The Pulpaya, also known as traditional grass mats, is one of the oldest hand-woven products from Kerala. The grass mat and its significance is mentioned in the Atharva Veda (3500 - 1500 BC), one of the four ancient Vedas of India. Historically, these mats were used predominantly by the elite people for sitting and sleeping, while ordinary people typically used wooden planks.

Pulpayas are woven from Korappullu (Cyperus corymbosus), a species of grass that grows to a height of 91.5 to 152 cm and belongs to the Papyrus family. Korappullu thrives in riverbanks and marshy areas. The grass habitat reach to its peak growth during August-September. This grass is highly valued for its skin-friendly properties. The crafting process begins with villagers collecting the Korappullu in bulk, cutting it into long thin strips, and drying these strips for three days. The strips are then dyed by boiling them in water with pieces of Chapangam bark (Caesalpinia sappan) especially for red colour. The grass strips are dyed in various colors using natural and chemical dyes, including tie-dye techniques to achieve different shades. After dyeing, the grass strips are dried again in the sun. 

To prepare the grass for weaving, it is soaked in water to expand, with stones tied to the ends of the bundles to keep them submerged in running water. This soaking process, which lasts several days, allows the grass to swell up to three times its original size. Afterward, the strips are dried once more before being woven. Weaving a Pulpaya requires meticulous craftsmanship. Typically, it takes a full day for one weaver to complete a mat measuring 183 cm in length and 91.5 cm in width. The weaving is done on a floor loom using a warp and weft pattern. The weft is usually made of grass, while for the warp pattern cotton or silk yarns are used. 

The Pulpaya is a traditional craft of the Kuruva community in Kerala, particularly around the banks of the River Bharathapuzha, where Kora grass grows abundantly. In addition to mats, the grass is used to create various other articles such as bags, table mats, and wall hangings. Kilimangalam in the Thrissur district was historically a major production center. In 2006, UNESCO awarded the Kora grass mats of the region its seal of excellence. Today, Pulpayas remain a popular and cool seating material, especially during the summer months and Pulpayas and related products being exported across India and abroad.