Sitalpati Craft, Goalpara, Assam India

Goalpara is known for its age-old Sitalpati industry. The word "Sitalpati" means cold mat. The raw materials required for this traditional craftwork is chiefly procured from natural grass. The barks of the plants are used for knitting the mats. Bare hands do the knitting process. In other parts of lower Assam, the mats are finely knitted and beautifully crafted with the use of fine barks of the bamboo. These are delicately arranged and then clearly designed by knitting with hands.

The Sitalpati work has been passed down through generations. The Nadi and Dey communities of Dubapara and Paharsing para mainly practice this ancient craftwork. Almost all the residents of the village are engaged in making Sitalpati. They produce different designs of mats, tablemats, school bags, partitions, etc. Each family here earn a handsome amount by making Sitalpatis.