Peshawari Chappal, a famous traditional footwear with eye-catching designs, started attracting customers ahead of the Eidul Fitr celebrations. With less than 10 days left in Eidul Fitr, people flocked to chappal shops in Peshawari to select suitable shoes for themselves and their family members.
Known as the city of artisans, Peshawar’s Jahangirpura Bazaar, near the historic Qissakhwani Bazaar, has been the hub of skilled shoemakers, where shoemakers work till midnight to meet the increasing demands of the people for the upcoming Eidul Fitr. Many consumers, belonging to other districts, have traveled long distances to purchase decent, bright and unique designs for themselves and their family members.
Apart from their cultural relevance, a factor contributing to the growing preference for durable, ready-made chappals is the rising costs of foreign footwear, which salaried, middle-class and low-income groups can barely afford. Barkatullah Khan, a local shoemaker who remained associated with this tough business for the last 20 years in Jhangirpura, said people’s demands for this traditional chappal have increased manifold due to its durability and shine.
“We are currently unable to accept more orders due to lack of time, power outage and fasting,” he said.
Barkat was proud to preserve the skills of his ancestors, who were associated with this profession for decades with experience, skill and craftsmanship.
“Peshawari chappal is my favorite and my Eid seems incomplete without it,” said Zeeshan Khan, a government employee and resident of Nowshera, while selecting footwear for himself and his family members in Jhangirpura. “I bought six sets of handmade Peshawari chappal designs for Rs 5,500 each this year, as against Rs 4,500 last year for me, my brother and the orphans,” he said, adding that he bought shoes.
