WEAVING mattai for the first time proved to be a fascinating activity for N. Darmendran, 13.
A resident at Penang Shan Children’s Home for the past four years, Darmendran said the process of interlacing strips of coconut palm leaves was tough initially.
“It was difficult to start but once the weaving began, I just went with the flow of interlacing the other strips over and under in a tight, repetitive pattern,” he said as Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang branch vice-chairman A. Krishnan guided him.
The activity was part of the Tamil New Year celebration at the home in Mount Erskine, Tanjung Tokong in Penang.
Krishnan explained that the mattai was not just used as floor mats but could also be used as temporary wall panels or structures during ceremonies or festivals.
It was the first time the organisation, with its members and children, celebrated Tamil New Year with the home’s 25 young residents.
Its chairman N. Thanabalan said the purpose of holding the celebration at the home was to bring awareness to the children about the significance of Tamil New Year.
“We explained to the children the difference between Tamil New Year, which often falls on April 14, and the January 1 New Year.”
He said activities such as story-telling session, mattai weaving, pot colouring, rangoli kolam, making of thoranam (decorative garland) and various games made the celebration merrier.
Penang Shan Children’s Home administrator K. Sornalatha said the home had been operating for the past 18 years, with most of the children from single-parent families who were unable to care or provide education for them.
“Our monthly expenses is about RM18,000,” she said.
“Lately, donations have reduced significantly.
“We hope people will come forward to help.
“Our aim is to provide a safe environment for the children and ensure they get good education for a brighter future,” she added.
The children and guests were later treated to a sumptuous banana meal vegetarian dinner.
