India's own wooden slippers still in demand

Faizabad, May 4: Wooden slippers, which used to be popular in ancient India, are still in demand. The workers in Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad District are making these slippers in hundreds.

Their religious significance dates back to the reign of Lord Ram. As per the legend, when Lord Ram went on banishment his brother Bharat put on the royal seat the wooden slippers of Lord Ram.

Keeping the pair on the seat, he kept the royal seat warm for Lord Ram. Bharat worshipped the slippers till Lord Ram's return from the banishment.

Rajesh Kumar Das, a priest further elaborated the significance of these wooden slippers.

"They came into prominence when Lord Ramachandra wore them and some people even worship the wooden slippers like Bharat used to do," said Das.

The wooden slippers are made out of mango logs and teak wood.

Ram, a worker who is into making these wooden slippers, said that the people generally buy these slippers considering that they are the god's foot impression.

"People consider it as god's foot impression and buy it. Considering it as god's offering, they are also used in various Hindu rituals," said Ram.

The workers making these wooden slippers are also an excellent example of communal harmony as hundreds of workers both Muslims and Hindus eke out their livelihood by making these wooden slippers.

ANI