MATHRUBHUMI INVITES KERALA TO TALK WITH MAVELI THROUGH AI

This Onam, Mathrubhumi launches a unique contest blending tradition with technology. Readers are invited to create AI videos of conversations with Maveli, Kerala’s legendary king, and share them on Instagram with #mavelispeaking. The initiative celebrates creativity, community, and cultural storytelling in the digital age, making Maveli’s voice resonate anew.  

Onam in Kerala has always been a festival of stories, rituals, and shared imagination. At its heart lies Maveli, the benevolent king whose reign symbolised equality and prosperity. Generations have celebrated his annual return with Pulikali, Pookalam, and feasts, but this year Mathrubhumi is asking a provocative question: is there anyone who doesn’t want to talk to Maveli and hear what he has to say directly?  

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, Mathrubhumi is inviting readers to make that conversation a reality. The campaign encourages participants to imagine what it would be like to meet Maveli on the road, to ask him questions, or to listen to his wisdom. Would Maveli have something to tell us about today’s world? Or would we have something to confess to him about how Kerala has changed since his time?  

The contest is simple yet imaginative. Participants are asked to prepare an AI-generated video in which they converse with Maveli, or Maveli speaks back to them. Once created, the video must be posted on Instagram with the hashtag #mavelispeaking. Entrants should also like Mathrubhumi’s official page @mathrubhumidotcom and submit the link to their video on the contest page. To ensure visibility, Instagram accounts must be public.  

By framing the contest around AI storytelling, Mathrubhumi is tapping into the growing fascination with digital creativity while keeping the cultural anchor firmly rooted in Kerala’s traditions. The initiative reflects how festivals evolve with time, embracing new mediums without losing their essence. Just as Onam has always been about community participation, this campaign transforms that spirit into a digital dialogue where readers themselves become creators of folklore.  

The idea of Maveli speaking directly to people is both playful and profound. It allows participants to explore themes of kindness, equality and compassion—the values associated with Maveli—through the lens of modern technology. It also opens up space for humour, satire and personal reflection, making the contest not just a celebration of Onam but also a commentary on contemporary life.  

Mathrubhumi’s campaign demonstrates how media can bridge heritage and innovation. By encouraging readers to engage with AI tools, it positions Onam as a festival that is not only about remembering the past but also about imagining the future. In doing so, it ensures that Maveli remains a living presence in Kerala’s cultural consciousness, speaking in voices shaped by the creativity of its people.