of Alta (Image Credits: Canva)
Rituals Associated With Alta
Although primarily used for its aesthetic appeal, alta is considered an important part of ‘Solah Sringaar’ for newlywed brides. It also plays a significant role in post-marriage traditions, especially when a bride enters her new house after marriage, she dips her feet in a plate of alta to leave a trail of her footprints while entering the house. This tradition is believed to bring prosperity, wealth and good fortune to the house.
Alta is also considered auspicious as it is believed that Lord Krishna adorned alta on his hands and feet. According to ancient texts, when Lord Krishna performs raslila with gopis, his feet are soaked in Alta, resembling his as a great dancer. Additionally, there are sayings that Lord Krishna also used to lovingly apply alta to Radha Rani’s feet, depicting their love and affection.