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Craft Name: Hemp Pulla / Pulla Chappal

Region: Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh

CRAFT
HISTORY

The Hemp Pulla Chappal is a traditional winter footwear craft from the cold desert region of Lahaul. Due to the scarcity of leather in older times, communities innovated using abundantly available hemp (bhang) fibre. The fibre’s warmth, durability, and local availability made it ideal for high-altitude life. Historically, women wove these fibres into thick ropes and coils, shaping them into soft yet sturdy slippers that provided insulation during harsh winters. The craft represents local sustainability practices, resourcefulness and eco-dependence.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:

  • Made entirely from locally grown hemp fibre, making it eco-friendly and sustainable.
  • Designed specifically for extreme cold climates, offering natural insulation.
  • Traditionally hand-twisted fibre ropes create a unique, rustic structure.

Received a
GI tag in 2023

COLOURS

  • Natural beige, brown, off-white, earthy tones

How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in the process?
A pair takes 1–1.5 days and is woven by a single artisan.

MOTIFS

  • Simple geometric weaves, rope-coil patterns

RAW MATERIAL

  • Hemp fibre
  • Cotton thread
  • Wool trims (optional)
  • Natural dyes

CRAFT MAKING PROCESS

Hemp Pulla_Pulla Chappal

HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC CRAFT

  • Coarse but soft hemp rope texture
  • Entire slipper made from plant fibre
  • Hand-woven irregularities (not machine-perfect)
  • Natural, earthy colours