‘Khadau’ gains popularity in Magh Mela

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Feb 5 : One of the fastest selling items at the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj this year, is the ‘khadau’ (wooden slipper).
While it is normal for saints and seers to wear the ‘khadau’ since they avoid wearing leather slippers or shoes for obvious reasons, this year, a large number of devotees, particularly the youth, can be seen wearing the ‘khadau’.
Prem Srivastava, 23, a student from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh who is visiting the Magh Mela for the first time, flaunts his ‘khadau’ said, “I bought a pair of ‘khadau’ out of curiosity because so many people were wearing it. It has been four days since I am wearing it and I can already feel the difference. I feel more at peace with myself and physically too, I feel better and my shoulder pain has gone.” His friend, Saumendra, explained, “While saints and seers wear ‘khadau’ because it is made of wood and not leather, I feel it is beneficial for everyone because it works on the principle of acupressure and relieves pain in the body.” The khadau is also believed to be helpful in lowering blood sugar levels.
Both the friends agree that wearing the ‘khadau’ is initially cumbersome but it takes a few days get used to it.