Ooredoo Maldives has reintroduced a haunting figure from Maldivian folklore—Santhi Mariyambu—as the star of April in its AI-powered 2025 calendar. Through the company’s latest digital innovation, the age-old tale of a mysterious nocturnal visitor is now available to explore in an interactive format.
Santhi Mariyambu, a character said to quietly exchange worn teeth for perfect ones, rewards only the well-behaved. Her story has long served as a cultural cautionary tale, warning against idle gossip and thoughtless speech. With deep roots in oral tradition, the tale of Santhi Mariyambu has now been given new digital life.
This initiative is part of Ooredoo’s 2025 calendar project, which launched at the beginning of the year. The calendar features 12 folklore characters including Foolhudhigu Handi and Safari Kaiydha, all reimagined through artificial intelligence. Users can engage with the characters each month via Ooredoo’s AI chatbot, delving into stories, asking questions, and connecting with the myths that have shaped local culture.
Ooredoo describes the project as part of its broader goal to build a Digital Maldives—blending innovation with heritage to connect generations. “Let April be a month of reflection and curiosity,” the company stated, encouraging users to explore the folklore and chat with Santhi Mariyambu through their platform.
The calendar is accessible at ore.do/aifolktales, where each character becomes available at the start of their respective month.
