Peshawari Chappal- a centuries old tradition of craftsmanship attracts Eid shoppers in KP
PESHAWAR: As nearly seven days left in Eidul Fitre celebrations, Eid shoppers on Sunday thronged to Peshawari Chappal outlets to select appropriate readmade shoes for themselves and their loved ones to look different on Eid.
Following significant decrease of COVID-19 cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawari Chappal outlets in cities and cantonments bazaars are attracting shopers in large numbers these days.
Known as city of artisans, Peshawar’s Jahangirpura bazaar near historic Qissakhwani Bazaar, is a main center of skilled cobblers, making Peshawari Chappal since long, are working till night at shops and homes to meet consumers’ pressing demands for Eid.
The consumers of others districts including Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Swabi besides adjoining tribal districts including Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur were seen in substantial number at Jahangirpura these days to select a decent, shiny and unique designs for themselves and family members for Eid festival.
The centuries old Peshawari Chappal homemade footwear tradition of Pakhtoon society, are attracting customers of all ages from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including merged areas to profitable market of Peshawar.
Peshawar Chappal has outclassed foreign made foodwear on this Eid due to its durability, comfortability and affordable price.
Following skyrocketing prices of foreign-made footwear, the salaried, middle class and low income groups are giving preference to readmade Peshawari Chappal keeping in view of its durability, attractive designs, affordability and great comfort level.
Keeping in people’s overwhelming response, the shoemakers hired extra skillful labourers that are working till late night at shopes and homes to meet buyers’ orders.
“Like others businesses, Peshawari Chappal business was also hit hard by COVID-19 lockdown” said Muhammad Khan, a local shoemaker who remained associated with this hard business for past 22 years in Jhangirpura told APP.
He said shoemakers has suffered great financial losses due to coronavirus pandemic.
Following improving of coronavirus situation, he said shoe makers associated with this hard earned business returned back to their business.
He said extra labour were engaged working till late night to meet consumers orders for Eid.
“Currently we cannot accept more orders due to shortage of time, power load shedding and fasting,” he said.
Khan felt proud of adhering these skills from his forefathers, who associated with this profession over decades of expertises, skills and craftsmanship.
The unique footwear is exported to South Africa, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Europe, Afghanistan and Russia besides has liked in Sindh, Balcohistan, Azad Kashmir, Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan.
He said a single pair passes through six stages of skilled hands to become a finished product, adding in first step, sole of the chappal is made flattened with rubber piece whereas in second stage, a piece of leather is sewn and then fitting of piece with the sole is done in third and fourth stage respectively.
In fifth stage, he said the pair is stuffed with a wooden piece to stretch and fix all the nails, leather and thread placed together to get the shoe adjusted and make it durable.
He said later finishing touches are given to a piece in sixth stage, which includes polishing and varnishing to improve its look while artisans also paints its border with a selected chemical for a better shine.
Muhammad Khan has urged KP Government to announce special financial package for shoe makers and lockdown affected labourers.
He said centuries old Peshawar Chappal business would grow only if Government’s provide interest loans to Covid 19 affected speakers.
“Peshawari Chappal is my favorite shoe and my Eid seems incomplete without it,” Zeeshan Khan, a Govt employee and resident of Nowshera told APP while selecting shoes for himself and family members at Jhangirpura Peshawar on Sunday.
He said Peshawari Chappal was my preferred choice for Eid because of its unique designs, durability and comfort level.
“I purchased five sets of handmade designs of Peshawari Chappal on Rs4,500 each this year against Rs4,000 last year for myself, brothers, orphans and despite its little increase in prices at local markets, its prices are still in reach of common man,” he said.
“We should not forget our COVID-19 affected brothers and sisters on this Eid,” he said, adding purchasing shoes and cloths for poor people would double our joy on Eid.
He urged Government to regulate this business and fixed rate for Peshawari Chappal to facilitate consumers.
“Peshawar Chappal is my first choice for Eid as it gives added colour to traditional look with Shalwar Qameez and a trendy appearance when worn with paints and jeans,” said Janisar Khan, a resident of Nowsehra.
“After significant reduction of coronavirus cases, I visited Peshawar to buy readymade Peshawari Chappal for myself and brothers who are living abroad as they have especially asked for it for this Eid,” said Janisar Khan.
“I purchased plain black and green designs of this famous chappal as demanded by my brothers,” he said, adding its other designs both for girls and boys with different prints embellished with stones are giving a different look and individual style attracting influx of buyers on Eid,” he said.
Peshawari Chappal is also being liked in festive parties like Eid, engagements and wedding ceremonies in Khyber Pakthunkhwa.
It is no longer confined to any specific culture or age group and being loved by all in order to give more colour to festivity of Eid.
The shopkeepers expressed the hope that shopping activities will get upward boom during upcoming days and on Chand Raat. (APP/fam)
