Alta or mahawar, Indian way of feet decoration
@Professor2010 (20156)
India
September 12, 2010 2:33am CST
Source: http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/07/alta-or-mahawar-indian-tradition-of.html
Note: THIS IS NOT MY BLOG OR LINK.
Friends, our ladies apply ‘alta’or ‘mahawar’ on all festivals and auspicious occasions. 
Painting feminine toes in deep red Alta is a tradition of India. Alta is red color dye which is used by Indian women for decorating their feet especially during marriages and religious festivals. Adoration of foot is a glorifying and humble experience. Traditionally an Indian woman devotes as much attention to her feet as she does to her face and hair. 
Feet are bathed and rubbed with scrubbers to remove ingrained dirt and rough skin. They are massaged with scented oils for pleasure and relaxation as well as to maintain a healthy body. The soles are stained red with henna or mehendi. For special occasions the upper foot is painted with Alta elaborate designs and ornamented with jewelry. The beauty of Indian bride is incomplete without decorating her feet with Alta.
[u][b]Traditionally Alta was made from beetles, but now it’s made from artificial colors.
Alta not only makes the feet look beautiful but also provides a cooling effect which makes the entire body feel fresh and cool. Alta is also known as Mahawar in some parts of the country. The only difference is that Alta is bright red in color whereas Mahawar is dark pink in color.[/b][/u]Friends I am sharing a tradition of ours, hope you like this, please share your views. Do you apply this on yourfeet? Why not try? Professor
Painting feminine toes in deep red Alta is a tradition of India. Alta is red color dye which is used by Indian women for decorating their feet especially during marriages and religious festivals. Adoration of foot is a glorifying and humble experience. Traditionally an Indian woman devotes as much attention to her feet as she does to her face and hair.
Feet are bathed and rubbed with scrubbers to remove ingrained dirt and rough skin. They are massaged with scented oils for pleasure and relaxation as well as to maintain a healthy body. The soles are stained red with henna or mehendi. For special occasions the upper foot is painted with Alta elaborate designs and ornamented with jewelry. The beauty of Indian bride is incomplete without decorating her feet with Alta.
[u][b]Traditionally Alta was made from beetles, but now it’s made from artificial colors.
Alta not only makes the feet look beautiful but also provides a cooling effect which makes the entire body feel fresh and cool. Alta is also known as Mahawar in some parts of the country. The only difference is that Alta is bright red in color whereas Mahawar is dark pink in color.[/b][/u]Friends I am sharing a tradition of ours, hope you like this, please share your views. Do you apply this on yourfeet? Why not try? Professor2 people like this
2 responses
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
13 Sep 10
dear professor,
i have never seen women with painted feet except for a tattoo which is permanent and another kind of dye which would erase itself after several scrubbing. 
i think feet will look very nice especially if the drawing is done beautifully, like flowers and curves and others. 
thank u for this discussion.
ann
i think feet will look very nice especially if the drawing is done beautifully, like flowers and curves and others.
thank u for this discussion.
ann1 person likes this
@Professor2010 (20156)
• India
13 Sep 10
Hi Anny dear
Buy a bottle of alta, at Laxmi Store near you home, apply on your feet, i am sure you will like it..
Thanks for sharing.
Welcome always, cheers.
Professor. .
@Hatley (163773)
• Garden Grove, California
12 Sep 10
hi professor that sounds so pretty and I imagine they wear the t ype of shoesthat will show off the painted effect. Here in the U S we do not have that as our c
ulture but many women who have pretty feet do use nailpolish on their toe nails a nd w ear open toed shoes to how off their pretty feet. I am alas u nable to do any of that as I have a bad foot.left foot, in a orthopedic shoes, ugly shoes, and noone could see if I did paint my nails.I do like your tradition however
ulture but many women who have pretty feet do use nailpolish on their toe nails a nd w ear open toed shoes to how off their pretty feet. I am alas u nable to do any of that as I have a bad foot.left foot, in a orthopedic shoes, ugly shoes, and noone could see if I did paint my nails.I do like your tradition however1 person likes this
@Professor2010 (20156)
• India
13 Sep 10
LOL I am happy you like our tradition..
Thanks for sharing your views.
Welcome always, cheers.
Professor. .
