KOLHAPURI CHAPPAL- Stroll with Esteem.

August 17, 2022
Posted by Aatish Chavan

Kolhapur: The Timeless City of Culture, Craft, and Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapur — a city rich in tradition, culture, and spiritual significance — is more than just a destination; it's an experience. Known for the divine presence of Goddess Mahalaxmi, the fiery Kolhapuri Misal, and majestic historical landmarks, Kolhapur has earned global recognition for its handcrafted masterpiece: the authentic Kolhapuri chappals.

These iconic leather sandals have stood the test of time, symbolizing elegance, heritage, and craftsmanship. Revered worldwide as a symbol of Indian artistry, Kolhapuri chappals have roots dating back to the 12th century, once serving as a cultural bridge between royalty and the common folk.

The Art of Leather Crafting

Leather, the core material for Kolhapuri chappals, is a flexible, durable product made by tanning animal hides. The tanning process not only preserves the leather but enhances its strength and lifespan. Traditionally, vegetable tanning methods using natural agents like myrobalan nuts and babul bark are employed, making these chappals eco-friendly and even medicinally beneficial.

Kolhapuri Chappals in the Modern World

Despite being rooted in history, Kolhapuri chappals are making a strong comeback in today’s fashion scene. From college-goers to fashion influencers, everyone is embracing the Indo-Western fusion of these vibrant, hand-stitched sandals. Their intricate detailing, traditional punch work, and colorful designs continue to mesmerize global audiences.

Crafted using over 20 specialized tools — including the chandni punch and rapi — each pair goes through a meticulous process of aligning, skiving, embossing, stitching, and coloring. On average, it takes 5–6 weeks to create a single authentic pair!

As years passed Kolhapuri chappals have taken various changes & importance in terms of designs & looks. The typical design of Kolhapuri chappal is crafted with zari work, gold strap & simple gota(pom pom).People prefer Kolhapuri chappal with modernization. It is so much fun to see people taking interest in craft. There are many teenyboppers who needs some trendy & sleek looks with designer chappals. The new version of authentic chappals are here. Kalapuri.com is your one stop shop for all your desired exigency. So come & discover the fusion of diligence & fashion of densely embellished Kolhapuri chapplals at KALAPURI. These genuine leather slippers are much more colourful & vibrant than just the traditional tan colors. We are so proud in making these artefact sandals & giving it a smart transformation with stylish designs, intricacy patterns & vibrant colours. Kalapuri is trying to redefine the significance of Kolhapuri chappals along with its cultural heritage We are trying to fuse different styles in a small pair of footwear. People dream to own a pair of Kolhapuri chappals in their lifestyle. Making of these chappals is a restless job & needs immense hardwork.

Formation of Kolhapuri chappals-

It is fascinated by tools & takes around 5-6 weeks to prepare an authentic Kolhapuri chappal. They are stitched with cattle hide which gives them durability. There are nearly 20 types of sharp tools like chandni punch, rapi & nylon threads, are some of the most important tools used in making these adorned chappals. It intrigue work goes through various processes like aligning, cutting, skiving, pasting, embossing, marking, stitching, punching, grinding & colouring. Phew! quite a lengthy job… The leather is made from the hide of buffalo, goat & cattle & is dyed with vegetable extract. The leather is washed thoroughly to clean the dirt & is soaked in salt & lime water for few days. Later it is soaked again to remove all the traces of lime.

Intervention of Kolhapuri Chappals.