Kural: The voice of wrights

  Pattamadai Mats are exquisite hand woven mats made up of Korai grass that grows along the banks of the river Thamirabarani, Tamilnadu. As mentioned in various Tamil folk songs, gifting Pattamadai mats to the newly wedded couples was a celebrated tradition. The mats can be customised with the names or even portraits of the bride and groom. The mat comes in various patterns, degree of fineness and rich colour schemes.  Background The silk mats are the most colourful and the finest creation of Pattamadai and were even exported to other countries in the past. Based on the number of strands accommodated in one inch, the mats are classified into 32 counts, 50 counts, 100 counts(silk mats) . 120 and 140 counts are no longer made. The korai grass is also cultivated in other places as Karur, Manimutharu, Karambai, Ulupadipaarai, Karisoolthamangalam and Kallidaikurichi. It grows along the river bank and has high strength and is even believed to have medicinal values.   The journey We visited