MUMBAI: When flowers sing, Onam dances to a new tune. Asianet, Kerala’s top entertainment channel, has unveiled the world’s first Poopaattu (Flower Song), blending tradition with cutting-edge bio-sonification technology for its #Coloronam campaign.
Created by music director Justin Varghese with vocals by singer-actor Remya Nambeesan, the track is no ordinary festive jingle, it’s a composition crafted from the natural vibrations of Onam flowers such as Thumba, Thechi, Chembarathi, and Shankupushpam. These subtle frequencies were captured, converted into notes, and layered into an original soundtrack that’s as scientific as it is soulful.
The idea stems from the age-old Pookkalam (floral carpet) tradition, where each bloom held meaning Thumba symbolised sanctity, Mukutti prosperity, and Thechi devotion and strength. By turning these floral associations into music, Asianet hopes to revive cultural connections for modern audiences.
“With Poopaattu, our aim was to show how cultural storytelling can be reimagined through innovation,” said JioStar head of cluster entertainment (South) Krishnan Kutty. “Onam is deeply emotional for our audiences in Kerala, and by combining tradition with technology, we’ve built a campaign that resonates locally while showcasing our ability to lead with fresh ideas.”
The accompanying video mirrors the community spirit of Onam families and friends handpicking blossoms, weaving intricate Pookkalams, and celebrating togetherness with joy and generosity.
For a festival rooted in colour, fragrance, and symbolism, Poopaattu adds a new sensory dimension: sound. By bridging heritage and innovation, Asianet is not just celebrating Onam but orchestrating it, one flower note at a time.