Jutti/ Mojari/ Nagra/ Traditional Footwear of India

Jutti (also known as mojari and nagra) is an Urdu term that refers to a shoe with a closed upper and a sole. The jutti, is a traditional footwear worn mostly in North India. Originally made out of pure leather, the juttis can be worn for day to day wear, weddings, religious occasions, parties and festivals. 

Juttis were quite popular among The Mughals who were their first patrons. Rajasthan became the first place where they were made. The style was much more ornate and rich back then, as it included fine jewels, stones, and precious pearls. Juttis gained a lot of popularity in Punjab over time, and underwent various forms of changes.

Today craftsmen making juttis are largely from Punjab. The making of the Juttis involves three stages, each involving a different community. The “Chamars,” process the leather to make it tan and malleable the “Rangaars” colour and paint it and the “Mochis” assemble, stitch and embroider the final details.

While Jutti and Nagra are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference regarding their shape. The Jutti follows an M-shaped curved called a “Panna” while the Nagra has a softly rounded, closed front.