Bengaluru-Based Malayali Designer Gives ‘Pookkalam’ a 3D Twist

Swift Summary

• Rahul R, a UI/UX designer from Bengaluru hailing from Kottayam, Kerala, creates innovative 3D pookkalam (flower carpet) designs to mark Onam festivities.
• His pookkalam designs feature moving modules powered by electricity or USB sources:

– One design includes the expressive eyes of a Kathakali dancer using oscillating wooden irises.
– Another incorporates a snake boat with movable oarsmen adn Mahabali as its helm,crafted from plywood and 3D-printed material.

• Rahul sells these creations in kits under the brand “Asan Hobby,” priced at ₹3,800. Kits include templates marked with colors for flower arrangement and moving modules; customers can reuse components like the snake boat as showpieces after Onam.
• Most customers are Kerala-based, though there is interest from abroad; Rahul plans to offer customizable options and expand sales through an online platform soon.

Indian Opinion Analysis
Rahul R’s innovation signifies how customary practices like pookkalam-making adapt creatively without losing cultural essence in modern times. While technology enhances the aesthetic appeal and ease of creating flower carpets-especially for urban dwellers-it preserves key elements such as flower cutting and layout to maintain authenticity. This approach balances innovation and reverence for heritage while extending accessibility across demographics who may lack artistic skills or suitable venues for traditional craftsmanship.The business success of Asan Hobby highlights potential growth opportunities in India’s cultural entrepreneurship sector which combines tradition with technological ingenuity-not only catering locally but also appealing globally during festivals like Onam celebrated by Indian diaspora worldwide.

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