JENIFER FERNANDES
joseph@herald-goa.com
QUEPEM: In an era where modern comforts and mass-produced goods dominate the market, Laxmi Narayan Velip, a resident of Quepem, is preserving a centuries-old Goan tradition—the art of weaving Mandri, the handmade coconut leaf mat. Having dedicated over six decades to this craft, she continues to uphold a legacy that her family has nurtured for more than a century.
Velip’s daily routine revolves around the painstaking process of weaving Mandri, a craft that requires both patience and skill. The process begins with sourcing coconut leaves, which are then stripped, dried, and meticulously woven together. The midrib of the leaf is removed, and strips are carefully arranged before being secured using the bark of a special tree found in the forest. It takes her at least 15 days of dedicated effort to complete a single mat, working long hours each day.
Despite the arduous nature of the work, Velip takes immense pride in her craft. However, she worries that the younger generation has little interest in learning or preserving this traditional skill. “I invite people to come and learn, but they always say they are busy. They are more fascinated with today’s gadgets,” she laments.
For generations, the Mandri served as an essential household item in Goan homes, offering a natural and breathable surface to sleep on, especially during the hot and humid months. But with the advent of luxury mattresses, air-conditioned rooms, and plastic alternatives, the demand for these traditional mats has dwindled. “People want everything that looks fancy, even if it is less durable,” Velip says, adding that many consider these mats unsuitable for modern homes and apartments.
Despite this shift, she remains committed to her craft, continuing to weave Mandri and sell them at local markets. “Some people appreciate our work, but they don’t buy the mats because they don’t understand their value. If parents don’t pass down this knowledge, how will the next generation appreciate our heritage?” she asks.
The dwindling interest in traditional weaving is part of a larger cultural shift that Velip has observed over the years. She recalls a time when families sustained themselves with simple incomes from farming and handicrafts. “My work is not limited to weaving Mandri; I also take on farm labor when called upon. We often travel long distances with our food packed for the day and return home in the evening. In the past, we sustained our families through the income generated from selling Mandri. I recall a time when daily wages were as low as seventy-five paise to five rupees, yet we managed our households efficiently. I still remember the joy of purchasing a saree for just six rupees,” she recalls.
Despite the physical strain involved in weaving, Velip remains dedicated to her work, often spending hours on the floor, enduring back pain, just to complete a mat. “After a long day of work, I still sit down to weave because it is not just a mat—it is my identity, my pride,” she says.
She hopes that more Goans will recognize the importance of preserving their cultural heritage. “Every Goan household should have at least one traditional item on display, as a reminder of who we are and where we come from.”
As the world moves at an increasingly fast pace, Velip remains determined to keep this fading art alive for as long as she can.