A Gift of Tradition: PM Modi Sends Hemp “Pulla” Slippers to Kashi Priests

In a gesture that bridges tradition, craftsmanship, and devotion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has purchased pulla — handcrafted hemp slippers — from women-run Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Himachal Pradesh and gifted them to the priests of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

What Are Pulla Slippers?

• Pulla are traditional slippers made from the bark (fibre) of hemp branches.

• They are considered “pure” and permissible in temple settings where conventional shoes or sandals are disallowed during rituals.

• In Himalayan regions (especially in parts of Kullu and Mandi), pulla are also used indoors during winters.

• The craft has been sustained by local artisans and SHGs, particularly women’s groups, preserving this niche heritage.

The Gesture & Its Story

1. Observation during temple visit
   During his temple visit, the Prime Minister noticed that priests had to perform rituals barefoot in cold conditions, as shoes and sandals are not permitted inside the shrine. However, pulla are considered acceptable.

2. Initiative to procure slippers
   He reportedly reached out to former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, asking him to identify groups that make pulla. Two women SHGs in the Seraj region were identified for the task.

3. Payment & gifting
   Modi transferred ₹12,000 from his personal account to those SHGs after receiving the bills, effectively buying the pulla and sending them to the Kashi priests.

4. Symbolism and care
   Beyond the practical aspect, the move is symbolic — it honors tradition, supports rural artisans, and shows sensitivity to the conditions of temple priests performing worship in cold weather.

Perspectives & Broader Implications

For Local Artisans & SHGs

This purchase is more than a single transaction. It offers:

• Economic support to rural women artisans in Himachal Pradesh.

• Visibility and validation of traditional crafts at a national level.

• Encouragement for sustaining such niche heritage crafts which otherwise risk fading away.

Cultural & Religious Sensitivity

The act demonstrates an understanding of religious norms (why slippers can’t always be used) and respects local cultural practices. By choosing pulla, a material seen as pure, the gesture fits within the religious framework.

Political & Symbolic Messaging

Some may interpret this as a soft cultural diplomacy — combining tradition, religion, local craft, and image-building. In an era where symbolic acts often carry weight, such moves can resonate deeply with constituents and observers alike.

Points to Reflect On

• How can similar traditional craftsmanship be preserved, scaled, and marketed sustainably without diluting authenticity?

• Does gifting religious paraphernalia by political figures raise questions about the intersection of politics and faith?

• How meaningful or effective are such symbolic acts compared to larger policy measures for rural artisans, welfare, and heritage preservation?

Conclusion

At first glance, buying a pair of handcrafted slippers may seem modest. But this story lies at the intersection of devotion, culture, craft, and governance. The Prime Minister’s purchase of pulla for the Kashi priests is not just an act of kindness — it is a nod to heritage, an act of support to marginalized artisans, and a gesture that will likely be discussed in cultural and political conversations.

Tags : #PahadiPulla #HimachaliPulla #Pulla #Hemppulla #hempchappal #hemppullan #pahadipullan #tradtionalpula