Khabargaon on Instagram: "In Lucknow, the craft of silver footwear has been alive since the 17th century a legacy carried forward by artisans like Hafiz Mohammad Ashfaq. “I learned this work from my father, and he learned it from his father. Our family has been doing this since 1972, and even my grandfather was in this craft,” he says. Traditionally, silver slippers were worn by nawabs and the elite. Today, they are especially popular for weddings particularly for brides as well as among those who appreciate unique, handcrafted luxury. Artisans create not just slippers, but also sandals and traditional nagra juttis. The process begins with purchasing pure silver, which is then melted and passed through machines to form thin sheets. These sheets are flattened, stretched, and refined to the required thickness. After that, designs are carefully marked depending on what is being made whether it’s a slipper, sandal, or shoe. Each piece, big or small, simple or intricate, requires a specially prepared sheet, making every pair a product of precision, heritage, and skill."