A project to transfer the knowledge of Kannadippaya making to future generations

The Kannadippaya weaving training at Venmony in Idukki.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Smooth as glass, thin enough to roll, and intricately handwoven, Kannadippaya – a GI-tagged craft – is now at the heart of a revival mission by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI).

The mat — named for its mirror-like sheen — is made from Njoonjileeta (Teinostachyum wightii), a fast-growing creeper bamboo found in Kerala’s forest-rich districts. The mat has traditionally been made by members of indigenous communities such as the Oorali, Mannan, Muthuva, Malayan, and Kadar tribes, particularly in Idukki, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Palakkad. Communities like the Ulladan, Malayarayan, and Hill Pulaya are also part of this legacy. But today, fewer young people are aware of the intricate skill of Kannadippaya weaving — an art passed orally from one generation to the next.

Alarming situation

“The situation is alarming,” says A.V. Raghu, senior scientist at KFRI. “Most of the new generation has never seen a Kannadippaya, let alone know how to make one. That’s why we started this project—to preserve and transfer the knowledge before it fades.”

Backed by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, the KFRI initiative rests on three core pillars: planting the raw material, procuring the harvested bamboo, and training the next generation of weavers.

So far, the institute has planted 2,000 saplings of Njoonjileeta in Venmony forest land with the help of the Forest department. The saplings will serve as a sustainable source of raw material in the coming years. Training in material collection has already been completed, and now, the focus has shifted to weaving.

Six senior women weavers from Venmony are leading the charge in passing on this heritage. Among them is 87-year-old Ponmala Gopalan from Palaplavu, who beams with pride as she talks about her involvement. “This skill was handed down to me by my mother and grandmother. I’m thrilled to now share it with the younger generation.”

As part of the project, five veteran weavers have begun training 15 young women and men between the ages of 20 and 40. The aim: to make Kannadippaya-making a viable craft again, not just a forgotten tradition.

Multiple uses

These mats aren’t limited to sleeping arrangements. The versatile reed is used to make sitting mats, prayer mats, curtains, winnowing trays (muram), drying mats, baby play mats, and decorative baskets—each piece showcasing the signature Kannadi (mirror) design that gives the mat its name.

Kannan C.S. Warrier, Director of KFRI, sees the GI tag as more than just a symbolic honour. “ It opens doors to global markets. Our plan is not just to protect the tradition, but to diversify the craft and make it more popular. This is heritage with potential. KFRI will conduct the Idukki model Kannnadippaya making training to Eranakulam, Palakkad and Thrissur districts, ” said Mr Warrier.