Ayodhya: In these difficult times when unity and peaceful co-existence with other communities is threatened in various parts of the world, the birth place of Lord Rama is an exception as Muslims here have been making 'khadau' (wooden footwear), generally used by Hindu priests in temples, for generations.
The town of Ayodhya, with over 8000 temples, has several Muslim families involved in 'khadau' making business.
"A pair of 'khadau', which has input cost of Rs 20-22, is sold for Rs 25-30 in the wholesale market," Azam Khan, a 'khadau' maker told ETV Bharat.
He said he has been involved in making 'khadau' for a long time and it's a business that has been on for generations in his family.
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"I have been making 'khadau' since my childhood. My father and grandfather were also involved in the same business," he said.
Khan, however, expressed disappointment saying that one does not earn much out of it as the input cost has gone up.
"It has become difficult to survive on the income that we get out of the 'khadau' business. We just managed our meals for the day," he said.
