In a heartwarming tale of talent meeting tradition, a 10-year-old tribal student from Idukki, Kerala, has captivated hearts and minds by mastering the intricate art of bamboo weaving. Aditya Anish, a bright Class V student from St. George Upper Primary School in Arakkulam, recently showcased her extraordinary skill at a sub-district science festival. There, she proudly wove a flawless Kannadippaya—a traditional tribal mat—earning a first-grade distinction and drawing widespread acclaim.
Festival officials were astounded as Aditya, participating in the bamboo craft category, skillfully completed the Kannadippaya in just a single day. This traditional mat is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and deep cultural significance. Historically, this delicate art form has been passed down through generations of tribal elders. However, it has been steadily declining due to the immense precision it demands and the increasing scarcity of both skilled artisans and the unique bamboo required for its creation.
“Aditya comes from a family deeply rooted in Kannadippaya weaving,” explained Manoj P.G., a teacher at St. George UP School. “She diligently observed her family members at work and later honed her skills at a training camp organized by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in her settlement. At the science festival, she not only demonstrated the entire weaving process but also produced a beautifully crafted Kannadippaya, rightfully earning top honors.” Aditya hails from the scenic Palapavu tribal settlement, nestled near Venmony in Arakkulam.
A Cherished Cultural Handover
Aditya’s mother, Vimala P.V., who works as a field worker for the DST Project, shared her daughter’s journey, noting that Aditya’s interest in the craft blossomed after attending the KFRI training camp. “She absorbed every detail as the elders demonstrated the technique. Afterward, she practiced relentlessly and, to our delight, created a smaller, yet perfectly executed, Kannadippaya at the science fair, securing first place,” Ms. Vimala recounted. Even in its smaller form, the mat’s impeccable weaving technique garnered immense praise.
Dr. A.V. Raghu, a Principal Scientist at the KFRI and a lead investigator on various Kannadippaya projects, expressed his admiration for Aditya’s achievement. “It is truly remarkable for someone so young to complete a Kannadippaya,” he stated. “This accomplishment signifies a crucial cultural handover—a new generation enthusiastically embracing an ancient tradition. It offers a powerful message of hope for the preservation of this endangered craft.”
The Art of the Kannadippaya
The Kannadippaya mat is crafted from a distinctive variety of creeper bamboo, harvested from the dense forests of the Western Ghats. Its legendary smooth, reflective surface inspired its name, as ‘kannadi’ means ‘mirror’ in Malayalam. The mat is also incredibly thin, so pliable that it can be rolled up and stored inside a bamboo culm. Currently, this exquisite craft is known to only 50 to 60 individuals across the Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts.
Efforts to safeguard this precious heritage are not new. About a decade ago, the Idukki district panchayat launched an initiative to revitalize the fading craft. Following this, the KFRI has actively worked to popularize Kannadippaya weaving through various projects and training programs. These continuous revival missions culminated in a significant milestone this past March when the Kannadippaya proudly received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag, becoming the first tribal handicraft product from Kerala to achieve this esteemed recognition.