Athulpatha (Reed Basket)

This pan watti is a small traditional athulpatha, woven by hand from reed leaf, which we call pan. Sri Lankan families use a pan watti to serve food and sweets at the table. Also, it is our most popular reed product.

Size of the pan watti

The basket is about 8 to 10 inches wide. It is light and easy to pass around. So it is just right for sweets, fruit or snacks. However, the size is not exact, because every basket is woven by hand.

Woven from reed leaf

Skilled Sri Lankan weavers weave the reed leaf with traditional skills. Then they add bright coloured strips. As a result, every basket has a lovely pattern. Also, you cannot choose the colour or pattern, and it may differ from the photo.

A pan watti for Avurudu

At the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, families serve kavum, kokis and aasmi on a pan watti. So the table looks colourful and traditional. Moreover, it is a nice way to share sweets with neighbours.

Many ways to use your athulpatha

Use it to serve fruit or short eats when guests visit. Also, keep small things such as dry spices or onions on a shelf in it. In addition, it makes a thoughtful gift for a friend or a new home.

Small or large pan watti

This small basket is for serving at the table. However, the large athulpatha, about 13 to 16 inches, is for drying chillies and spices. So many homes keep one of each.

Easy care and delivery

Wipe the basket with a dry cloth, and keep it dry. For the bigger basket, see our large athulpatha reed basket. We deliver this pan watti island wide in Sri Lanka in 2 to 4 working days. You can also watch our YouTube shorts to see our handmade products.