Sellers say Punjabi juttis still a preferred style statement
31 January, 2026 – Ludhiana : The craze of Punjabi juttis, the soul of age-old fashion statements, refuses to die down even as sneakers have started to dominate the wardrobes of the younger generation.
To date, Punjabi juttis are a breakaway hit among girls from Ludhiana as well as other parts of the city.
Be it traditional salwar suits, jeans or other western outfits, Punjabi juttis have emerged as the footwear of choice, adding grace to whatever fashion choices they are paired with.
“I wear Punjabi juttis with jeans. It gives a different vibe altogether,” says Krishika, a college student, reflecting the blend of tradition and modernity that the footwear represents.
At Model Town, a popular shopping hub, jutti sellers unanimously say: this craze never goes out of fashion. “The love for Punjabi juttis never fades, especially among college girls,” says Jaswinder Singh, a shopkeeper, adding that festive seasons and wedding functions bring a surge in demand.
Another trader points out that while sneakers may be everyday wear, “there is no match for the traditional juttis” when it comes to functions.
Swati, a young professional, echoes the sentiment. “Whenever I dress in traditional attire, it has to be accompanied by Punjabi juttis. It completes the look,” she says. The footwear’s versatility, with ethnic ensembles and western outfits, has ensured its enduring popularity.
In Ludhiana, the craze is not limited to local buyers. At Ghumar Mandi, another bustling market, a seller says that Non-Resident Indians (NRI) regularly place orders. “They love juttis even more. I get regular requests from abroad, especially during wedding season,” he adds.
The handcrafted designs, vibrant embroidery and comfort make them prized possessions for Punjabis settled overseas, who see the juttis as a cultural connection to their roots, the shopkeeper goes on to say.
The appeal lies in the juttis’ ability to adapt. From plain leather pairs for everyday wear to heavily embroidered ones for weddings, the variety caters to every taste. Youngsters experiment by pairing them with denims, skirts and even dresses, creating a fusion look that is both: chic and rooted. For many, it is not just footwear, but a statement of identity.
In Ludhiana’s markets, rows of juttis in dazzling colours and patterns testify to the craft’s resilience against changing fashion trends. Sellers insist that while styles evolve, the essence remains the same: comfort, tradition and elegance stitched into every pair.
As a trader summed up, “Sneakers may come and go, but Punjabi juttis are forever.”
The Tribune