Alta
A red liquid dye painted on the edges of the feet and palms, especially in eastern India.
Also: alata, mahawar
Alta is a bright red liquid applied with a swab or brush to the borders of the feet and sometimes the fingertips and palms. It is worn by brides and married women in Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Nepal on festival days, and by classical dancers so that their hand and foot movements show clearly. It was traditionally made from lac, the resin insect, or from betel leaves; most sold today is a synthetic dye. Unlike henna it sits on the skin and washes away within a few days.