Pan Padura - The carpet of a hundred and one uses!

Every Sri Lankan home has one - used daily or tucked away on top of a wardrobe awaiting its next role. The humble Pan Padura has been part of Sri Lankan households from time immemorial, due to its sheer versatility. The Pan Padura is a simple mat made by weaving reeds harvested from riverbanks. It’s used as a bed, dining table, a surface to dry paddy, spices and other foods, a picnic blanket, a wrap to transport goods and so much more. It is also namesake of the famous Paduru Party which is beloved by all Sri Lankans, where musicians and audience sit down on the Pan Paduras and have a jolly good singing session! The process of interlacing the boiled and dyed reeds by craftspersons, to create these intricately patterned colourful mats, has even given rise to folk poems over the ages known as Paduru Kavi which are sung during the weaving process. Meeting the communities engaged in this craft is a highly recommended experience, especially when coupled with a joyous Paduru Party at the end, with authentic local hospitality!