There are plans to organize trade in Kolhapuri chappal, but it is slow to get going

Representative image (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

In the heart of Kolhapur, a narrow street bustles with activity. This is the famous Chappal Lane, where shops on either side vie for attention with their wares: the iconic Kolhapuri chappals, which exemplify the region’s rich heritage.

About 4,000 retailers in the district sell these leather slippers. This trade, steeped in tradition, has been chosen by the government for the One District One Product Scheme (ODOP).

These stores, many of which are more than five decades old, are a testament to the lasting legacy of the trade, passed down from generation to generation. Today, the third or fourth generation heads many of these establishments.

First print: May 02, 2024 | 12:58 pm IST