Sonam Kapoor celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi in Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, honours the deep cultural roots of alta

Actor Sonam Kapoor, known for her impeccable style and deep appreciation of traditional Indian fashion, recently donned an ensemble by designers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, in colours that echo the hues of auspicious alta — a red dye traditionally applied to women’s hands and feet during special occasions in India. 

Her outfit, featuring a lehenga, blouse, and churidar, celebrates the cultural symbolism of alta, blending contemporary style with a deep-rooted cultural practice. Alta, a bright red dye, has been used for centuries in Indian culture to adorn women’s hands and feet. But what exactly is the significance behind applying alta, and why has it remained an enduring tradition?

Her outfit, featuring a lehenga, blouse, and churidar, celebrates the cultural symbolism of alta (Source: Instagram/Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla)

Ritu Lekhi, founder of traditional fashion brand, Rhua, tells indianexpress.com, “Blending a lehenga, blouse, and churidar with alta, beautifully captures the cultural essence of this traditional Indian dye. Alta, commonly associated with red or crimson, is used to adorn the hands and feet of women, symbolising beauty and auspiciousness.”

She adds, “The choice of styling alta with the look pays homage to Indian bridal and festive traditions, where red is a central symbol of good fortune and purity. Her ensemble reflects timeless aesthetics, uniting traditional culture with contemporary silhouettes. It also conveys a subtle reference to alta’s deep-rooted cultural history in Indian ceremonies, evoking grace and reverence in its symbolism.”

Symbolism of alta differ across various regions and communities in India

Lekhi mentions, “The symbolism of alta varies across regions in India. In Bengal, alta is traditionally applied during religious ceremonies and weddings, signifying prosperity and marital bliss. In parts of North India, it serves as a marker of festivity and celebration, often worn by brides and young women during festivals.” 

In South India, she continues the application of alta, particularly on the feet, is associated with classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, enhancing the dancer’s expressions and gestures. “Each region imparts its cultural touch to the application of alta, but the unifying theme is its connection to femininity, fertility, and auspicious occasions.”

The application of alta, which is typically red, ties into these broader cultural concepts, as it is applied to enhance a woman’s beauty during festive occasions, weddings, and rituals. (Source: Instagram/Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla)

Why is the colour red considered auspicious?

The colour red holds profound significance in Indian culture, representing energy, fertility, and life force, explains Lekhi. “It is a colour of power and femininity, often linked to the goddess Durga, symbolising strength and protection.”

The application of alta, which is typically red, ties into these broader cultural concepts, as it is applied to enhance a woman’s beauty during festive occasions, weddings, and rituals. This age-old practice reflects the vibrancy and celebration of womanhood, infusing ceremonies with a sense of sacredness and joy.

Spiritually, alta is thought to channel positive energy (Source: (Source: Instagram/Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla)

Specific health or spiritual beliefs associated with the use of alta

Historically, Lekhi says, alta was made from natural ingredients like lac, betel leaves, nuts, and rose water believed to have cooling properties for the skin. Its application on the hands and feet is not only a cosmetic practice but also tied to spiritual and health beliefs. In some traditions, the feet are considered sacred, and adorning them with alta is a sign of respect and reverence, particularly during religious ceremonies. 

She concludes, “Spiritually, alta is thought to channel positive energy, symbolising protection and warding off negativity. Moreover, applying alta aligns with Ayurveda’s belief in maintaining balance and flow within the body, as the feet are central to grounding one’s energy.”

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