The surprising history of alta: Why Indian women paint their feet blood-red

Long before nail polish, pedicures, and ornate foot jewellery became popular beauty choices, women across South Asia adorned their feet with alta, a deep red liquid dye applied to enhance their appearance. For centuries, alta has been an integral part of bridal traditions, classical dance forms, and religious ceremonies. More than just a beauty practice, it carries deep cultural significance, symbolising femininity, grace, and auspiciousness. Its roots are closely intertwined with mythology, spirituality, and the social history of the region, making it a tradition that has endured through generations.

Alta is a dye with a red tint that has been traditionally placed on the feet and sometimes the hands. The main component of alta is lac, which is an insect-produced resin found on trees, combined with natural colourants and water, creating a rich crimson colour that has an attractive appearance on the skin. It is now produced in mass by commercial manufacturers and used for weddings, festivals and classical dance performances.

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Alta dates back centuries and can be seen in artistic depictions of women across South Asia. Historians believe the tradition emerged from ancient rituals associated with fertility, prosperity, and the celebration of womanhood, eventually becoming a symbol of divine feminine energy. In Indian culture, the colour red has long been linked to fertility, auspiciousness, and power. As a result, alta came to represent prosperity, marital bliss, strength, and the energy of Shakti, the divine feminine force. For generations, applying alta was not merely a beauty practice but a meaningful ritual believed to invite blessings, good fortune, and positive energy.
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To many, decorating the feet might seem unusual, but in Indian tradition, feet carry profound symbolic significance. From touching the feet of elders to deities in the temple, the bride’s feet in an Indian household symbolise the arrival of prosperity, and red footprints signify the presence of divine energy. Therefore, alta is mostly applied to women’s feet, marking an important life transition. A 2025 review published in Natural Product Communications highlighted the bioactive potential of lac-derived compounds, suggesting that the material historically associated with alta was valued for more than just its vibrant crimson hue.

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Alta was earlier made from lac resin, which is a natural secretion produced by lac insects found on the bark of the trees. In West Bengal and Odisha, lac-based preparations were believed to have a mild cooling effect on the body. As women used to walk barefoot and spend long hours standing during festivals and agricultural work, they used to apply alta to their feet, which used to soothe their tired feet.

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Younger people are rediscovering old beauty traditions, and as a result of this, Alta is becoming popular again. The images of red-hued feet, combined with handcrafted sarees and beautiful temple jewellery, have become immensely popular on social media, with many influencers following suit. The increased interest in beauty traditions with cultural importance reflects the fact that many traditional beauty rituals are as valid as current commercial options.

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