For Jhalakathi's Patigar community, weaving soft and cool shitalpati mats from stalks of the murta, a reed-like plant locally called paitara, is far more than a job: it's an ancient heritage.

To make a raffia wall mat, you will need raffia fibers, scissors, a weaving loom (optional), and some dye if you want to add color. Raffia is usually available in craft stores or online. Make sure ...

In the old days, every home in Tamil Nadu had one or two pais or mats made out of reeds. People slept on the mats, guests sat on them, and toddlers too used them to sit and play on. After their use, ...