Crafts of Goalpara have earned a name in Sitalpati industry. Sitalpati is a kind of mat which provides relief during summers. It is perhaps the most notable and popular product in Assam and as well as in the neighbouring states of Tripura and West Bengal. Goalpara is the district headquarters of West Assam formed in the year 1893. It is located in the midst of Brahamaputra River in the North and Meghalaya in the South. The village has almost 180 families residing here. They are mostly engaged in the production of the age-old Sitalpati craft.
Sitalpati Craft of Goalpara
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. The 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 designed knitting with hands. If the Sitalpati mat is glossy, smooth and has fine texture than it is of good quality. According to the craftsmen, the best kind of Sitalpati is so smooth that even a snake cannot glide over it. This particular quality of mat is ideal for the warm and humid climate. These mats render a feeling of coolness to the person sitting or sleeping on it.
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 earns a handsome amount by making Sitalpatis.
Demand of Crafts of Goalpara
Owing to the features of Sitalpati, its demand has escalated. People residing in large towns and metropolitan cities are looking for such mats. Thus, the Government of Assam is trying to promote the Sitalpati Craft through out India by featuring this artwork in different national and international fairs in India.
