In 1985, the Mathrubhumi press in Kozhikode used high-quality offset printing. The cover typically featured a vintage illustration of Guruvayurappan, Saraswati, or a pastoral Kerala scene. The interior pages were ruled with fine black and red ink—red marking Sundays and important Vrata days.

For Malayalis around the world, the word "Mathrubhumi" is synonymous with trusted journalism and cultural preservation. However, for the generation that grew up in the 1980s, the was more than just a date tracker; it was a household bible. Among all its annual editions, the Mathrubhumi Malayalam Calendar 1985 with stars holds a unique, nostalgic charm. In an era before smartphones and astrological apps, this calendar was the definitive guide for farmers, students, homemakers, and astrologers alike.

In 1985, the Malayalam year (Kollavarsham) transitioned from .