Women's feet beautification gets a taste of competition in Orissa

Balasore, June 14 : A traditional custom of beautifying women's feet with scarlet solution has turned into a completion in Balasore in Orissa.

Applying 'Alta', a traditional scarlet solution, on the feet is more of a tradition, than a fashion symbol.

All the feet may look similar in colour, but the designs vary, depending on the artistic skills of the person who applies it.

Though married women take to 'Alta' as a statement of their status, the younger ones tend to give it the go-by.

And in order to keep the tradition alive, the district education and training centre here organised a competition, which saw the participation of young and the old.

"The motto of this programme is to develop creative talent in the participant, especially those who are here including teachers. It is their responsibility to preserve the traditions and culture of our society," said O. Dash, one of the organisers.

Pankajini, a participant said: "Today's modern society is developing. The youngsters are slowly forgetting their traditions. With this, we feel that the tradition which is more than 100 years old is kept alive."

The competitors were given a deadline of painting a pair of feet in 15 minutes. ore than the prizes on offer the spirit of competition carried the day.

ANI