Multani khussa makes a comeback

Women drive demand for handcrafted footwear online and in stores

MULTAN:

Citizens across the country bought the traditional Multani Khussa along with clothes and accessories during the recent Eid shopping season.

The handmade leather shoe has a long history in the region, once favoured by kings and princesses, and now seeing a resurgence in popularity among women.

In the past, the khussa was crafted by local cobblers in Multan's old neighborhoods, but small factories have now taken over the production process. Skilled artisans work on the leather cutting, dyeing, stitching, embroidery, and marking of various measurements, taking three days to complete one Khussa.

Women are the main buyers of the khussa, which can cost anywhere from Rs700 to Rs7,000 depending on the variety.

While Multan's Ghanta Ghar market remains a popular destination for khussa shoppers, online sales have also surged in recent years. People from all over the world can now order the shoes online, which has increased demand.

Women especially love to wear Multani Khussa on special occasions such as weddings and festivals. In preparation for Eidul Fitr, many women purchased the shoes to complete their outfits.

Despite the popularity of the footwear, shopkeepers were worried that inflation would affect sales this year. However, they had pinned hopes on the online sale.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2023.