The Alta Ritual: Tradition, Customs and Healing

Alta is more than a red dye; it is part of our heritage and represents the beauty of Indian culture, femininity, tradition, and celebration. Traditionally, women apply it to their feet and palms at festivals, marriage ceremonies, and cultural functions. In classical Ayurvedic texts, it is described as a natural Alta, made with flowers, bark, twigs, and resin, and was mentioned as a soothing substance that supported minor skin issues. (Bhagbati, 2026).

It is an important part of Hindu tradition and commonly used in regions such as West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Bangladesh during weddings and major festivals like Durga Puja, Chhat Puja, and Mithun Sankranti. In Bihar, the bride and groom also wear Alta in some areas. 

In certain traditions, Alta is also used for the purpose of preserving the footprint of a person who has died to keep the memory alive. Therefore, Alta is not only a symbol of tradition; it is our feeling, a part of traditional Indian customs and respect for our heritage. (Sing, 2015)

Alta has been used as a tradition for centuries across South Asia. It is used in the north and northern parts of India to apply to palms and feet. Since ancient times, it has been connected to Shringaar and rituals of fertility, prosperity, and womanhood.

In Classical Ayurvedic texts, Alta is referred to as Lakshya rasa (Bhagbati, 2026); which is a red-lac dye pigment derived from lac, a resin produced by insects. This insect secretion can be refined into various forms, such as waxes, resins, dyes, and pigments. In ancient India, lac was used for dyeing and traditional medicine from 3000 BCE to 1000 BCE. In South Asia, lac was used for cultural significance, like ornaments, dyes, and sealing wax from 1000 BCE to 500 BCE. (Dagur and Ghosh, 2025)

The Susrut Samhita and Astanga Hrdayam state that there are 107 Marma points in the human body. These points are important and sensitive spots of the body. According to Ayurveda, the Marma points are the origin of the vital energy of the body and are located where muscles, veins, ligaments, bones, and joints meet. They can be energized by light pressure, massage, and similar techniques. They help balance the body’s energy flow and calm the mind. The 107 Marma points are in various parts of the body. On the sole, the point lies at the center of the sole and in a line with the middle toe. On the palm, it is also at the center of the palm and is in line with the middle finger. (Wu and Wang, 2023). 

When Alta is applied to the sole and palm, it comes to touch several of the marma points. Thumb tip, big toe tip, and the middle of certain fingers. The gentle touch might stimulate those points. It is a small movement and a little spark of awareness. In Ayurveda, awareness is considered a part of healing (Bhagbati, 2026). Moreover, its natural ingredients help soothe the feet and palms. 

In Ayurveda, Alta is referred to as Lakshya rasa (Bhagbati, 2026), which is a red-lac dye pigment derived from lac, a resin produced by insects. (Dagur and Ghosh, 2025) Long ago in India, Alta was also made from beetle leaves, nuts, natural colors, etc.

In classic Ayurvedic texts, the red color represents energy, passion, vitality, and action (Speaks, 2025). It also refers to the root chakra, which is located at the base of the spine and represents groundedness, trust, and survival. (Sofia, 2020)

Moreover, the red color represents Devi Durga and Devi Lakshmi. The goddesses are icons of strength, courage, and wealth. The red color is also the sign of a married woman, who symbolizes Devi Lakshmi of the home.

Today, many working women want to follow the traditional ritual but find it difficult to get time to do so. At the same time, the younger generation is following this age- old tradition in fresh and modern ways. From Durga Puja to fashion shoots, weddings to reels, and festive looks, young people put a modern twist on it.

With today’s fast lifestyle, there is a growing need for an Alta product that is handy, mess-free, easy to carry, and precise in application. The Roll-on Alta Pen meets these needs. Keeping the tradition with a combination of style and art, the Alta Roll-on Pen provides a simple way to create beautiful Alta designs anytime, anywhere.

Alta has a special position in our traditional and cultural customs. Today’s Roll-on Alta Pen makes this traditional ritual easier and more attractive. It brings tradition forward into the present by combining the traditional glamour with more accurate and easier application. It is not only for modern married women; it is particularly appropriate for dancers and anyone who wants to enjoy the timeless beauty of Alta in a modern manner. 

Alta is not only a red-coloured liquid for feet, but it is part of our traditional customs and rituals, which pass through generations. Traditionally, natural colouring ingredients are used to give Alta its bright red colour, which are good for our skin. In Ayurveda, the feet and palms are important parts of our body in the concept of Marma healing points. This makes applying Alta to the feet and palms more interesting from an Ayurvedic point of view. To this day, Alta holds a special place in our culture, such as weddings, pujas, and dance performances. The trendy Alta roll-on Pen makes our beautiful customs simple, quick to apply, and more convenient.

Bhagbati, D. S. 2026. Ayurvedic Meaning of Alta and Marma Healing. Ask Ayurveda. https://ask-ayurveda.com/wiki/article/6586-ayurvedic-meaning-of-alta-and-marma-healing

Dagur, P. and Ghosh, M., 2025. Lac Dye: Beyond Textiles and Tradition, A Comprehensive Review of its Bioactive Potential. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 21(3), pp.751-764. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/09731296241305858

Sing, B. K. 2015. Traditional and Modern Indian Color Cosmetics. Cosmeticsandtoiletries. https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulas-products/article/21835367/traditional-and-modern-indian-color-cosmetics

Sofia, A. (2020). Ayurveda and colors. Ayurveda Clinic Sofia. https://ayurvedasofia.bg/en/ayurveda-and-colors/

Speaks, B. 2025. Weekday Colours (According To Ayurveda) And Their Significance. https://www.bergerpaints.com/blogs/weekday-colours-according-to-ayurveda-and-how-to-bring-it-to-your-home-interiors

Wu, T. and Wang, X.Y., 2023. A comparative study on marma and acupoints. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 14(4), p.100769. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975947623000852