From streets to social media feeds: Folk traditions blossom online this Bathukamma

Bright flower stacks, rhythmic claps, and voices rising in unison — the spirit of Bathukamma is filling Telangana with colour and rhythm. Women are gathering in streets, home yards, and near temples, arranging seasonal flowers into vibrant conical Bathukamma’s singing, clapping, and celebrating together. Each Bathukamma is more than a stack of flowers, it’s a symbol of Telangana’s identity and heritage. This festive season, Bathukamma’s spirit is flowing beyond streets and courtyards, and echoing in homes and social media feeds. From Mangli’s Bathukamma Song to Madhu Priya’s Rama Rama Rama Uyyalo, festival tracks are filling feeds and living rooms. Hyderabad Times explores how digital platforms are remixing Telangana’s folk traditions into a shared cultural experience that resonates with audiences far and wide.‘Digital platforms are helping Telangana’s folk traditions transcend boundaries’While these songs are finding new audiences online, their origins are deeply traditional. Traditional Bathukamma songs like Uyyala, folk melodies sung by women during the festival, are deeply rooted in storytelling and human relationships. “These songs were a way to pass down values from mother to daughter, often weaving mythological tales, ethical lessons, and timeless principles into memorable verses,” explains Harikrishna Mamidi, Director Department of Language and Culture, adding, “Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have made traditional music more accessible and engaging, especially to younger audiences. Bathukamma songs, embodying Telangana’s traditions, allowing people to showcase and share their culture with a wider audience.”‘Independent folk songs capture the energy & spirit of our celebrations’Looking beyond modern adaptations, music composer Charan Arjun reflects on the role of independent songs in celebrating culture. “I believe independent folk songs highlight our culture and traditions. When composing for films, the focus often shifts to the actors, and there are creative limitations. But with independent songs, the connection goes straight to the viewers’ roots and heritage,” he says, adding, “In today’s fast-paced world, many of us have become disconnected from our cultural roots, almost like strangers to our own heritage. These songs act as a powerful reminder to stay true to where we come from. Before these songs gained popularity, festivals were primarily celebrated within local communities. Thanks to independent music and the reach of digital platforms, our festivals are now being shared globally.”‘Today’s youth are connecting with Bathukamma in new ways’While digital platforms are helping Bathukamma music reach younger audiences, these celebrations are rooted in traditions experienced by generations before them. Heritage activist Anuradha Reddy recalls her childhood memories of the festival: “When I was growing up, the areas of the city that are now bustling and developed were once quiet villages. I still remember walking with my grandmother from our village to Hussain Sagar — nearly 3 to 4 kilometers to release the Bathukamma into the lake. We would eat homemade palaharam, share it with others, and walk back,” she says. She observes that today’s youth are connecting with the festival in new ways, with digital platforms helping them engage more deeply. “Bathukamma songs, with their vibrant visuals, floral arrangements, and rituals, not only celebrate Telangana’s cultural identity and pride but also introduce it to a much wider audience. In our fast-paced lives, where we’re often disconnected from the natural world, these traditions remind us to return to nature — to lakes, to flowers, and to the earth. I’m truly happy to see how digital platforms are supporting this transition, it’s like sharing a piece of Telangana with the world,” she says.‘Reimagining folk songs for today’s social media audience’Musicians are experimenting with Bathukamma songs, blending tradition with modernity for social media audiences. Suresh Bobbili, who created Mana Bathukamma, says, “I fused deeply rooted traditional melodies with contemporary electronic sounds to create a blend that resonates with the youth and captures the interest of those unfamiliar with Bathukamma. It my way of carrying our culture beyond Telangana, making it accessible and appealing to audiences everywhere.”Popular Bathukamma folk songsBathukamma Song —Mangli Rama Rama Rama Uyyalo —Madhu Priya Thangedu Poola Jaathara —Moushmi Neha Rama Rama Ramanilo Bathukamma — VeehaSirimalle Chetu Kinda — Vollala Vani Kishor Maa Rangula Bathukamma — Vagdevi Mana Bathukamma — Mangli Bathukamma songs help people discover the depth and beauty of our traditions. It’s through these songs that people around the world are connecting with the spirit of the festival, and that awareness inspires me to bring them to life each year – Mangli, Telugu folk singerI believe independent folk songs highlight our culture and traditions. When composing for films, the focus often shifts to the actors, and there are creative limitations. But with independent songs, the connection goes straight to the viewers’ roots and heritage- Charan Arjun, music composer- Divya Shree