Devotees will wear Khadi handmade paper slippers in Kashi Vishwanath temple from January 14

New Delhi/PIV. Hundreds of temple staff and devotees visiting Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath temple will no longer be required to enter the temple premises barefoot. With effect from January 14, 2022, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is starting the sale of “use and throw” slippers made of Khadi handmade paper for the use of devotees and employees. Khadi handmade paper slippers will be sold through Khadi sales outlets located in the parking lot of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Handmade paper slippers can be bought at a nominal price of Rs 50 per pair. The slippers will be sold by Kashi Hastkala Pratishthan, a registered Khadi Sansthan in Varanasi. The manufacturing unit of handmade paper slippers will be inaugurated by the Mahant of Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the day of Makar Sankranti i.e. on January 14, 2022.
This development came to light when the Prime Minister sent slippers made of jute to the employees of Kashi Vishwanath temple. The Prime Minister came to know that most of the people working in the temple discharge their responsibilities barefoot. Wearing shoes made of leather or rubber is prohibited in the temple premises. The entire workforce, including temple priests, security guards, sanitation workers and people engaged in service, has to follow this rule.

Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena said that the use of “use and throw” chappals made of handmade paper would not only preserve the sanctity of the temple but would also protect the devotees from heat and cold during the harsh weather. Also, these slippers will prevent any kind of pollution as they are made of natural fibers. Mr. Saxena said “These handmade paper slippers will maintain the sanctity of the temple. These slippers are completely made of eco friendly material. The use of these slippers in the temple premises will also generate long term employment opportunities for the Khadi artisans. The sale of these slippers will be started by KVIC from January 14.

It is worth noting that “use and throw” slippers made of handmade Khadi paper have been developed for the first time in India. These handmade paper slippers are 100% eco-friendly and cost effective. The handmade paper used in making these chappals is completely wood-free and made from natural fibers such as cotton and silk rags and agricultural waste and is therefore suitable for use in places of worship. It is also very effective from the point of view of cleanliness. These chappals have been developed by KVIC with an aim to provide support to the handmade paper industry and generate long term employment opportunities for the artisans.