Sonakshi Sinha’s wedding was quite unique. We are calling it unique because, firstly, it was a relationship between two people of different religions and secondly, both the bride and groom decided not to marry as per the customs of their religion. Instead, they had a registered marriage, which was witnessed by their own family members.

However, it is a different matter that almost all the rituals were performed at Sonakshi’s house. According to reports, these included everything from puja to mehndi ceremony. But when the post-wedding pictures came out, people were shocked to see that Sonakshi did not have even a dot of henna on her hands, let alone bridal mehndi.

Instead, the actress had applied alta or mahavar. The way a modern girl, that too from Bollywood, made this very traditional makeup a part of her bridal look was indeed a sweet surprise.

This is how alta felt in Sonakshi’s hands

Sonakshi Sinha applied a very simple pattern of alta on her hands. She just colored the tips of her fingers and then applied mehendi in a circular shape in the middle of the palm. She repeated the same pattern on the back of the palm as well. This was the most basic design of alta.

It has been a part of Hindu tradition for centuries

Nowadays, Mahavar is usually seen being applied on selected girls only during Kanya Poojan or on some special festival. However, centuries ago, its importance used to be much higher. Especially, it was definitely included in the 16 Shringar and the bride’s hands and feet were beautifully painted with the bright red color of Mahavar.

symbol of applying mahavar

Mahavar is red in colour, which signifies the fertility of women. It is a way of wishing that a woman gets the happiness of having children after marriage. Along with this, it is also considered a symbol of prosperity.

Entry of Laxmi in the house

It is also said that applying alta opens the doors of a married woman’s life full of luck and prosperity. This is why in the olden days, while welcoming a new bride, the soles of her feet were dipped in alta. As she walked on the floor, footprints were also formed. This was a symbol of Lakshmi entering the house.

Did the Mughals change the tradition?

The Mughals are considered responsible for the decline in the tradition of applying alta. It is said that earlier among Hindus, brides or girls used to apply mahavar on auspicious occasions. But the Mughals brought with them the tradition of applying henna. This spread and applying alta gradually faded away from our culture.

Alta is also seen on the hands and feet of the mother

How integral and important Mahavar is in the Hindu religion can be gauged from the fact that in the idols and pictures of every form of Goddess Parvati and other mothers, alta is seen applied on the hands and feet.

(Disclaimer: The information in the article is based on articles available on the internet. NBT does not confirm its truth and accuracy.)

Sonakshi’s beautiful bridal look in Banarasi silk saree

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