Among the many things Jaffna has been popular for, the beautiful products crafted by palmyrah is one that has stood the test of time. Nimble hands weave dried palmyrah leaves that has been coloured with all the colours of the rainbow with bright dyes in to stunning bags, baskets, mats, beautiful home décor and more.

From the 800 uses the palm tree supposedly gives us, the craft it has inspired many ladies from Jaffna to create has been a form of empowerment for the folk during trying times, a livelihood generator, a hobby that beautified many households and has today become part of a fashion statement in the community in Colombo and even around the world.

Bringing to the metropolitan some of these creations are ladies from the island of Punkudutheevu who are part of premier five-star city hotel Cinnamon Grand’s Jaffna Festival. On from 16 to 26 February, the festival is a celebration of rich culture and heritage of Yalpanam.

Having been commissioned by the hotel to showcase their creations, these hardworking ladies from Jaffna Palmyrah Handicraft (Guarantee) Ltd. Company, consists of a 37 women collective among whom the majority are widows, have worked tirelessly for the past few weeks to present a collection of trendy and stylish bags, baskets and other storage items, rugs and mats. All have been handmade according to their very own designs.

Punguditvu Food Manufactures also from the island have brought with them a range of spices and flour they have created themselves with the minimum use of machinery. These include the likes of roasted rice flour, roasted curry chilli powder, turmeric powder, jamun seed drink powder, coriander drink powder, kurincha powder among others. The products are high in nutritional value and excellent for those with diabetes conditions. All proceeds from sales of products at the festival go directly to support the women who are engaged in the creation and production of the handicrafts and food items, with no commissions whatsoever to the hotel. On from 16 to 24 February, the Jaffna Festival is a culmination of authentic Jaffna experiences inclusive of traditional cuisine prepared by cooks from the district, music and entertainment also from talented Jaffna folks. A buffet featuring over 70 delicious Jaffna dishes will be priced at Rs. 2,600 nett and is available for dinner on weekdays and for lunch and dinner both on Saturday and Sunday.