Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
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Your definitive marketing playbook for every festival, trending moment, and campaign opportunity in India — month by month, industry by industry, format by format.
Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
Your definitive marketing playbook for every festival, trending moment, and campaign opportunity in India — month by month, industry by industry, format by format.
Why 2026 Calendar Planning = Marketing Advantage
India runs on festivals. Not just culturally, but commercially. From Diwali shopping hauls to Republic Day brand patriotism, every major festival triggers a buying cycle that smart marketers exploit weeks in advance. The brands that plan early don’t just participate in trends — they set them.
Here’s the reality: 78% of Indian consumers say they are more likely to purchase from a brand that acknowledges their festivals. Another 65% begin searching for deals and gift ideas at least two weeks before a major occasion. If you’re scrambling to post a Holi reel on the morning of Holi, you’ve already lost.
This is exactly why Debate Marketers — a leading marketing and branding agency — has created this comprehensive Social Media Calendar 2026 India guide. This is not a list of dates. This is a campaign planning system: month-wise breakdowns, industry-specific angles, hook banks, caption templates, hashtag strategies, and ready-to-use content frameworks. Whether you’re a solo founder, an e-commerce brand, a restaurant chain, or a full-service agency, this calendar is your 2026 content bible.
Plan month-wise. Execute week-wise. Win day-wise. Let’s begin.
The D.A.T.E.S. Framework — India 2026 Marketing Moments
We’ve developed a proprietary framework called D.A.T.E.S. to categorize every marketing moment in 2026 India. Use this to classify your content strategy and never miss a relevant angle.
Category | What It Covers | Content Focus |
D — Devotional & Religious | Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist festivals | Emotional, cultural, community |
A — Awareness & Advocacy | Health Day, Mental Health, Environment, Women’s Day | Cause marketing, CSR, thought leadership |
T — Trending & Viral | Self-love trends, nostalgia, meme moments, pop culture | Engagement, shares, brand personality |
E — Economic & Business | Budget day, FY closing, salary days, sale seasons | Revenue, offers, lead generation |
S — Seasonal & Academic | Summer/monsoon/winter, exams, admissions, results | Relevance, topicality, life-stage targeting |
How to use D.A.T.E.S.: For every upcoming date, tag it with one or more D.A.T.E.S. categories. This instantly tells you the tone (emotional vs transactional), the format (reel vs carousel vs ad), and the audience segment to target. Diwali = D+E. Republic Day = D+A. World Emoji Day = purely T. This eliminates guesswork.
Full Year 2026 Social Media Calendar India (Month-Wise)
Below is your complete month-by-month breakdown with the date, occasion, D.A.T.E.S. category, best industries, content angle, recommended format, a hook line, and CTA suggestion.
January 2026: New Beginnings & Patriotism
The year opens with resolutions, harvest festivals, patriotic pride, and global awareness days. Fitness, FMCG, education, and government sectors should go heavy.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jan 1 | Thu | New Year’s Day | S/T | All industries | 2026 goals / brand resolutions | Reel/Story | “This year, we’re not just setting goals — we’re keeping them.” | Share your 2026 goal! |
Jan 4 | Sun | World Braille Day | A | Education, NGOs, Tech | Accessibility & inclusion awareness | Carousel | “Inclusion isn’t optional — it’s the standard.” | Tag someone making a difference |
Jan 5 | Mon | National Birds Day | A | Travel, Wildlife, Eco | Bird conservation & biodiversity | Carousel/Post | “Every bird lost is a song the world will never hear again.” | Support bird conservation |
Jan 6 | Tue | World War Orphans Day | A | NGOs, Education, Govt | Children affected by war & conflict | Post | “Every child deserves a childhood. Every orphan deserves a home.” | Donate or share awareness |
Jan 9 | Fri | Pravasi Bharatiya Divas | D/A | Govt, Travel, NRI brands | Celebrating Indian diaspora globally | Post/Carousel | “No matter where we go, India lives in us.” | Tag an NRI friend |
Jan 10 | Sat | World Hindi Day | A/T | Media, EdTech, Publishing | Hindi language pride & culture | Reel/Post | “Hindi isn’t just a language. It’s an emotion.” | Drop your favourite Hindi word |
Jan 11 | Sun | Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniv. | A/D | Education, Govt | Remembrance, Jai Jawan Jai Kisan | Post | “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan — a slogan that built a nation.” | Remember our leaders |
Jan 12 | Mon | National Youth Day | A/D | Education, Fitness, Startups | Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, youth power | Carousel/Reel | “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” | What’s your mission this year? |
Jan 13 | Tue | Lohri | D | FMCG, Food, Fashion | Harvest celebration, family bonding | Reel/Story | “The warmth of the bonfire, the sweetness of rewri.” | Share your Lohri memories |
Jan 14 | Wed | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | D | Food, Travel, Fashion, FMCG | Harvest & gratitude festival | Reel/Carousel | “New beginnings soar like kites on Sankranti.” | Show us your kite moments! |
Jan 15 | Thu | Indian Army Day | A/D | Defence, Education, FMCG | Salute the armed forces | Post/Reel | “Behind every peaceful morning is a soldier who didn’t sleep.” | Tag a soldier you admire |
Jan 20 | Tue | Penguin Awareness Day | A/T | Wildlife, Kids, Fashion | Fun wildlife awareness, penguin content | Reel/Story | “Waddle you do for penguins today?” | Share your favourite penguin fact |
Jan 23 | Fri | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti | D/A | Education, Govt, Defence | Parakram Diwas, freedom fighter tribute | Post/Carousel | “Give me blood and I shall give you freedom.” | Salute Netaji’s legacy |
Jan 24 | Sat | International Day of Education | A/S | EdTech, Schools, Coaching | Education for all, lifelong learning | Carousel/Post | “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” | Support education initiatives |
Jan 25 | Sun | National Voters Day / Tourism Day | A | Govt, Travel, Education | Democratic participation + India tourism | Carousel/Reel | “Your vote is your voice. Use it.” | Pledge to vote / Explore India |
Jan 26 | Mon | Republic Day | D/A | All industries | Patriotism, Made in India, Constitution | Reel/Carousel/Live | “One nation, one dream, one Constitution.” | What does India mean to you? |
Jan 27 | Tue | International Holocaust Remembrance Day | A | Education, NGOs | Remembrance, human rights | Post | “Never again. Remember so the world never forgets.” | Share a story of courage |
Jan 28 | Wed | Data Privacy Day / Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti | A/E | Tech, SaaS, Education | Data protection awareness + patriotism | Carousel/Post | “Your data is your identity. Protect it.” | Review your privacy settings |
Jan 30 | Fri | Martyrs’ Day / World Leprosy Day | A/D | Education, NGOs, Govt, Health | Gandhi death anniv., health awareness | Post/Story | “Their sacrifice is our freedom. Never forget.” | Light a virtual candle |
Jan 31 | Sat | International Zebra Day | A/T | Wildlife, Kids, Eco brands | Zebra conservation, fun content | Story/Reel | “Stripes never go out of style. Save the zebras.” | Share a wildlife fact |
February 2026: Love, Awareness & Devotion
Valentine’s Week dominates commercial conversations with 8 days of love-themed content. Health awareness days, Maha Shivaratri for cultural brands, and Science Day for education sectors.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Feb 1 | Sun | Indian Coast Guard Day | A/D | Defence, Maritime, Govt | Coast Guard formation & pride | Post | “Guarding our coasts, protecting our shores.” | Salute the Coast Guard |
Feb 2 | Mon | World Wetlands Day | A | Eco brands, Travel, NGOs | Wetland conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Post | “Wetlands are the kidneys of the earth. Protect them.” | Support wetland conservation |
Feb 4 | Wed | World Cancer Day | A | Health, Pharma, Insurance, NGOs | Early detection & cancer awareness | Carousel/Post | “Early detection saves lives. Don’t wait.” | Share with someone who needs a checkup |
Feb 7 | Sat | Rose Day (Valentine’s Week Day 1) | T/E | Florists, Gifting, F&B, Fashion | Rose gifting, love confessions, floral content | Reel/Story | “A single rose says what a thousand words cannot.” | Send a rose to your special someone! |
Feb 8 | Sun | Propose Day (Valentine’s Week Day 2) | T/E | Jewellery, Gifting, Restaurants, Travel | Proposals, couple content, romantic gestures | Reel/Story | “Some questions don’t need a perfect moment. Just a brave heart.” | Share your proposal story! |
Feb 9 | Mon | Chocolate Day (Valentine’s Week Day 3) | T/E | Chocolate brands, F&B, Gifting, FMCG | Chocolate gifting, sweet tooth content, giveaways | Reel/Story | “Life is like a box of chocolates — and we’re giving away the whole box.” | Tag your chocolate-loving friend! |
Feb 10 | Tue | Teddy Day (Valentine’s Week Day 4) / Safer Internet Day | T/E/A | Gifting, Toys, Kids, Tech, SaaS | Teddy gifting, cute content + cyber safety | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Some hugs are furry and last forever. Happy Teddy Day.” | Gift a teddy + stay safe online |
Feb 11 | Wed | Promise Day (Valentine’s Week Day 5) / Women & Girls in Science Day | T/E/A | Gifting, Fashion, EdTech, STEM, NGOs | Relationship promises + women in STEM | Reel/Story/Carousel | “The best promise? I’ll always show up. Happy Promise Day.” | Make a promise that matters |
Feb 12 | Thu | Hug Day (Valentine’s Week Day 6) / Darwin Day | T/E/A | Fashion, Wellness, Lifestyle, Education | Hug content, warmth, emotional connection + science | Reel/Story | “Sometimes, a hug is the only thing that says everything.” | Send a virtual hug today! |
Feb 13 | Fri | Kiss Day (Valentine’s Week Day 7) / World Radio Day | T/E/A | Beauty, F&B, Lifestyle, Media, Entertainment | Romance content, lipstick brands, kiss-themed + radio nostalgia | Reel/Story | “A kiss on the forehead says more than a thousand words.” | Share your love story! |
Feb 14 | Sat | Valentine’s Day (Valentine’s Week Day 8) | T/E | All consumer brands | Peak gifting, dining, couple content, self-love, anti-Valentine humour | Reel/Live/Story/Carousel | “The best things in life are felt, not bought. But we’ve got gifts just in case.” | Shop our Valentine’s collection now |
Feb 15 | Sun | Maha Shivaratri | D | Ethnic wear, FMCG, Spiritual, Travel | Devotion, fasting, spiritual awakening | Post/Reel | “On the darkest night, Shiva’s grace shines brightest.” | Share your prayers |
Feb 17 | Tue | Random Acts of Kindness Day | T | All industries | Positivity, brand goodwill, kindness challenge | Reel/Story | “Kindness costs nothing. But it changes everything.” | Do one kind thing today & share it |
Feb 19 | Thu | Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti | D/A | Education, Maharashtra brands, History | Bravery, leadership, Maratha pride | Carousel/Reel | “Leadership isn’t about the throne. It’s about the people.” | What leadership lesson inspires you? |
Feb 20 | Fri | World Day of Social Justice | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Govt | Equality, fairness, human rights | Post/Carousel | “Justice delayed is justice denied.” | Stand for social justice |
Feb 21 | Sat | International Mother Language Day | A | EdTech, Media, Publishing, Culture | Linguistic diversity, regional languages | Carousel/Reel | “Every language is a universe of thought. Protect yours.” | What’s your mother tongue? |
Feb 24 | Tue | Central Excise Day | A/E | Finance, Govt, Accounting | Excise department formation | Post | “Taxation builds nations. Honour the system.” | Learn about excise duties |
Feb 28 | Sat | National Science Day | A/S | EdTech, Science, STEM brands | C.V. Raman legacy, innovation | Carousel/Post | “Every breakthrough started with a question nobody dared to ask.” | What discovery changed your life? |
March 2026: Colours, Women & New Year
Holi is the biggest visual content opportunity. International Women’s Day drives massive engagement. Financial year closing. World Water Day & forestry themes.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Mar 1 | Sun | Zero Discrimination Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Fashion | Equality, inclusion, anti-discrimination | Carousel/Post | “Difference is beautiful. Discrimination is not.” | Stand for zero discrimination |
Mar 3 | Tue | World Wildlife Day | A | Travel, NGOs, Eco brands | Wildlife conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Reel | “Every species lost is a colour erased from Earth’s canvas.” | Follow for more eco-content |
Mar 4 | Wed | Holi | D/T/E | All industries | Colours, joy, togetherness, offers | Reel/Story/UGC | “Life is better in every colour. Happy Holi!” | Share your most colourful moment! |
Mar 8 | Sun | International Women’s Day | A/T | All industries | Women empowerment, spotlight leaders | Carousel/Reel/Live | “She didn’t wait for a seat at the table. She built her own.” | Name a woman who inspires you |
Mar 14 | Sat | Pi Day / Int’l Day of Mathematics | A/S | EdTech, Science, STEM, F&B | Math awareness, fun pi content | Reel/Post | “3.14159... Math is infinite, just like possibilities.” | Share your favourite math fact |
Mar 15 | Sun | World Consumer Rights Day | A/E | E-commerce, Legal, Finance | Consumer protection, fair trade | Post/Carousel | “Know your rights. Demand what’s fair.” | Read our consumer rights guide |
Mar 19 | Thu | Gudi Padwa / Ugadi | D | Real Estate, FMCG, Auto, Finance | Regional new year, new beginnings | Reel/Post | “New year. New blessings. New beginnings.” | What’s your new year wish? |
Mar 20 | Fri | International Day of Happiness | T | All industries | Positivity, feel-good content | Reel/Story | “Happiness is not a destination. It’s a Monday morning chai.” | What made you smile today? |
Mar 21 | Sat | World Forestry Day / World Down Syndrome Day / World Poetry Day | A | Eco, NGOs, Education, Publishing | Forest conservation + inclusion + literature | Carousel/Post | “Forests are the lungs of the earth. Breathe easy.” | Plant a tree today |
Mar 22 | Sun | World Water Day | A | Eco, FMCG, Govt, NGOs | Sustainable water, conservation | Carousel/Reel | “Water is life. Every drop counts.” | Save water, share this post |
Mar 23 | Mon | Shaheed Diwas (Bhagat Singh) | D/A | Education, Govt, Defence | Martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev | Post/Reel | “They chose death over slavery. Never forget.” | Salute the martyrs |
Mar 24 | Tue | World Tuberculosis Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | TB awareness & prevention | Carousel/Post | “TB is curable. Awareness is the first step.” | Get informed, get tested |
Mar 26 | Thu | Ram Navami | D | Ethnic wear, FMCG, Spiritual | Devotion, dharma, cultural pride | Post/Reel | “When dharma leads, victory follows.” | Share your blessings |
Mar 27 | Fri | World Theatre Day | A/T | Entertainment, Arts, Education | Performing arts, creativity | Reel/Post | “The stage is where stories come alive.” | Tag a theatre lover |
Mar 31 | Tue | Financial Year Closing | E | Finance, Accounting, SaaS, Insurance | Tax planning, FY wrap, investment push | Carousel/Post | “Last chance to save on taxes this FY. Have you planned yet?” | Book a free consultation |
Mar 31 | Tue | Mahavir Jayanti | D | Spiritual, FMCG, Jain community brands | Non-violence, truth, Jain values | Post | “Live and let live. The path of ahimsa leads to peace.” | Share a message of peace |
April 2026: Health, Heritage & Fresh Starts
New financial year energy. World Health Day, Earth Day, and heritage days. Many global health & environment awareness dates. Q1 learnings become Q2 strategy.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Apr 1 | Wed | April Fools’ Day / New FY / Odisha Day | T/E/D | All industries | Prank content + FY offers + state pride | Reel/Story | “No joke: our new FY prices are actually this low.” | Check out our April deals! |
Apr 2 | Thu | World Autism Awareness Day | A | Health, NGOs, Education, Kids | Autism inclusion & understanding | Carousel/Post | “Different, not less. Embrace neurodiversity.” | Learn about autism inclusion |
Apr 3 | Fri | Good Friday | D | Spiritual, F&B, Fashion | Reflection, sacrifice, compassion | Post/Story | “In every sacrifice, there is a lesson of love.” | Wishing you peace |
Apr 5 | Sun | Easter Sunday / National Maritime Day | D/E/A | F&B, Kids, Gifting, Maritime | Celebration + India’s maritime history | Reel/Carousel | “Hoppy Easter! Time for egg hunts and fresh starts.” | Shop our Easter collection |
Apr 7 | Tue | World Health Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness, Insurance | Wellness awareness, global health | Carousel/Reel | “Your health is your most valuable asset. Invest wisely.” | Book your annual checkup |
Apr 10 | Fri | World Homoeopathy Day | A | Health, Wellness, Alt. Medicine | Homoeopathy awareness | Post | “Healing naturally, one remedy at a time.” | Explore holistic health options |
Apr 11 | Sat | National Safe Motherhood Day | A | Health, Maternity, NGOs | Maternal health, reducing mortality | Carousel/Post | “Every mother deserves safe healthcare.” | Support maternal health initiatives |
Apr 13 | Mon | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day / Baisakhi / Vishu | D/A | Education, Sikh community, Kerala brands | Remembrance + Harvest festival + Regional NY | Reel/Carousel | “Never forget Jallianwala. Never take freedom for granted.” | Share a freedom thought |
Apr 14 | Tue | Ambedkar Jayanti / Bengali New Year | D/A | Education, Legal, Social, Bengal brands | Equality + Cultural new year | Carousel/Reel | “Equality is not charity. It is justice.” | What does equality mean to you? |
Apr 17 | Fri | World Haemophilia Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs | Bleeding disorders awareness | Post/Carousel | “Awareness bleeds into action. Know about haemophilia.” | Share to spread awareness |
Apr 18 | Sat | World Heritage Day | A | Travel, Architecture, Education, Culture | Protect cultural & natural heritage | Carousel/Reel | “Our heritage defines us. Protect it for the future.” | Visit a heritage site this month |
Apr 21 | Tue | Civil Services Day | A | Education, Coaching, Govt | Public service, UPSC aspirants | Post/Carousel | “Behind every policy is a public servant who cared.” | Salute our civil servants |
Apr 22 | Wed | World Earth Day | A/T | Eco brands, Fashion, Travel, F&B | Sustainability, green initiatives | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “There is no Planet B. Act now.” | Share one eco-habit you follow |
Apr 23 | Thu | World Book & Copyright Day | A/T | Publishing, EdTech, Bookstores | Reading culture, intellectual property | Carousel/Reel | “A book is a dream you hold in your hands.” | What’s the last book you read? |
Apr 24 | Fri | National Panchayati Raj Day | A | Govt, Education, Rural brands | Local self-governance in India | Post | “Democracy begins at the grassroots.” | Know your Panchayat |
Apr 25 | Sat | World Malaria Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | Malaria prevention & eradication | Carousel/Post | “One mosquito net can save a life. Act now.” | Support malaria prevention |
Apr 26 | Sun | World Intellectual Property Day | A/E | Tech, Legal, SaaS, Startups | Innovation & IP rights protection | Carousel/Post | “Your ideas deserve protection. Innovate fearlessly.” | Learn about IP rights |
May 2026: Workers, Mothers & Wellness
Mother’s Day is the emotional peak. Labour Day, Buddha Purnima open the month. Nurses Day, biodiversity, press freedom. Summer campaigns in full swing.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
May 1 | Fri | Int’l Labour Day / Maharashtra Day | A/D | Corporate, HR, Maharashtra brands | Worker appreciation, state pride | Post/Carousel | “Every empire was built by workers, not just visionaries.” | Thank a worker today |
May 1 | Fri | Buddha Purnima | D | Spiritual, Wellness, Travel | Peace, mindfulness, compassion | Post/Reel | “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” | What brings you inner peace? |
May 2 | Sat | World Asthma Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness | Asthma awareness & management | Carousel/Post | “Breathe easy. Know your triggers.” | Consult your doctor today |
May 3 | Sun | World Press Freedom Day | A | Media, Journalism, EdTech | Free press, truth, information | Post/Carousel | “A free press is the backbone of democracy.” | Support independent journalism |
May 4 | Mon | Coal Miners’ Day / Star Wars Day | A/T | Mining, Energy, Entertainment | Worker safety + Pop culture fun | Post/Reel | “May the 4th be with you — and all who work underground.” | Share your Star Wars moment! |
May 7 | Thu | World Athletics Day | A | Fitness, Sportswear, Education | Youth sports, physical fitness | Reel/Post | “Run towards your goals. Literally.” | Share your fitness journey |
May 8 | Fri | World Red Cross Day / Thalassaemia Day | A | Health, NGOs, Blood banks | Humanitarian work + blood disorder awareness | Carousel/Post | “Humanity in action. Thank you, Red Cross.” | Donate blood, save lives |
May 9 | Sat | Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti | D/A | Education, Arts, Publishing, Bengali brands | Nobel laureate tribute, literature & culture | Reel/Post | “Where the mind is without fear... — Tagore” | Share your favourite Tagore line |
May 10 | Sun | Mother’s Day | D/T/E | All consumer brands | Gratitude, gifting, emotional storytelling | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “She gave us everything and asked for nothing.” | Shop Mother’s Day gifts now |
May 11 | Mon | National Technology Day | A/E | Tech, SaaS, Education, Startups | India’s Pokhran anniversary, tech innovation | Carousel/Post | “Innovation is India’s superpower. Celebrate it.” | Share a tech innovation you love |
May 12 | Tue | International Nurses Day | A | Health, Hospitals, Pharma | Tribute to Florence Nightingale, nursing | Post/Carousel | “Nurses: the heartbeat of healthcare.” | Thank a nurse today |
May 17 | Sun | National Endangered Species Day | A | Wildlife, Eco, NGOs, Travel | Species conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Reel | “Extinction is forever. Conservation is now.” | Support wildlife protection |
May 18 | Mon | International Museum Day | A/T | Culture, Tourism, Education, Arts | Museums, cultural preservation | Carousel/Reel | “Museums: where the past meets the present.” | Visit a museum this week! |
May 21 | Thu | National Anti-Terrorism Day | A/D | Govt, Defence, Education | Rajiv Gandhi remembrance, anti-terror pledge | Post | “Terrorism has no religion. Peace has no border.” | Take the peace pledge |
May 22 | Fri | Int’l Day for Biological Diversity | A | Eco, FMCG, Travel, NGOs | Biodiversity conservation | Carousel/Post | “Biodiversity is life. Protect every species.” | Go green today |
May 25 | Mon | Eid al-Fitr (approx) | D/E | Fashion, F&B, Gifting, Ethnic wear | End of Ramadan, celebration, feasting | Reel/Story/Post | “Eid Mubarak! May this day bring joy to every home.” | Share your Eid celebrations! |
May 31 | Sun | World No Tobacco Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness, Insurance | Anti-smoking, healthy living | Carousel/Post | “Every cigarette shortens your story. Choose a longer chapter.” | Pledge to go smoke-free |
June 2026: Environment, Yoga & Fathers
Mid-year checkpoint. World Environment Day and Yoga Day are massive. Father’s Day drives gifting. Monsoon campaigns begin. Multiple UN awareness days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jun 1 | Mon | World Milk Day / Global Day of Parents | A | FMCG, Dairy, Parenting, Health | Nutrition + parenting appreciation | Post/Reel | “Milk: nature’s first superfood. Parents: life’s first superheroes.” | Celebrate your parents today |
Jun 2 | Tue | Telangana Formation Day | D | Telangana brands, Govt, Travel | State pride & formation anniversary | Post/Reel | “Happy Telangana Day! Pride in our roots.” | Explore Telangana’s culture |
Jun 4 | Thu | Int’l Day of Innocent Children Victims | A | NGOs, Education, Kids | Child protection, conflict awareness | Post | “Every child deserves safety, peace, and love.” | Support children in conflict zones |
Jun 5 | Fri | World Environment Day | A/T | Eco brands, FMCG, Travel, Fashion | Sustainability, green pledges, climate | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “Plant a tree. Save a life. It’s that simple.” | Take the green pledge |
Jun 7 | Sun | World Food Safety Day | A | F&B, FMCG, Health, Restaurants | Safe food handling & hygiene | Carousel/Post | “Safe food today, healthy world tomorrow.” | Check your food safety practices |
Jun 8 | Mon | World Oceans Day | A | Travel, Eco, Marine, Fashion | Ocean conservation, marine life | Reel/Carousel | “The ocean covers 70% of earth. Let’s cover 100% of its care.” | Reduce plastic, save oceans |
Jun 12 | Fri | World Day Against Child Labour | A | NGOs, Education, Govt, Legal | Ending child labour worldwide | Carousel/Post | “Children belong in classrooms, not factories.” | Support child education |
Jun 14 | Sun | World Blood Donor Day | A | Health, Hospitals, NGOs | Blood donation awareness | Post/Carousel | “Donate blood. Give the gift of life.” | Find your nearest blood bank |
Jun 17 | Wed | World Day to Combat Desertification | A | Eco, Agriculture, NGOs, Govt | Sustainable land management | Carousel/Post | “Dry land doesn’t mean dead hope. Restore. Regenerate.” | Support land restoration |
Jun 19 | Fri | World Sickle Cell Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs | Sickle cell disease awareness | Post | “Awareness is the first step to a cure.” | Learn about sickle cell disease |
Jun 20 | Sat | World Refugee Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Govt, Education | Refugee rights & compassion | Carousel/Post | “No one leaves home unless home becomes a war zone.” | Support refugee causes |
Jun 21 | Sun | Int’l Yoga Day / Father’s Day / World Music Day | A/D/T/E | Fitness, Wellness, All consumer, Entertainment | Yoga + Dad appreciation + Music culture | Reel/Live/Story/Carousel | “Yoga: India’s gift to the world. Dad: your gift to us.” | Gift something special to Dad |
Jun 23 | Tue | International Olympic Day / UN Public Service Day | A/T | Fitness, Govt, Sports, Education | Olympic values + public service tribute | Reel/Post | “Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together.” | Who’s your Olympic hero? |
Jun 26 | Fri | Int’l Day Against Drug Abuse | A | Health, NGOs, Govt, Education | Drug prevention, healthy living | Carousel/Post | “Say no to drugs. Say yes to life.” | Spread awareness, not substances |
Jun 29 | Mon | National Statistics Day | A/E | Finance, SaaS, Govt, Analytics | Data-driven India, statistics importance | Post/Carousel | “Numbers tell stories. Statistics tell the truth.” | Explore data insights |
Jun 30 | Tue | Social Media Day | T | Marketing agencies, SaaS, All | Celebrate digital community | Reel/Carousel/Live | “From followers to family — thank you for being here.” | Tag your favourite account! |
July 2026: Emojis, Tigers & Monsoon Vibes
Lighter content month for brand personality. Monsoon campaigns peak. Kargil Vijay Diwas for patriotic content. Multiple global awareness & fun days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jul 1 | Wed | Doctor’s Day / CA Day / Canada Day | A | Health, Finance, Education | Professional appreciation days | Post/Carousel | “To those who heal bodies and balance sheets — salute.” | Thank your doctor/CA today |
Jul 4 | Sat | US Independence Day | T | Global brands, Export businesses | Cultural awareness, US audience | Post/Story | “Happy 4th of July to our American friends and followers!” | Celebrate freedom worldwide |
Jul 7 | Tue | Jagannath Rath Yatra | D | FMCG, Spiritual, Odisha brands, Travel | Annual chariot festival, devotion | Reel/Post | “When the chariot moves, the universe moves with it.” | Share your Rath Yatra experience |
Jul 11 | Sat | World Population Day | A | NGOs, Health, Govt | Population awareness, sustainability | Carousel/Post | “8 billion stories. One shared planet.” | What change do you want to see? |
Jul 12 | Sun | Malala Day | A | Education, NGOs, Women | Girl education, women’s rights | Carousel/Post | “One child, one teacher, one pen can change the world.” | Support girl education |
Jul 15 | Wed | World Youth Skills Day | A/S | Education, Startups, HR, Corporate | Youth skill development, training | Carousel/Reel | “Skills pay the bills. Invest in yourself.” | Explore our skill-building resources |
Jul 17 | Fri | World Emoji Day | T | All industries | Fun, playful brand content | Reel/Story/Poll | “Tell your brand story using only emojis. Go.” | Drop your emoji reaction! |
Jul 18 | Sat | Nelson Mandela Day | A | Education, NGOs, Legal | Peace, equality, social justice | Post/Carousel | “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” | Do 67 minutes of service today |
Jul 21 | Tue | Guru Purnima | D | Education, Spiritual, EdTech | Tribute to teachers & gurus | Post/Reel | “The guru is the bridge between ignorance and knowledge.” | Thank your guru today |
Jul 22 | Wed | World Brain Day | A | Health, Pharma, Wellness, EdTech | Brain health awareness | Carousel/Post | “Your brain is your greatest asset. Protect it.” | Take a mental health break |
Jul 26 | Sun | Kargil Vijay Diwas | D/A | Defence, Education, Govt | India’s Kargil War victory, patriotism | Post/Reel | “They didn’t just win a war. They gave us a future.” | Salute our Kargil heroes |
Jul 28 | Tue | World Nature Conservation Day / World Hepatitis Day | A | Eco, Health, Pharma, Travel | Biodiversity + hepatitis prevention | Carousel/Post | “Nature doesn’t need us. We need nature.” | Go green, get tested |
Jul 29 | Wed | International Tiger Day | A | Travel, Wildlife, Eco brands, Fashion | Tiger conservation, Indian wildlife pride | Carousel/Reel | “India is home to 75% of world’s tigers. Let’s keep it that way.” | Support tiger conservation |
August 2026: Freedom, Bonds & Festive Prep
Independence Day is the second-biggest patriotic moment. Raksha Bandhan, Friendship Day, Onam drive emotional content. Festive product launches begin. Multiple humanitarian days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Aug 1 | Sat | Eid al-Adha (approx) / Muslim Women’s Rights Day | D/E/A | Fashion, F&B, Gifting, Ethnic, NGOs | Sacrifice, community + women’s empowerment | Post/Reel | “Eid Mubarak! A celebration of faith, sacrifice, and love.” | Share your Eid moments |
Aug 2 | Sun | Friendship Day | T/E | All consumer brands | Friendship, nostalgia, group offers | Reel/Story/UGC | “Friends are the family we choose. Tag yours.” | Buy 1 get 1 for your bestie! |
Aug 6 | Thu | Hiroshima Day | A | Education, NGOs, Govt | Nuclear disarmament, peace | Post | “Remember Hiroshima. Choose peace. Always.” | Pledge for a nuclear-free world |
Aug 7 | Fri | National Handloom Day | A/E | Fashion, Handicraft, D2C | Handmade India, artisan support | Carousel/Reel | “Every thread tells a story. Wear the legacy.” | Shop handloom this season |
Aug 8 | Sat | Quit India Movement Day | D/A | Education, Govt, History | 1942 movement, freedom struggle | Post/Reel | “‘Do or die’ — the call that shook an empire.” | Remember the freedom struggle |
Aug 9 | Sun | International Day of Indigenous Peoples / Nagasaki Day | A | NGOs, Education, Tribal brands, Govt | Indigenous rights + peace | Carousel/Post | “Indigenous wisdom is the earth’s oldest library.” | Support indigenous communities |
Aug 12 | Wed | International Youth Day | A | Education, Startups, Fitness | Youth empowerment, future vision | Reel/Carousel | “The future belongs to the fearless.” | What’s your big dream? |
Aug 13 | Thu | International Left-Handers Day | T | All industries | Fun, inclusive content | Reel/Story | “Left-handers: we think differently. Literally.” | Tag a leftie you know! |
Aug 15 | Sat | Independence Day | D/A | All industries | Patriotism, Made in India, freedom | Reel/Carousel/Live | “Freedom is not free. It was earned by millions. Honour it.” | What does freedom mean to you? |
Aug 19 | Wed | World Photography Day / World Humanitarian Day | T/A | Camera, Lifestyle, Travel, Tech, NGOs | Visual storytelling + humanitarian tribute | UGC/Reel/Story | “Every photo is a story frozen in time.” | Share your best shot with #MyFrame |
Aug 20 | Thu | Sadbhavana Diwas (Rajiv Gandhi birth anniv.) | A/D | Govt, Education, NGOs | Harmony, national integration | Post | “Harmony begins with understanding. Let’s build bridges.” | Spread harmony today |
Aug 26 | Wed | Onam / Women’s Equality Day | D/E/A | Kerala brands, FMCG, F&B, NGOs | Harvest prosperity + gender equality | Reel/Post | “May the spirit of Onam fill your home with joy and prosperity.” | Order your Onam sadhya! |
Aug 28 | Fri | Raksha Bandhan | D/E | Gifting, Fashion, Sweets, E-commerce | Sibling love, gifting, protection | Reel/Story/Carousel | “No bodyguard compares to a sibling’s love.” | Send a Rakhi gift today! |
Aug 29 | Sat | National Sports Day (Dhyan Chand Jayanti) | A | Fitness, Sportswear, Education | Sports culture, athlete stories, hockey | Reel/Carousel | “Champions aren’t born in stadiums. They’re built in practice.” | Who’s your sports hero? |
September 2026: Teachers, Devotion & Festive Ramp-Up
Janmashtami & Ganesh Chaturthi open the festive mega-season. Teachers’ Day guaranteed engagement. Literacy, democracy, and peace themes. Ad budgets ramp up.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Sep 1 | Tue | World Letter Writing Day | T | Stationery, Education, Publishing | Nostalgia, handwritten letters | Reel/Post | “In a world of DMs, a handwritten letter hits different.” | Write a letter to someone today |
Sep 4 | Fri | Janmashtami | D | FMCG, Ethnic wear, Spiritual, F&B | Devotion, Krishna leela, makhan content | Reel/Story/Post | “When the world needed love, Krishna came as a child.” | Share your Janmashtami celebration |
Sep 5 | Sat | Teachers’ Day / Int’l Day of Charity | A/T | Education, EdTech, Corporate, NGOs | Gratitude, mentorship + charitable giving | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “The best teachers give you curiosity, not answers.” | Tag a teacher who shaped you |
Sep 8 | Tue | International Literacy Day | A/S | Education, EdTech, NGOs, Govt | Literacy for all, reading culture | Carousel/Post | “Literacy is the door to knowledge. Open it for everyone.” | Support literacy initiatives |
Sep 14 | Mon | Ganesh Chaturthi / Hindi Diwas | D/A | All industries (esp. Maharashtra) | Devotion + Hindi language pride | Reel/Story/Live | “Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha remove every obstacle.” | Share your Ganpati decoration! |
Sep 15 | Tue | Engineer’s Day / Int’l Day of Democracy | A | Tech, SaaS, Education, Manufacturing, Govt | Innovation + democratic values | Post/Carousel | “Engineers don’t just solve problems. They imagine solutions.” | Tag an engineer you admire |
Sep 16 | Wed | World Ozone Day | A | Eco, Science, FMCG, Govt | Ozone layer protection, environment | Carousel/Post | “The ozone layer: Earth’s invisible shield. Protect it.” | Go CFC-free today |
Sep 21 | Mon | International Day of Peace / World Alzheimer’s Day | A | NGOs, Health, Education, Wellness | Global peace + brain health awareness | Carousel/Post | “Peace is not the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of justice.” | Choose peace today |
Sep 26 | Sat | World Contraception Day / European Day of Languages | A | Health, Pharma, Education, EdTech | Family planning + language diversity | Post/Carousel | “Informed choices lead to empowered lives.” | Learn something in a new language today |
Sep 27 | Sun | World Tourism Day | A/E | Travel, Hotels, Airlines, F&B | Travel inspiration, bookings | Reel/Carousel | “The world is a book. Don’t read just one page.” | Book your next trip now! |
Sep 28 | Mon | World Rabies Day | A | Health, Veterinary, NGOs | Rabies prevention, pet health | Post | “Vaccinate your pets. Prevent rabies.” | Schedule a vet visit today |
Sep 29 | Tue | World Heart Day | A | Health, Fitness, Pharma, Wellness | Heart health awareness, cardio fitness | Carousel/Reel | “Your heart works 24/7. Give it the care it deserves.” | Get your heart checked today |
October 2026: Navratri, Dussehra & Peak Festive Season
Biggest month for Indian commerce. Navratri to Dussehra drives everything. Mental health, teachers, food, and animal welfare themes. Ad spends at maximum.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Oct 1 | Thu | International Day of Older Persons / World Vegetarian Day | A | Health, NGOs, F&B, FMCG | Elder care + plant-based awareness | Carousel/Post | “Respect age. Celebrate wisdom.” | Honour an elder today |
Oct 2 | Fri | Gandhi Jayanti / Int’l Day of Non-Violence | D/A | All industries | Non-violence, sustainability, Swadeshi | Post/Carousel | “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” | What change are you making? |
Oct 4 | Sun | World Animal Day | A | Pet brands, Veterinary, Wildlife, NGOs | Animal welfare, pet adoption | Reel/Carousel | “Every animal deserves love and a home.” | Adopt, don’t shop |
Oct 5 | Mon | World Teachers’ Day | A | Education, EdTech, Corporate | Global teacher appreciation | Carousel/Post | “Teachers plant seeds that grow forever.” | Thank a teacher today |
Oct 8 | Thu | Indian Air Force Day | A/D | Defence, Education, Aviation | IAF pride, courage, service | Post/Reel | “Guardians of the sky. Protectors of the nation.” | Salute the Indian Air Force |
Oct 9 | Fri | World Post Day | A/T | Logistics, E-com, Stationery | Postal heritage, snail mail nostalgia | Post/Story | “In the age of DMs, the post office still delivers memories.” | Send someone a postcard today |
Oct 10 | Sat | World Mental Health Day | A | Health, Wellness, Corporate, EdTech | Mental health awareness, self-care | Carousel/Reel | “It’s okay to not be okay. It’s not okay to stay silent.” | Check in on someone today |
Oct 11 | Sun | Int’l Girl Child Day | A | Education, NGOs, Govt | Girl empowerment, equal opportunity | Carousel/Reel | “Educate a girl. Empower a generation.” | Support girl child education |
Oct 11–19 | Sun–Mon | Navratri | D/E | Fashion, Jewellery, FMCG, F&B, Beauty | 9-day colour-wise content, garba, offers | Reel/Story/Live/Carousel | “9 nights. 9 colours. Infinite power. Happy Navratri!” | Shop our Navratri collection |
Oct 15 | Thu | Global Handwashing Day / APJ Abdul Kalam Birthday | A | Health, Education, FMCG, Hygiene | Hygiene awareness + missile man tribute | Carousel/Post | “Dream is not what you see in sleep. It’s what keeps you awake.” | Wash hands, dream big |
Oct 16 | Fri | World Food Day | A | F&B, FMCG, Agriculture, Restaurants | Zero hunger, food security, sustainable food | Reel/Carousel | “Food is a right, not a privilege.” | Donate a meal today |
Oct 20 | Tue | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | D/E | All industries | Victory of good over evil, burning offers | Reel/Post | “Burn your limitations. Rise with Rama. Happy Dussehra!” | Mega Dussehra sale is LIVE! |
Oct 24 | Sat | United Nations Day / World Polio Day | A | Education, Health, NGOs, Govt | UN values + polio eradication | Post/Carousel | “One world. One mission. Peace and progress.” | Support the UN’s mission |
Oct 31 | Sat | Halloween / National Unity Day (Sardar Patel) | T/A | F&B, Fashion, Kids, Lifestyle, Govt | Spooky fun + national integration | Reel/Story | “Trick or treat? We say — both.” | Show us your Halloween look! |
November 2026: Diwali, Shopping & Celebrations
Diwali is the undisputed king. Pre-Diwali sales, Dhanteras, post-Diwali clearance. Children’s Day, Guru Nanak Jayanti. Black Friday + Cyber Monday for e-commerce.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Nov 1 | Sun | World Vegan Day / Rajyotsava Day (Karnataka) | A/T/D | F&B, Health, Karnataka brands | Plant-based awareness + state pride | Reel/Post | “Go green on your plate. Happy World Vegan Day.” | Try a vegan meal today |
Nov 5 | Thu | Dhanteras | D/E | Jewellery, Electronics, Gold, Real Estate | Auspicious buying, gold, investments | Reel/Post/Story | “Dhanteras: when prosperity knocks, open the door.” | Shop our Dhanteras deals! |
Nov 7 | Sat | National Cancer Awareness Day | A | Health, Pharma, Insurance, NGOs | Cancer prevention in India | Carousel/Post | “Awareness is the best medicine. Get screened.” | Schedule a cancer screening |
Nov 8 | Sun | Diwali | D/E/T | ALL industries | Festival of lights, gifting, offers, hope | Reel/Carousel/Story/UGC/Live | “May this Diwali light up your life and your cart.” | Explore our Diwali mega collection! |
Nov 9 | Mon | Govardhan Puja | D | Spiritual, FMCG, F&B | Krishna devotion, nature worship | Post/Story | “Nature provides everything. Let’s return the favour.” | Celebrate with gratitude |
Nov 10 | Tue | World Science Day for Peace / Bhai Dooj | A/D/E | Education, Science, Gifting, Sweets | Science awareness + sibling bonding | Carousel/Reel | “From Diwali sweets to Bhai Dooj treats!” | Send a gift to your sibling |
Nov 14 | Sat | Children’s Day / World Diabetes Day | A/T | Education, Kids, F&B, Toys, Health | Nehru jayanti, childhood + diabetes awareness | Reel/Carousel | “Every child is an artist. Give them the canvas.” | Share your childhood dream! |
Nov 15 | Sun | Chhath Puja | D | Bihar/Jharkhand brands, FMCG, Spiritual | Sun worship, devotion, Chhath | Post/Reel | “The sun rises for those who believe. Happy Chhath Puja.” | Share your Chhath celebration |
Nov 16 | Mon | International Day for Tolerance | A | NGOs, Education, Legal, Corporate | Tolerance, diversity, inclusion | Post/Carousel | “Diversity is not a weakness. It’s our greatest strength.” | Embrace differences |
Nov 19 | Thu | International Men’s Day / World Toilet Day | A/T | Fashion, Grooming, Health, Fitness, Sanitation | Men’s health + sanitation awareness | Reel/Carousel | “Real strength is knowing when to ask for help.” | Check in on the men in your life |
Nov 20 | Fri | Universal Children’s Day (UN) | A | Education, Kids brands, NGOs | Global child rights & welfare | Carousel/Post | “Every child deserves a voice, a vote, and a future.” | Support children’s causes |
Nov 24 | Tue | Guru Nanak Jayanti | D | FMCG, Spiritual, Food, Community | Sikh values, service, equality, langar | Post/Reel | “Where there is compassion, there is God. — Guru Nanak” | Share a kindness today |
Nov 26 | Thu | Constitution Day (India) | A/D | Legal, Education, Govt | Indian Constitution adoption anniversary | Post/Carousel | “The Constitution is not just law. It’s a promise to every citizen.” | Know your fundamental rights |
Nov 27 | Fri | Black Friday | E | E-commerce, Electronics, Fashion, SaaS | Mega discounts, FOMO, doorbuster deals | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Black Friday is here. Your wallet called — it’s ready.” | Grab deals before midnight! |
Nov 30 | Mon | Cyber Monday / Computer Security Day | E/A | E-commerce, Tech, SaaS, Electronics | Online deals + digital safety | Reel/Story | “Cyber Monday: best deals, no lines.” | Shop online deals now! |
December 2026: Reflections, Christmas & Year-End
Close the year with warmth, gratitude, and year-end content. Christmas and NYE prime for emotional storytelling and sale wrap-ups. Human rights and service themes.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Dec 1 | Tue | World AIDS Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | HIV/AIDS awareness, empathy | Carousel/Post | “Awareness is the first step to change. Know your status.” | Get tested. Spread awareness. |
Dec 2 | Wed | National Pollution Control Day | A | Eco, FMCG, Health, Govt | Bhopal tragedy remembrance, pollution awareness | Carousel/Post | “Clean air is not a luxury. It’s a right.” | Reduce your carbon footprint today |
Dec 3 | Thu | International Day of Persons with Disabilities | A | NGOs, Education, Tech, HR | Inclusion, accessibility, empowerment | Carousel/Reel | “Ability is limitless. Disability is just a word.” | Make your brand more accessible |
Dec 4 | Fri | Indian Navy Day | A/D | Defence, Education, Maritime | Naval pride, oceanic heritage | Post/Reel | “Guarding our coasts. Protecting our pride.” | Salute the Indian Navy |
Dec 5 | Sat | World Soil Day / International Volunteer Day | A | Agriculture, Eco, NGOs | Soil health + volunteering spirit | Carousel/Post | “Healthy soil feeds the world. Volunteer today.” | Get your hands dirty for a cause |
Dec 7 | Mon | Armed Forces Flag Day / Int’l Civil Aviation Day | A/D | Defence, Aviation, Govt, Travel | Military welfare + aviation heritage | Post | “For those who serve. We stand with you.” | Contribute to armed forces welfare |
Dec 10 | Thu | Human Rights Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Govt | Justice, equality, dignity | Carousel/Post | “Rights are not granted. They are inherent.” | Stand up for human rights |
Dec 14 | Mon | National Energy Conservation Day | A/E | Energy, Tech, Eco, FMCG | Energy saving, sustainability | Carousel/Post | “Save energy today. Power the future.” | Switch off. Save power. |
Dec 16 | Wed | Vijay Diwas (1971 War Victory) | D/A | Defence, Education, Govt | India’s 1971 war victory, patriotism | Post/Reel | “Vijay Diwas: when a nation’s courage changed history.” | Salute the heroes of 1971 |
Dec 18 | Fri | International Migrants Day / Minorities Rights Day (India) | A | NGOs, Legal, Govt, HR | Migrant rights + minority protection | Post/Carousel | “Every migrant carries a dream. Respect it.” | Support migrant welfare |
Dec 22 | Tue | National Mathematics Day | A/S | EdTech, STEM, Education | Ramanujan legacy, math culture | Carousel/Post | “Numbers don’t lie. Neither did Ramanujan’s genius.” | Share a math fact that blew your mind |
Dec 24 | Thu | National Consumer Rights Day | A/E | E-commerce, Legal, Finance | Consumer empowerment, rights | Post/Carousel | “Know your rights before you click Buy.” | Read our consumer rights guide |
Dec 25 | Fri | Christmas | D/E/T | All industries | Celebration, gifting, year-end warmth | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Merry Christmas! May your days be merry and your cart be full.” | Shop our Christmas collection! |
Dec 26 | Sat | Boxing Day | E/T | E-com, Fashion, Electronics, Retail | Post-Christmas sales, deals | Reel/Story | “Christmas is over but the deals aren’t. Boxing Day sales LIVE.” | Grab post-Christmas deals! |
Dec 31 | Thu | New Year’s Eve | T/E | All industries | 2026 reflections, 2027 teasers, year-in-review | Reel/Story/Live | “2026 was a chapter. 2027 is the sequel. Ready?” | Share your biggest 2026 moment! |
Festival Campaign Playbook: How to Plan Festival Campaigns in India (2026 Edition)
Festivals are not single-day events in marketing. They are 30-day campaign arcs. Here is the timeline every Indian business should follow for major festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Eid.
30-Day Campaign Timeline
Days | Phase | Activities | Formats |
Day 1–7 | Teaser Phase | Build curiosity. Countdown posts, sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes. Collect emails and WhatsApp opt-ins for early access. | Story, Reel teasers |
Day 8–14 | Awareness Phase | Reveal campaign theme. Launch branded hashtag. Start influencer seedings. Run engagement-focused ads (not conversion). | Carousel, Reel, Influencer collab |
Day 15–21 | Launch Phase | Go live with offers. Push conversion ads. Run UGC contests. Activate WhatsApp broadcast and email sequences. Highest-spend week. | Reel, Live, Story, UGC |
Day 22–27 | Urgency Phase | Last-chance messaging. Flash sales. Stock-running-out narratives. Retarget website visitors and cart abandoners aggressively. | Story, Reel, DM campaigns |
Day 28–30 | Post-Festival | Thank-you content. Customer spotlights. Clearance sales. Collect reviews and testimonials. Retarget for next event. | Carousel, Post, Email |
Festival Offer Strategy (Without Killing Margins)
Strategy | How It Works |
Bundle Deals | Buy 2 Get 1 Free on slow-moving inventory paired with bestsellers. Increases AOV while clearing stock. |
Early Bird Pricing | Reward early buyers with exclusive rates. Creates urgency and front-loads revenue. |
Gift-With-Purchase | Add small branded gift above spending threshold. Perceived value exceeds actual cost. |
Loyalty Multipliers | Double loyalty points during festive weeks. Drives repeat purchases without discounting. |
Flash Sales (1–2 hrs) | Limited-time drops create FOMO. Use countdown timers on Stories and WhatsApp broadcasts. |
Festive Combos | Curate festival packages (Diwali gift boxes, Holi colour kits). Justify premium pricing with packaging. |
Organic vs Paid Strategy Split
For a festival campaign, allocate approximately 60% organic (brand building, engagement, UGC) and 40% paid (conversion, retargeting, reach). During the Launch Phase, flip to 40% organic and 60% paid. Post-festival, return to 70% organic and 30% paid for nurturing.
Influencer Collaboration Timing
Reach out to influencers 30–45 days before the festival. Brief them during the Teaser Phase. Content should go live during Awareness Phase (Days 8–14) to build momentum before your offer goes live. Micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) deliver better engagement-to-cost ratios for most Indian brands.
UGC Strategy for Festivals
Launch a branded hashtag challenge or contest during the Awareness Phase. Encourage customers to share their festival moments with your product. Repost the best entries on your Stories and Reels. Offer a small prize (voucher, free product) to incentivize participation. UGC builds social proof and costs almost nothing to produce.
Industry-Specific Festival Calendar 2026 India
Not every festival matters equally to every industry. Below are the top dates that matter most for specific sectors, along with campaign angles and format recommendations.
E-Commerce & D2C
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 14 | Makar Sankranti | New year collection drops | Carousel |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | Made in India + sale | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Colour-themed bundles | Reel |
May 10 | Mother’s Day | Gifting hampers | Reel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Freedom sale | Carousel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Sibling gift combos | Story |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | 9-day flash deals | Story+Live |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Burn the old, buy new | Reel |
Nov 5 | Dhanteras | Gold/premium push | Carousel |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Mega Sale peak | Reel+Story+Live |
Nov 27 | Black Friday | Biggest deals | Story+Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Year-end clearance | Carousel |
Monthly | Salary Day (1st/7th) | Pay-day drops | Story |
Apr–Jun | Summer Season | Summer essentials | Reel |
Quarterly | Season Change | New launches | Carousel |
Restaurants & Cafes
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 13–14 | Lohri/Sankranti | Festive thali, special menu | Reel |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Couple dining packages | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Thandai specials | Reel+Live |
May 10 | Mother’s Day | Brunch for moms | Story |
May 25 | Eid al-Fitr | Iftar/Eid specials | Reel |
Jun 21 | Father’s Day | Dad dines free | Story |
Aug 26 | Onam | Onam sadhya special | Reel |
Sep 14 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Modak specials | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Fasting-friendly menu | Post |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Festive catering | Reel+Live |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Brunch, cakes | Reel |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE dinner packages | Story+Reel |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Rainy day menu, chai | Story |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Cool drinks, mango | Reel |
Year-round | Weekend Specials | Saturday brunch deals | Story |
Education & Schools
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 12 | National Youth Day | Student motivation | Carousel |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | School event coverage | Reel |
Feb 28 | Science Day | Science quiz | Carousel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Girl student spotlight | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Admission Season | Admissions drive | Carousel+Reel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Patriotic event | Reel+Live |
Sep 5 | Teachers’ Day | Teacher appreciation | UGC+Reel |
Oct 10 | Mental Health Day | Student wellness | Carousel |
Nov 14 | Children’s Day | Fun events, talent | Reel+Live |
Dec 22 | Mathematics Day | Math quiz/Olympiad | Carousel |
Mar–Apr | Exam Season | Tips, motivation | Carousel |
May–Jun | Results | Counselling, guides | Carousel+Live |
Jul–Aug | New Session | Welcome, orientation | Reel |
Sep 15 | Engineer’s Day | STEM alumni | Carousel |
Year-round | Open Days | Campus tours | Live+Reel |
Fashion & Ethnic Wear
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 13–14 | Lohri/Sankranti | Winter ethnic collection | Reel |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Date night lookbook | Carousel |
Mar 4 | Holi | White + colour outfits | Reel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Power dressing | Carousel |
Aug 7 | Handloom Day | Handloom spotlight | Carousel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Sibling twinning | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | 9 colours, 9 looks | Reel+Story |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Festive edit launch | Reel |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Diwali mega collection | Reel+Live |
Nov–Feb | Wedding Season | Bridal + guest looks | Carousel+Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Winter party wear | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Summer collection | Carousel |
May 25 | Eid | Eid collection launch | Reel |
Sep 14 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Traditional showcase | Story |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE outfit guide | Story |
Beauty / Salon / Wellness
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Self-care packages | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Pre/post skincare | Carousel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Pampering offers | Story |
Jun 21 | Yoga Day | Wellness rituals | Reel+Live |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Festive makeup tutorials | Reel |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Diwali beauty rush | Reel+Live |
Nov–Feb | Wedding Season | Bridal packages | Carousel |
Jan | New Year | Transformation goals | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Summer skincare | Carousel |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Monsoon haircare | Reel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Grooming packages | Story |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Festive glow packages | Story |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Holiday glow campaign | Reel |
Monthly | Self-Care Sunday | Weekly wellness tips | Carousel |
Apr 7 | Health Day | Wellness awareness | Carousel |
Real Estate
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | Proud Indian homes | Post |
Mar 19 | Gudi Padwa/Ugadi | Auspicious booking | Carousel |
Mar 31 | FY Closing | Tax-saving investments | Carousel |
Apr 1 | New FY | New FY home loans | Post |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Freedom to own home | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Navratri booking offers | Story |
Nov 5 | Dhanteras | Gold-standard properties | Carousel |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Diwali property fest | Reel+Live |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Year-end closing deals | Post |
Monthly | EMI Offer Days | Affordable EMI campaigns | Carousel |
Feb–Mar | Homebuying Season | Spring launch events | Live |
Jul–Aug | Monsoon Offers | Monsoon discount | Story |
Apr 14 | Baisakhi | New beginnings, homes | Reel |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Victory deals on plots | Post |
Year-round | Virtual Tours | 3D walkthroughs | Reel |
Travel & Hotels
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 14 | Sankranti | Winter getaway | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Holi destination packages | Carousel |
Apr–May | Summer | Summer vacation deals | Reel+Carousel |
Jun 5 | Environment Day | Eco-tourism spotlight | Carousel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Explore India campaign | Reel |
Aug 26 | Onam | Kerala tourism special | Reel |
Sep 27 | Tourism Day | Travel inspiration | Carousel |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Long weekend packages | Story |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Diwali getaway deals | Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Christmas holidays | Carousel |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE party destinations | Reel+Live |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Monsoon destinations | Reel |
Nov–Jan | Winter | Hill station packages | Carousel |
Jun 21 | Yoga Day | Wellness retreats | Reel |
Year-round | Weekend Getaways | Quick escape deals | Story |
Additional Industry Quick-Reference
Electronics Retail: Peak months — Jan (New Year deals), Aug (Independence Day sale), Oct–Nov (Dussehra–Diwali). Dhanteras is the single biggest day for electronics purchases in India.
Corporate Gifting: Peak months — Aug (Raksha Bandhan corporate gifts), Oct–Nov (Dussehra–Diwali hampers), Dec (Christmas), Feb (Valentine’s corporate). Start lead gen 45 days before each festival.
Local Services (AC, Plumbing, Interiors, Gym, Clinics): Peak months — Mar–Apr (summer prep: AC servicing), Jun–Jul (monsoon: waterproofing), Jan (gym memberships), Oct–Nov (home interiors for Diwali). Use hyper-local targeting and Google My Business posts.
The Ultimate Hook Bank for Indian Festivals 2026
50 scroll-stopping hooks organised by emotion and intent. Copy, customise, and deploy.
Emotional Hooks
1. “She stayed up every Diwali night so our homes could glow. This one’s for you, Maa.”
2. “The bonfire didn’t just burn wood. It burned all the distances between us. Happy Lohri.”
3. “He never said he was proud. But his eyes said it every Republic Day.”
4. “This Raksha Bandhan, the distance is 1,200 km. But the love? Zero millimetres.”
5. “Festivals aren’t about the dates. They’re about who you celebrate them with.”
6. “The colours of Holi fade. The memories? Never.”
7. “His hands built everything we have. This Father’s Day, hold those hands tight.”
8. “She raised us on festivals and faith. This Mother’s Day, we raise a toast to her.”
Funny / Witty Hooks
1. “Diwali cleaning taught me more discipline than any motivational speaker ever could.”
2. “My bank balance on salary day vs after Diwali shopping — two different people.”
3. “Holi tip: wear the clothes you hate. You’re welcome.”
4. “Navratri day 1: Garba queen. Day 5: ICU for my knees.”
5. “Valentine’s Day plan: order food for 2 and eat it alone like a legend.”
6. “Independence Day outfit: kurta on top, pyjama on bottom. Always.”
7. “Raksha Bandhan: the only day siblings pretend to like each other.”
8. “Christmas in India = cake, fairy lights, and zero snow. We make it work.”
FOMO / Urgency Hooks
1. “Diwali deals end tonight. Your cart is crying. Don’t make it wait.”
2. “Only 3 hours left on our Dussehra mega sale. This is not a drill.”
3. “Everyone’s already shopping for Navratri. Are you still thinking?”
4. “Last 50 boxes of our Diwali gifting hamper. Once gone, that’s it.”
5. “Holi is in 48 hours and you still don’t have your outfit? We’ve got you.”
6. “This Dhanteras offer won’t wait. Neither should you.”
7. “Christmas stocks melting faster than Delhi winters. Order now.”
8. “Flash sale: next 2 hours only. Set your alarm. Tell your friends. Run.”
Luxury / Premium Hooks
1. “Diwali isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about how it makes you feel. Feel extraordinary.”
2. “Some gifts are remembered forever. This Raksha Bandhan, gift unforgettable.”
3. “Navratri deserves more than fast fashion. It deserves handcrafted elegance.”
4. “Dhanteras: invest in gold that doesn’t just shine — it speaks.”
5. “Premium isn’t a price tag. It’s a feeling. Feel it this Diwali.”
6. “Your Eid outfit should make people stop and stare. We’ve made sure it will.”
7. “New Year. New beginnings. New wardrobe. Same impeccable taste.”
8. “This Christmas, give the gift of time. And a really nice watch.”
Community / Culture Hooks
1. “India doesn’t celebrate one festival. It celebrates thousands. That’s our superpower.”
2. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the spirit of Diwali is the same: light over darkness.”
3. “Holi doesn’t care about your designation. On the colour ground, we’re all equal.”
4. “Onam teaches us that prosperity is best when shared. Happy Onam.”
5. “The warmth of Lohri isn’t from the fire. It’s from the people around it.”
6. “Every Ganesh Chaturthi, the streets become our living room. That’s community.”
7. “Eid teaches us patience is always rewarded. Eid Mubarak to all.”
8. “Pongal reminds us: gratitude to the earth, gratitude to each other.”
Offer-Based Hooks (Premium Tone)
1. “This Diwali, we’re lighting up your savings. Up to 40% off our festive collection.”
2. “Mother’s Day gift sorted: premium hampers starting at ₹999. She deserves it.”
3. “Navratri special: buy any 2 ethnic pieces and get a matching dupatta free.”
4. “Republic Day offer: flat 26% off on everything — for 26 hours only.”
5. “Dhanteras exclusive: free gold coin on purchases above ₹5,000.”
6. “Raksha Bandhan sibling combo: order for both and save 30%.”
7. “Holi party essentials — organic colours, t-shirts, party packs — flat ₹499.”
8. “New Year gift to you: free shipping on everything. All of January.”
9. “Black Friday came early. Our prices just took a nosedive.”
10. “Christmas hampers so good, even Santa wants one.”
Caption + CTA Bank (Ready to Use)
30 Caption Starters
1. This [festival] hits different when you have...
2. We asked our team what [festival] means to them.
3. 3 things you need this [festival]:
4. POV: It’s [festival] and you found the perfect gift.
5. No one talks about this side of [festival]...
6. Your [festival] checklist (save this post):
7. Here’s why [festival] 2026 is going to be different.
8. Unpopular opinion: [festival] is overrated. Just kidding.
9. If [festival] was a person, it would be...
10. The one thing you MUST do this [festival]:
11. This [festival], we’re doing things differently.
12. Behind every [festival] memory is a story worth telling.
13. [Festival] isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
14. How we prepare for [festival] at [brand name]:
15. Real talk: [festival] taught me this life lesson.
16. Your [festival] mood board: save this for later.
17. The ultimate [festival] survival guide:
18. Why [festival] is the best time to [brand action].
19. Stop scrolling. This [festival] post is for you.
20. Our founder’s favourite [festival] memory:
21. What’s your [festival] personality type?
22. This time last year on [festival], we...
23. The [festival] trends you need to know in 2026:
24. Your morning vs your evening on [festival]:
25. Tell us your [festival] tradition in the comments.
26. We’ve been waiting all year for this announcement.
27. [Festival] + [your product] = the combo you didn’t know you needed.
28. How to make [festival] 2026 your best one yet:
29. A letter to everyone celebrating [festival] away from home.
30. The smallest gestures make the biggest [festival] memories.
30 CTA Lines
1. Shop the festive collection now →
2. Tap the link in bio to grab yours.
3. DM us “FESTIVAL” for an exclusive code.
4. Save this post for later — you’ll thank us.
5. Tag someone who needs to see this.
6. Comment your answer — best one wins!
7. Book your spot now — limited seats available.
8. Follow us for more festival content like this.
9. Share this with your bestie — they’ll love it.
10. Click the link to download your free guide.
11. Drop a heart if you agree.
12. Order now and get free delivery this festival season.
13. Swipe right to see the full collection.
14. This offer ends at midnight. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
15. Reply with your city and we’ll find you the nearest store.
16. Grab the early bird price — available only this week.
17. Tell us in the comments: which one is your favourite?
18. Share your festival look using our hashtag to be featured.
19. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly festival content ideas.
20. Double-tap if this resonated with you.
21. Send this to someone who needs festival cheer.
22. Want this for your brand? DM us or visit our website.
23. Limited stock — first come, first served.
24. Bookmark this for your next content planning session.
25. WhatsApp us for instant festive orders.
26. Turn on post notifications so you never miss a deal.
27. Sign up for early access to our collection.
28. Rate this content 1–10 in the comments.
29. Visit debatemarketers.com for a complete marketing strategy.
30. Your move. Shop now or regret later.
15 Comment Prompts That Boost Engagement
1. What’s your favourite festival memory? Share below!
2. Describe your Diwali in 3 emojis. Go!
3. Which festival has the best food? Let the debate begin.
4. If you could add one holiday to the calendar, what would it be?
5. Tag someone you want to celebrate [festival] with this year.
6. Hot take: the best festival is _____. Fill in the blank.
7. Rate our festive collection 1–10. Be honest!
8. Drop your city name and let’s see where our community is celebrating from.
9. What’s one tradition you NEVER skip during [festival]?
10. Comment YES if you’ve already started [festival] shopping.
11. Your go-to [festival] outfit: traditional or fusion?
12. What’s the one gift you always give during [festival]?
13. Tell us a festival fact most people don’t know.
14. Would you rather: Holi with colours or Diwali with fireworks? Choose one!
15. What does [festival] mean to you in one sentence?
Hashtag Strategy for India 2026 (Non-Generic)
How Hashtags Work Now
Hashtags are no longer the primary discovery tool they were in 2019. In 2026, Instagram and LinkedIn prioritise SEO-style search, interest-based feeds, and Reel recommendations over hashtag-driven reach. However, hashtags still serve three crucial purposes: categorisation (helping the algorithm understand your content), community building (connecting with niche audiences), and brand tracking (measuring campaign impact). Use fewer, more targeted hashtags.
The Hashtag Formula
Use 15–20 hashtags per post: 5 Broad India + 5 Festival/Niche + 5 Local/City + 5 Community. This covers reach, relevance, discoverability, and engagement.
Broad India Hashtags
#IndianBusiness #MadeInIndia #IndiaMarketing #DigitalIndia #BrandIndia #IndianEntrepreneur #StartupIndia #SocialMediaIndia #IndiaBusiness #GrowWithIndia
Festival Hashtags
#Diwali2026 #Holi2026 #Navratri2026 #RepublicDay2026 #RakshaBandhan2026 #IndependenceDay2026 #GaneshChaturthi2026 #Dussehra2026 #Christmas2026 #Eid2026
City-Based Hashtag Templates
#[City]Business #[City]Foodies #[City]Events #[City]Shopping #[City]Life #[City]Brands #[City]Marketing #[City]Startups #[City]Eats #[City]Local — Replace [City] with Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kochi, etc.
Industry-Based Hashtag Templates
#[Industry]India #[Industry]Marketing #[Industry]Trends2026 #[Industry]Tips #[Industry]Community #[Industry]Growth #[Industry]Business #[Industry]Insights #[Industry]Leaders #[Industry]Innovation
Community Hashtags (For Reach)
#SmallBusinessIndia #WomenEntrepreneurs #ContentCreatorsIndia #MarketingTips #SocialMediaTips #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #DigitalMarketing #CreativeAgency #BrandBuilding
Infographics & Visual Assets: 12 Ideas for 2026
Create these using Canva, Figma, or a professional designer. Each is shareable and positions your brand as a thought leader.
Infographic Title | Description & Design Notes |
India 2026 Festival Heatmap | Month-by-month heatmap showing festival density. Colour intensity: light=few, dark=peak. Oct–Nov darkest. Horizontal timeline or grid format. |
Sales vs Engagement Chart | Two-axis chart: X=Sales Impact, Y=Engagement Impact. Plot major festivals. Diwali top right. World Emoji Day = high engagement, low sales. |
Posting Format Guide | Matrix: festivals vs formats (Reel, Carousel, Story, Live, UGC). Tick marks for best format per festival. |
Campaign Timeline (30-Day) | Horizontal timeline: Teaser → Awareness → Launch → Urgency → Post-Festival with icons and actions. |
Story Sequence Templates | 5–7 story slide mockup: Teaser, Reveal, Product showcase, Social proof, Offer, CTA, Countdown. |
UGC Ideas by Festival | Carousel-style: Holi photo contest, Diwali lighting challenge, Rakhi sibling stories, Navratri dance challenge. |
Offer Psychology Map | Visual diagram of offer psychology: anchoring, scarcity, social proof, urgency, bundling effects. |
Festival Colour Palette | Dominant colours per festival: Holi (rainbow), Diwali (gold/red/maroon), Navratri (9 specific), Christmas (red/green/gold). |
Best Ad Angles | Table infographic: Festival → Ad Type (awareness/conversion/retarget) → Platform → Budget Split. |
Monthly Content Mix | Pie/donut chart per month: educational, entertaining, promotional, UGC, trending percentages. |
D.A.T.E.S. Framework Visual | Clean visual with icons per category and 2–3 example festivals each. |
Shopping Calendar 2026 | Timeline of all shopping moments: Republic Day Sale through NYE Sale with spending indices. |
Bonus: Content Templates (Plug & Play)
10 Reel Script Templates
Template | Script Structure |
Festival Glow-Up | Before vs During [festival] transformation. Trending audio. Product reveal + CTA at end. |
Myth Buster | Things people get wrong about [festival]. Debunk 3 myths with text overlay. Educational + shareable. |
Behind the Scenes | POV: Brand manager before [festival]. Chaotic but fun prep process. Humanises the brand. |
Day in My Life | [Festival] morning as a [profession]. Relatable routine + product placement. Soft-sell. |
Outfit Challenge | Style this [festival] outfit in 3 ways. Quick transitions with ethnic/fusion looks. Tag-friendly. |
Customer Reactions | Surprised customers with [festival] gifts. Watch reactions. Real UGC builds trust. |
Recipe / DIY | How to make [festival item] in 60 seconds. Quick recipe or DIY decor. Save-worthy. |
Nostalgia Trip | [Festival] in the 90s vs today. Split screen comparison. Emotional engagement bait. |
Festival GRWM | Get Ready With Me for [festival]. Product placement with cultural pride. Beauty/fashion brands. |
Facts & Trivia | 5 things you didn’t know about [festival]. Quick facts with visual text. High-share format. |
10 Carousel Templates (Slide-by-Slide)
Template | Slide Structure |
Marketing Checklist | S1: Title / S2: Pre-campaign (30d) / S3: Content week / S4: Launch / S5: Urgency / S6: Post-festival / S7: CTA |
Festival History | S1: Story of [festival] / S2–4: Origin, significance, modern celebrations / S5: Brand greeting + CTA |
Top 5 Products | S1: 5 must-haves / S2–6: One product per slide with photo + feature / S7: Shop now CTA |
Do’s and Don’ts | S1: Title / S2–4: 3 Do’s / S5–7: 3 Don’ts / S8: CTA |
Campaign Results | S1: Our results / S2: Reach / S3: Engagement / S4: Sales / S5: Top content / S6: Lessons / S7: CTA |
Colour Guide | S1: Navratri 2026 Colour Calendar / S2–10: One day, colour, outfit or product pairing / S11: CTA |
Testimonials | S1: What customers said / S2–6: One testimonial per slide with photo / S7: CTA |
Recipe/DIY Guide | S1: How to make [dish] at home / S2–6: Step-by-step with photos / S7: Final result + CTA |
Savings Guide | S1: How to save money this [festival] / S2–6: Budgeting + deal tips / S7: Your offer + CTA |
Year-in-Review | S1: Our 2026 festival journey / S2–8: Highlights from each major festival / S9: Thank you + 2027 teaser |
10 Story Sequence Templates
Template | Sequence Structure |
Countdown | 7-day countdown. Daily tip/product. Final: It’s here! Shop now. |
Poll Series | Quick question → 3–4 polls (traditional vs modern?) → Results + product tie-in. |
Behind-the-Scenes | Behind the curtain → Office/studio prep → Final reveal + CTA. |
This or That | 5 slides with 2 options each. Poll sticker. Great for engagement metrics. |
Festival Quiz | How well do you know [festival]? → Quiz questions → Answers + fun fact. |
Outfit of the Day | 5 team members in festival outfits. Tag brands. Relatable and shareable. |
Flash Sale | Teaser → Reveal → Products + prices → Countdown timer → Last call. |
UGC Feature | Our community celebrates → Customer photos/videos → Share yours to be featured! |
Festival How-To | How to [activity] in 5 steps → One step per story → CTA. |
Gratitude Series | We’re grateful for → Customers, team, partners, community → Thank-you + CTA. |
Bonus: AI Prompt Pack for 2026 Festivals
Use these in Claude or ChatGPT. Replace [festival], [brand], [industry], [product] with your specifics.
Use Case | Prompt Template |
Festival Captions | Write 10 Instagram captions for [brand], a [industry] brand, celebrating [festival]. Tone: [warm/witty/professional]. Include emojis and CTA. Under 150 words each. |
Reel Scripts | Write a 30-second Reel script for [brand] celebrating [festival]. Hook (first 3 sec), body, CTA. Mention [product] naturally. Indian audiences 22–35. |
Carousel Slides | Create a 7-slide carousel for [brand] about [festival topic]. S1: Hook. S2–6: Key points (under 20 words). S7: CTA. Describe visuals. |
Ad Copy | Write 5 FB/IG ad variations for [brand]’s [festival] sale on [product]. Headline (under 10 words), primary text (under 125 words), CTA button text. |
WhatsApp Broadcast | Write a WhatsApp broadcast for [brand]’s [festival] offer. Under 100 words. Greeting, offer, urgency, link placeholder. Friendly and direct. |
Email Subject Lines | Generate 15 email subject lines for [brand]’s [festival] campaign. Mix emotional, urgency, curiosity, offer-based. Under 50 chars. 3 with emojis. |
Offer Naming | Create 10 creative names for [brand]’s [festival] sale. Catchy, alliterative, culturally appropriate. |
Hashtag Packs | Generate 20 hashtags for [brand]’s [festival] IG post. 5 broad + 5 festival + 5 industry + 5 community. No spam hashtags. |
Downloadable Planning Templates
Use these templates to plan your 2026 social media content systematically. Copy into your project management tool or spreadsheet.
Monthly Planning Table
Week | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
Week 1 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 2 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 3 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 4 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Festival Campaign Tracker
Festival | Start | Launch | End | Budget | Platform | Status |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
Post Production Checklist
☐ Content concept approved
☐ Copy/caption written and reviewed
☐ Visual designed (correct dimensions for platform)
☐ Hashtags selected (15–20, using the Hashtag Formula)
☐ CTA included in caption and visual
☐ Links checked and working (bio link, UTM parameters)
☐ Scheduling tool loaded (date and time confirmed)
☐ Stories/Reels companion content prepared
☐ WhatsApp/Email broadcast drafted (if applicable)
☐ Post-publish engagement plan ready (reply within 1 hour)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a social media calendar 2026 India?
A social media calendar 2026 India is a month-by-month planning tool that lists all major festivals, national holidays, international awareness days, and marketing moments relevant to Indian audiences. It helps brands, agencies, and businesses plan content, campaigns, and ad spends in advance for maximum impact throughout the year.
Why should I plan content around Indian festivals?
Indian consumers have deep emotional and cultural connections with festivals. Festival-related content receives significantly higher engagement, and consumers are more likely to make purchases during festive seasons. Planning ahead enables culturally relevant campaigns, advance creative production, and strategic budget allocation.
When should I start planning my Diwali 2026 campaign?
Start at least 45–60 days before Diwali. This gives time for the Teaser Phase (30 days out), influencer outreach, creative production, and ad setup. For Diwali 2026 (November 8), begin strategic planning in September and execute teasers by early October.
How many hashtags should I use per post in 2026?
Use 15–20 hashtags per Instagram post following the formula: 5 broad + 5 niche/festival + 5 local/city + 5 community. For LinkedIn and Twitter/X, use 3–5 highly relevant hashtags. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity in 2026.
What is the D.A.T.E.S. framework?
D.A.T.E.S. is a proprietary marketing moments framework: D (Devotional/Religious), A (Awareness/Advocacy), T (Trending/Viral), E (Economic/Business), S (Seasonal/Academic). It helps brands instantly identify the right tone, format, and audience for each marketing date.
Which festivals drive the most sales for Indian e-commerce?
The top sales-driving festivals are Diwali (including Dhanteras), Navratri/Dussehra, Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, and Christmas/New Year. Black Friday has also become significant for Indian e-commerce in recent years.
How do I create a festival campaign without heavy discounting?
Use bundle deals, early bird pricing, gift-with-purchase, loyalty multipliers, flash sales, and festive combos. These create perceived value and urgency without eroding margins. Focus on premium packaging and experience over flat discounts.
What content formats work best for Indian festival marketing?
Reels dominate for reach and engagement. Carousels work for educational content. Stories create urgency. Live sessions build community. UGC contests drive social proof. The best approach combines all formats strategically across the campaign timeline.
Can small businesses benefit from a social media calendar?
Absolutely. Small businesses benefit the most because they have limited resources. A calendar helps them plan ahead, batch-create content, and compete with larger brands during festival seasons when consumer attention peaks.
How can Debate Marketers help with my 2026 festival strategy?
Debate Marketers is a full-service marketing and branding agency specializing in strategic content planning, social media management, and brand building. Visit debatemarketers.com or contact our team for a customised 2026 festival marketing strategy tailored to your industry, audience, and goals.
Best Months for Each Industry in 2026 (India)
Industry | Peak Months | Key Festivals / Moments |
Education | Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug | Admissions, exams, results, new sessions, National Youth Day |
Corporate Gifting | Feb, Aug, Oct–Dec | Valentine’s corporate, Raksha Bandhan, Dussehra–Diwali, Christmas |
Electronics Retail | Jan, Aug, Oct–Nov | New Year deals, Independence Day, Dussehra, Dhanteras, Diwali, Black Friday |
Fashion & Ethnic | Mar, Aug, Oct–Feb | Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Navratri–Diwali, Wedding season |
E-Commerce & D2C | Jan, Mar, Aug, Oct–Dec | Republic Day, Holi, Independence Day, Navratri–Diwali, Black Friday, Christmas |
Restaurants & Cafes | Feb, Oct–Dec, Monsoon | Valentine’s, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, NYE, Monsoon specials |
Beauty & Wellness | Feb–Mar, Jun, Oct–Feb | Valentine’s, Holi, Yoga Day, Navratri–Diwali, Wedding season |
Real Estate | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | Gudi Padwa, FY closing, Navratri, Dhanteras, Diwali |
Travel & Hotels | Dec–Jan, Apr–May, Oct | Winter travel, summer vacations, Dussehra long weekend, Diwali getaways |
Fitness & Gym | Jan, Jun, Aug | New Year resolutions, Yoga Day, National Sports Day |
Local Services | Jan, Mar–Apr, Jun–Jul, Oct–Nov | New Year, summer prep, monsoon, Diwali home prep |
FMCG & Consumer | Year-round (peaks Oct–Nov) | All major festivals; Diwali–Dhanteras is the peak |
Final Thoughts: From Calendar to Competitive Advantage
A calendar is only as powerful as the strategy behind it. The 2026 Social Media Calendar tells you when to show up. The D.A.T.E.S. framework tells you how. And the campaign playbook, hook banks, and templates tell you exactly what to create.
At Debate Marketers, we don’t just follow trends — we challenge assumptions and build brands that endure. If you’re ready to transform your social media from reactive posting to strategic brand building, we’re here to help.
Visit debatemarketers.com or reach out to our team to get a customised 2026 festival marketing strategy crafted specifically for your brand, your industry, and your goals.
Download this calendar, bookmark this page, and make 2026 the year your brand becomes impossible to ignore.
Internal Linking Suggestions: Link to social media marketing services page, Instagram marketing tips blog, SEO services page, branding case studies, contact/consultation page, and downloadable resources or lead magnets.
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Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
Written by
Your definitive marketing playbook for every festival, trending moment, and campaign opportunity in India — month by month, industry by industry, format by format.
Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
Your definitive marketing playbook for every festival, trending moment, and campaign opportunity in India — month by month, industry by industry, format by format.
Why 2026 Calendar Planning = Marketing Advantage
India runs on festivals. Not just culturally, but commercially. From Diwali shopping hauls to Republic Day brand patriotism, every major festival triggers a buying cycle that smart marketers exploit weeks in advance. The brands that plan early don’t just participate in trends — they set them.
Here’s the reality: 78% of Indian consumers say they are more likely to purchase from a brand that acknowledges their festivals. Another 65% begin searching for deals and gift ideas at least two weeks before a major occasion. If you’re scrambling to post a Holi reel on the morning of Holi, you’ve already lost.
This is exactly why Debate Marketers — a leading marketing and branding agency — has created this comprehensive Social Media Calendar 2026 India guide. This is not a list of dates. This is a campaign planning system: month-wise breakdowns, industry-specific angles, hook banks, caption templates, hashtag strategies, and ready-to-use content frameworks. Whether you’re a solo founder, an e-commerce brand, a restaurant chain, or a full-service agency, this calendar is your 2026 content bible.
Plan month-wise. Execute week-wise. Win day-wise. Let’s begin.
The D.A.T.E.S. Framework — India 2026 Marketing Moments
We’ve developed a proprietary framework called D.A.T.E.S. to categorize every marketing moment in 2026 India. Use this to classify your content strategy and never miss a relevant angle.
Category | What It Covers | Content Focus |
D — Devotional & Religious | Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist festivals | Emotional, cultural, community |
A — Awareness & Advocacy | Health Day, Mental Health, Environment, Women’s Day | Cause marketing, CSR, thought leadership |
T — Trending & Viral | Self-love trends, nostalgia, meme moments, pop culture | Engagement, shares, brand personality |
E — Economic & Business | Budget day, FY closing, salary days, sale seasons | Revenue, offers, lead generation |
S — Seasonal & Academic | Summer/monsoon/winter, exams, admissions, results | Relevance, topicality, life-stage targeting |
How to use D.A.T.E.S.: For every upcoming date, tag it with one or more D.A.T.E.S. categories. This instantly tells you the tone (emotional vs transactional), the format (reel vs carousel vs ad), and the audience segment to target. Diwali = D+E. Republic Day = D+A. World Emoji Day = purely T. This eliminates guesswork.
Full Year 2026 Social Media Calendar India (Month-Wise)
Below is your complete month-by-month breakdown with the date, occasion, D.A.T.E.S. category, best industries, content angle, recommended format, a hook line, and CTA suggestion.
January 2026: New Beginnings & Patriotism
The year opens with resolutions, harvest festivals, patriotic pride, and global awareness days. Fitness, FMCG, education, and government sectors should go heavy.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jan 1 | Thu | New Year’s Day | S/T | All industries | 2026 goals / brand resolutions | Reel/Story | “This year, we’re not just setting goals — we’re keeping them.” | Share your 2026 goal! |
Jan 4 | Sun | World Braille Day | A | Education, NGOs, Tech | Accessibility & inclusion awareness | Carousel | “Inclusion isn’t optional — it’s the standard.” | Tag someone making a difference |
Jan 5 | Mon | National Birds Day | A | Travel, Wildlife, Eco | Bird conservation & biodiversity | Carousel/Post | “Every bird lost is a song the world will never hear again.” | Support bird conservation |
Jan 6 | Tue | World War Orphans Day | A | NGOs, Education, Govt | Children affected by war & conflict | Post | “Every child deserves a childhood. Every orphan deserves a home.” | Donate or share awareness |
Jan 9 | Fri | Pravasi Bharatiya Divas | D/A | Govt, Travel, NRI brands | Celebrating Indian diaspora globally | Post/Carousel | “No matter where we go, India lives in us.” | Tag an NRI friend |
Jan 10 | Sat | World Hindi Day | A/T | Media, EdTech, Publishing | Hindi language pride & culture | Reel/Post | “Hindi isn’t just a language. It’s an emotion.” | Drop your favourite Hindi word |
Jan 11 | Sun | Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniv. | A/D | Education, Govt | Remembrance, Jai Jawan Jai Kisan | Post | “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan — a slogan that built a nation.” | Remember our leaders |
Jan 12 | Mon | National Youth Day | A/D | Education, Fitness, Startups | Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, youth power | Carousel/Reel | “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” | What’s your mission this year? |
Jan 13 | Tue | Lohri | D | FMCG, Food, Fashion | Harvest celebration, family bonding | Reel/Story | “The warmth of the bonfire, the sweetness of rewri.” | Share your Lohri memories |
Jan 14 | Wed | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | D | Food, Travel, Fashion, FMCG | Harvest & gratitude festival | Reel/Carousel | “New beginnings soar like kites on Sankranti.” | Show us your kite moments! |
Jan 15 | Thu | Indian Army Day | A/D | Defence, Education, FMCG | Salute the armed forces | Post/Reel | “Behind every peaceful morning is a soldier who didn’t sleep.” | Tag a soldier you admire |
Jan 20 | Tue | Penguin Awareness Day | A/T | Wildlife, Kids, Fashion | Fun wildlife awareness, penguin content | Reel/Story | “Waddle you do for penguins today?” | Share your favourite penguin fact |
Jan 23 | Fri | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti | D/A | Education, Govt, Defence | Parakram Diwas, freedom fighter tribute | Post/Carousel | “Give me blood and I shall give you freedom.” | Salute Netaji’s legacy |
Jan 24 | Sat | International Day of Education | A/S | EdTech, Schools, Coaching | Education for all, lifelong learning | Carousel/Post | “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” | Support education initiatives |
Jan 25 | Sun | National Voters Day / Tourism Day | A | Govt, Travel, Education | Democratic participation + India tourism | Carousel/Reel | “Your vote is your voice. Use it.” | Pledge to vote / Explore India |
Jan 26 | Mon | Republic Day | D/A | All industries | Patriotism, Made in India, Constitution | Reel/Carousel/Live | “One nation, one dream, one Constitution.” | What does India mean to you? |
Jan 27 | Tue | International Holocaust Remembrance Day | A | Education, NGOs | Remembrance, human rights | Post | “Never again. Remember so the world never forgets.” | Share a story of courage |
Jan 28 | Wed | Data Privacy Day / Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti | A/E | Tech, SaaS, Education | Data protection awareness + patriotism | Carousel/Post | “Your data is your identity. Protect it.” | Review your privacy settings |
Jan 30 | Fri | Martyrs’ Day / World Leprosy Day | A/D | Education, NGOs, Govt, Health | Gandhi death anniv., health awareness | Post/Story | “Their sacrifice is our freedom. Never forget.” | Light a virtual candle |
Jan 31 | Sat | International Zebra Day | A/T | Wildlife, Kids, Eco brands | Zebra conservation, fun content | Story/Reel | “Stripes never go out of style. Save the zebras.” | Share a wildlife fact |
February 2026: Love, Awareness & Devotion
Valentine’s Week dominates commercial conversations with 8 days of love-themed content. Health awareness days, Maha Shivaratri for cultural brands, and Science Day for education sectors.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Feb 1 | Sun | Indian Coast Guard Day | A/D | Defence, Maritime, Govt | Coast Guard formation & pride | Post | “Guarding our coasts, protecting our shores.” | Salute the Coast Guard |
Feb 2 | Mon | World Wetlands Day | A | Eco brands, Travel, NGOs | Wetland conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Post | “Wetlands are the kidneys of the earth. Protect them.” | Support wetland conservation |
Feb 4 | Wed | World Cancer Day | A | Health, Pharma, Insurance, NGOs | Early detection & cancer awareness | Carousel/Post | “Early detection saves lives. Don’t wait.” | Share with someone who needs a checkup |
Feb 7 | Sat | Rose Day (Valentine’s Week Day 1) | T/E | Florists, Gifting, F&B, Fashion | Rose gifting, love confessions, floral content | Reel/Story | “A single rose says what a thousand words cannot.” | Send a rose to your special someone! |
Feb 8 | Sun | Propose Day (Valentine’s Week Day 2) | T/E | Jewellery, Gifting, Restaurants, Travel | Proposals, couple content, romantic gestures | Reel/Story | “Some questions don’t need a perfect moment. Just a brave heart.” | Share your proposal story! |
Feb 9 | Mon | Chocolate Day (Valentine’s Week Day 3) | T/E | Chocolate brands, F&B, Gifting, FMCG | Chocolate gifting, sweet tooth content, giveaways | Reel/Story | “Life is like a box of chocolates — and we’re giving away the whole box.” | Tag your chocolate-loving friend! |
Feb 10 | Tue | Teddy Day (Valentine’s Week Day 4) / Safer Internet Day | T/E/A | Gifting, Toys, Kids, Tech, SaaS | Teddy gifting, cute content + cyber safety | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Some hugs are furry and last forever. Happy Teddy Day.” | Gift a teddy + stay safe online |
Feb 11 | Wed | Promise Day (Valentine’s Week Day 5) / Women & Girls in Science Day | T/E/A | Gifting, Fashion, EdTech, STEM, NGOs | Relationship promises + women in STEM | Reel/Story/Carousel | “The best promise? I’ll always show up. Happy Promise Day.” | Make a promise that matters |
Feb 12 | Thu | Hug Day (Valentine’s Week Day 6) / Darwin Day | T/E/A | Fashion, Wellness, Lifestyle, Education | Hug content, warmth, emotional connection + science | Reel/Story | “Sometimes, a hug is the only thing that says everything.” | Send a virtual hug today! |
Feb 13 | Fri | Kiss Day (Valentine’s Week Day 7) / World Radio Day | T/E/A | Beauty, F&B, Lifestyle, Media, Entertainment | Romance content, lipstick brands, kiss-themed + radio nostalgia | Reel/Story | “A kiss on the forehead says more than a thousand words.” | Share your love story! |
Feb 14 | Sat | Valentine’s Day (Valentine’s Week Day 8) | T/E | All consumer brands | Peak gifting, dining, couple content, self-love, anti-Valentine humour | Reel/Live/Story/Carousel | “The best things in life are felt, not bought. But we’ve got gifts just in case.” | Shop our Valentine’s collection now |
Feb 15 | Sun | Maha Shivaratri | D | Ethnic wear, FMCG, Spiritual, Travel | Devotion, fasting, spiritual awakening | Post/Reel | “On the darkest night, Shiva’s grace shines brightest.” | Share your prayers |
Feb 17 | Tue | Random Acts of Kindness Day | T | All industries | Positivity, brand goodwill, kindness challenge | Reel/Story | “Kindness costs nothing. But it changes everything.” | Do one kind thing today & share it |
Feb 19 | Thu | Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti | D/A | Education, Maharashtra brands, History | Bravery, leadership, Maratha pride | Carousel/Reel | “Leadership isn’t about the throne. It’s about the people.” | What leadership lesson inspires you? |
Feb 20 | Fri | World Day of Social Justice | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Govt | Equality, fairness, human rights | Post/Carousel | “Justice delayed is justice denied.” | Stand for social justice |
Feb 21 | Sat | International Mother Language Day | A | EdTech, Media, Publishing, Culture | Linguistic diversity, regional languages | Carousel/Reel | “Every language is a universe of thought. Protect yours.” | What’s your mother tongue? |
Feb 24 | Tue | Central Excise Day | A/E | Finance, Govt, Accounting | Excise department formation | Post | “Taxation builds nations. Honour the system.” | Learn about excise duties |
Feb 28 | Sat | National Science Day | A/S | EdTech, Science, STEM brands | C.V. Raman legacy, innovation | Carousel/Post | “Every breakthrough started with a question nobody dared to ask.” | What discovery changed your life? |
March 2026: Colours, Women & New Year
Holi is the biggest visual content opportunity. International Women’s Day drives massive engagement. Financial year closing. World Water Day & forestry themes.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Mar 1 | Sun | Zero Discrimination Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Fashion | Equality, inclusion, anti-discrimination | Carousel/Post | “Difference is beautiful. Discrimination is not.” | Stand for zero discrimination |
Mar 3 | Tue | World Wildlife Day | A | Travel, NGOs, Eco brands | Wildlife conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Reel | “Every species lost is a colour erased from Earth’s canvas.” | Follow for more eco-content |
Mar 4 | Wed | Holi | D/T/E | All industries | Colours, joy, togetherness, offers | Reel/Story/UGC | “Life is better in every colour. Happy Holi!” | Share your most colourful moment! |
Mar 8 | Sun | International Women’s Day | A/T | All industries | Women empowerment, spotlight leaders | Carousel/Reel/Live | “She didn’t wait for a seat at the table. She built her own.” | Name a woman who inspires you |
Mar 14 | Sat | Pi Day / Int’l Day of Mathematics | A/S | EdTech, Science, STEM, F&B | Math awareness, fun pi content | Reel/Post | “3.14159... Math is infinite, just like possibilities.” | Share your favourite math fact |
Mar 15 | Sun | World Consumer Rights Day | A/E | E-commerce, Legal, Finance | Consumer protection, fair trade | Post/Carousel | “Know your rights. Demand what’s fair.” | Read our consumer rights guide |
Mar 19 | Thu | Gudi Padwa / Ugadi | D | Real Estate, FMCG, Auto, Finance | Regional new year, new beginnings | Reel/Post | “New year. New blessings. New beginnings.” | What’s your new year wish? |
Mar 20 | Fri | International Day of Happiness | T | All industries | Positivity, feel-good content | Reel/Story | “Happiness is not a destination. It’s a Monday morning chai.” | What made you smile today? |
Mar 21 | Sat | World Forestry Day / World Down Syndrome Day / World Poetry Day | A | Eco, NGOs, Education, Publishing | Forest conservation + inclusion + literature | Carousel/Post | “Forests are the lungs of the earth. Breathe easy.” | Plant a tree today |
Mar 22 | Sun | World Water Day | A | Eco, FMCG, Govt, NGOs | Sustainable water, conservation | Carousel/Reel | “Water is life. Every drop counts.” | Save water, share this post |
Mar 23 | Mon | Shaheed Diwas (Bhagat Singh) | D/A | Education, Govt, Defence | Martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev | Post/Reel | “They chose death over slavery. Never forget.” | Salute the martyrs |
Mar 24 | Tue | World Tuberculosis Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | TB awareness & prevention | Carousel/Post | “TB is curable. Awareness is the first step.” | Get informed, get tested |
Mar 26 | Thu | Ram Navami | D | Ethnic wear, FMCG, Spiritual | Devotion, dharma, cultural pride | Post/Reel | “When dharma leads, victory follows.” | Share your blessings |
Mar 27 | Fri | World Theatre Day | A/T | Entertainment, Arts, Education | Performing arts, creativity | Reel/Post | “The stage is where stories come alive.” | Tag a theatre lover |
Mar 31 | Tue | Financial Year Closing | E | Finance, Accounting, SaaS, Insurance | Tax planning, FY wrap, investment push | Carousel/Post | “Last chance to save on taxes this FY. Have you planned yet?” | Book a free consultation |
Mar 31 | Tue | Mahavir Jayanti | D | Spiritual, FMCG, Jain community brands | Non-violence, truth, Jain values | Post | “Live and let live. The path of ahimsa leads to peace.” | Share a message of peace |
April 2026: Health, Heritage & Fresh Starts
New financial year energy. World Health Day, Earth Day, and heritage days. Many global health & environment awareness dates. Q1 learnings become Q2 strategy.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Apr 1 | Wed | April Fools’ Day / New FY / Odisha Day | T/E/D | All industries | Prank content + FY offers + state pride | Reel/Story | “No joke: our new FY prices are actually this low.” | Check out our April deals! |
Apr 2 | Thu | World Autism Awareness Day | A | Health, NGOs, Education, Kids | Autism inclusion & understanding | Carousel/Post | “Different, not less. Embrace neurodiversity.” | Learn about autism inclusion |
Apr 3 | Fri | Good Friday | D | Spiritual, F&B, Fashion | Reflection, sacrifice, compassion | Post/Story | “In every sacrifice, there is a lesson of love.” | Wishing you peace |
Apr 5 | Sun | Easter Sunday / National Maritime Day | D/E/A | F&B, Kids, Gifting, Maritime | Celebration + India’s maritime history | Reel/Carousel | “Hoppy Easter! Time for egg hunts and fresh starts.” | Shop our Easter collection |
Apr 7 | Tue | World Health Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness, Insurance | Wellness awareness, global health | Carousel/Reel | “Your health is your most valuable asset. Invest wisely.” | Book your annual checkup |
Apr 10 | Fri | World Homoeopathy Day | A | Health, Wellness, Alt. Medicine | Homoeopathy awareness | Post | “Healing naturally, one remedy at a time.” | Explore holistic health options |
Apr 11 | Sat | National Safe Motherhood Day | A | Health, Maternity, NGOs | Maternal health, reducing mortality | Carousel/Post | “Every mother deserves safe healthcare.” | Support maternal health initiatives |
Apr 13 | Mon | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day / Baisakhi / Vishu | D/A | Education, Sikh community, Kerala brands | Remembrance + Harvest festival + Regional NY | Reel/Carousel | “Never forget Jallianwala. Never take freedom for granted.” | Share a freedom thought |
Apr 14 | Tue | Ambedkar Jayanti / Bengali New Year | D/A | Education, Legal, Social, Bengal brands | Equality + Cultural new year | Carousel/Reel | “Equality is not charity. It is justice.” | What does equality mean to you? |
Apr 17 | Fri | World Haemophilia Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs | Bleeding disorders awareness | Post/Carousel | “Awareness bleeds into action. Know about haemophilia.” | Share to spread awareness |
Apr 18 | Sat | World Heritage Day | A | Travel, Architecture, Education, Culture | Protect cultural & natural heritage | Carousel/Reel | “Our heritage defines us. Protect it for the future.” | Visit a heritage site this month |
Apr 21 | Tue | Civil Services Day | A | Education, Coaching, Govt | Public service, UPSC aspirants | Post/Carousel | “Behind every policy is a public servant who cared.” | Salute our civil servants |
Apr 22 | Wed | World Earth Day | A/T | Eco brands, Fashion, Travel, F&B | Sustainability, green initiatives | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “There is no Planet B. Act now.” | Share one eco-habit you follow |
Apr 23 | Thu | World Book & Copyright Day | A/T | Publishing, EdTech, Bookstores | Reading culture, intellectual property | Carousel/Reel | “A book is a dream you hold in your hands.” | What’s the last book you read? |
Apr 24 | Fri | National Panchayati Raj Day | A | Govt, Education, Rural brands | Local self-governance in India | Post | “Democracy begins at the grassroots.” | Know your Panchayat |
Apr 25 | Sat | World Malaria Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | Malaria prevention & eradication | Carousel/Post | “One mosquito net can save a life. Act now.” | Support malaria prevention |
Apr 26 | Sun | World Intellectual Property Day | A/E | Tech, Legal, SaaS, Startups | Innovation & IP rights protection | Carousel/Post | “Your ideas deserve protection. Innovate fearlessly.” | Learn about IP rights |
May 2026: Workers, Mothers & Wellness
Mother’s Day is the emotional peak. Labour Day, Buddha Purnima open the month. Nurses Day, biodiversity, press freedom. Summer campaigns in full swing.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
May 1 | Fri | Int’l Labour Day / Maharashtra Day | A/D | Corporate, HR, Maharashtra brands | Worker appreciation, state pride | Post/Carousel | “Every empire was built by workers, not just visionaries.” | Thank a worker today |
May 1 | Fri | Buddha Purnima | D | Spiritual, Wellness, Travel | Peace, mindfulness, compassion | Post/Reel | “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” | What brings you inner peace? |
May 2 | Sat | World Asthma Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness | Asthma awareness & management | Carousel/Post | “Breathe easy. Know your triggers.” | Consult your doctor today |
May 3 | Sun | World Press Freedom Day | A | Media, Journalism, EdTech | Free press, truth, information | Post/Carousel | “A free press is the backbone of democracy.” | Support independent journalism |
May 4 | Mon | Coal Miners’ Day / Star Wars Day | A/T | Mining, Energy, Entertainment | Worker safety + Pop culture fun | Post/Reel | “May the 4th be with you — and all who work underground.” | Share your Star Wars moment! |
May 7 | Thu | World Athletics Day | A | Fitness, Sportswear, Education | Youth sports, physical fitness | Reel/Post | “Run towards your goals. Literally.” | Share your fitness journey |
May 8 | Fri | World Red Cross Day / Thalassaemia Day | A | Health, NGOs, Blood banks | Humanitarian work + blood disorder awareness | Carousel/Post | “Humanity in action. Thank you, Red Cross.” | Donate blood, save lives |
May 9 | Sat | Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti | D/A | Education, Arts, Publishing, Bengali brands | Nobel laureate tribute, literature & culture | Reel/Post | “Where the mind is without fear... — Tagore” | Share your favourite Tagore line |
May 10 | Sun | Mother’s Day | D/T/E | All consumer brands | Gratitude, gifting, emotional storytelling | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “She gave us everything and asked for nothing.” | Shop Mother’s Day gifts now |
May 11 | Mon | National Technology Day | A/E | Tech, SaaS, Education, Startups | India’s Pokhran anniversary, tech innovation | Carousel/Post | “Innovation is India’s superpower. Celebrate it.” | Share a tech innovation you love |
May 12 | Tue | International Nurses Day | A | Health, Hospitals, Pharma | Tribute to Florence Nightingale, nursing | Post/Carousel | “Nurses: the heartbeat of healthcare.” | Thank a nurse today |
May 17 | Sun | National Endangered Species Day | A | Wildlife, Eco, NGOs, Travel | Species conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Reel | “Extinction is forever. Conservation is now.” | Support wildlife protection |
May 18 | Mon | International Museum Day | A/T | Culture, Tourism, Education, Arts | Museums, cultural preservation | Carousel/Reel | “Museums: where the past meets the present.” | Visit a museum this week! |
May 21 | Thu | National Anti-Terrorism Day | A/D | Govt, Defence, Education | Rajiv Gandhi remembrance, anti-terror pledge | Post | “Terrorism has no religion. Peace has no border.” | Take the peace pledge |
May 22 | Fri | Int’l Day for Biological Diversity | A | Eco, FMCG, Travel, NGOs | Biodiversity conservation | Carousel/Post | “Biodiversity is life. Protect every species.” | Go green today |
May 25 | Mon | Eid al-Fitr (approx) | D/E | Fashion, F&B, Gifting, Ethnic wear | End of Ramadan, celebration, feasting | Reel/Story/Post | “Eid Mubarak! May this day bring joy to every home.” | Share your Eid celebrations! |
May 31 | Sun | World No Tobacco Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness, Insurance | Anti-smoking, healthy living | Carousel/Post | “Every cigarette shortens your story. Choose a longer chapter.” | Pledge to go smoke-free |
June 2026: Environment, Yoga & Fathers
Mid-year checkpoint. World Environment Day and Yoga Day are massive. Father’s Day drives gifting. Monsoon campaigns begin. Multiple UN awareness days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jun 1 | Mon | World Milk Day / Global Day of Parents | A | FMCG, Dairy, Parenting, Health | Nutrition + parenting appreciation | Post/Reel | “Milk: nature’s first superfood. Parents: life’s first superheroes.” | Celebrate your parents today |
Jun 2 | Tue | Telangana Formation Day | D | Telangana brands, Govt, Travel | State pride & formation anniversary | Post/Reel | “Happy Telangana Day! Pride in our roots.” | Explore Telangana’s culture |
Jun 4 | Thu | Int’l Day of Innocent Children Victims | A | NGOs, Education, Kids | Child protection, conflict awareness | Post | “Every child deserves safety, peace, and love.” | Support children in conflict zones |
Jun 5 | Fri | World Environment Day | A/T | Eco brands, FMCG, Travel, Fashion | Sustainability, green pledges, climate | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “Plant a tree. Save a life. It’s that simple.” | Take the green pledge |
Jun 7 | Sun | World Food Safety Day | A | F&B, FMCG, Health, Restaurants | Safe food handling & hygiene | Carousel/Post | “Safe food today, healthy world tomorrow.” | Check your food safety practices |
Jun 8 | Mon | World Oceans Day | A | Travel, Eco, Marine, Fashion | Ocean conservation, marine life | Reel/Carousel | “The ocean covers 70% of earth. Let’s cover 100% of its care.” | Reduce plastic, save oceans |
Jun 12 | Fri | World Day Against Child Labour | A | NGOs, Education, Govt, Legal | Ending child labour worldwide | Carousel/Post | “Children belong in classrooms, not factories.” | Support child education |
Jun 14 | Sun | World Blood Donor Day | A | Health, Hospitals, NGOs | Blood donation awareness | Post/Carousel | “Donate blood. Give the gift of life.” | Find your nearest blood bank |
Jun 17 | Wed | World Day to Combat Desertification | A | Eco, Agriculture, NGOs, Govt | Sustainable land management | Carousel/Post | “Dry land doesn’t mean dead hope. Restore. Regenerate.” | Support land restoration |
Jun 19 | Fri | World Sickle Cell Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs | Sickle cell disease awareness | Post | “Awareness is the first step to a cure.” | Learn about sickle cell disease |
Jun 20 | Sat | World Refugee Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Govt, Education | Refugee rights & compassion | Carousel/Post | “No one leaves home unless home becomes a war zone.” | Support refugee causes |
Jun 21 | Sun | Int’l Yoga Day / Father’s Day / World Music Day | A/D/T/E | Fitness, Wellness, All consumer, Entertainment | Yoga + Dad appreciation + Music culture | Reel/Live/Story/Carousel | “Yoga: India’s gift to the world. Dad: your gift to us.” | Gift something special to Dad |
Jun 23 | Tue | International Olympic Day / UN Public Service Day | A/T | Fitness, Govt, Sports, Education | Olympic values + public service tribute | Reel/Post | “Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together.” | Who’s your Olympic hero? |
Jun 26 | Fri | Int’l Day Against Drug Abuse | A | Health, NGOs, Govt, Education | Drug prevention, healthy living | Carousel/Post | “Say no to drugs. Say yes to life.” | Spread awareness, not substances |
Jun 29 | Mon | National Statistics Day | A/E | Finance, SaaS, Govt, Analytics | Data-driven India, statistics importance | Post/Carousel | “Numbers tell stories. Statistics tell the truth.” | Explore data insights |
Jun 30 | Tue | Social Media Day | T | Marketing agencies, SaaS, All | Celebrate digital community | Reel/Carousel/Live | “From followers to family — thank you for being here.” | Tag your favourite account! |
July 2026: Emojis, Tigers & Monsoon Vibes
Lighter content month for brand personality. Monsoon campaigns peak. Kargil Vijay Diwas for patriotic content. Multiple global awareness & fun days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jul 1 | Wed | Doctor’s Day / CA Day / Canada Day | A | Health, Finance, Education | Professional appreciation days | Post/Carousel | “To those who heal bodies and balance sheets — salute.” | Thank your doctor/CA today |
Jul 4 | Sat | US Independence Day | T | Global brands, Export businesses | Cultural awareness, US audience | Post/Story | “Happy 4th of July to our American friends and followers!” | Celebrate freedom worldwide |
Jul 7 | Tue | Jagannath Rath Yatra | D | FMCG, Spiritual, Odisha brands, Travel | Annual chariot festival, devotion | Reel/Post | “When the chariot moves, the universe moves with it.” | Share your Rath Yatra experience |
Jul 11 | Sat | World Population Day | A | NGOs, Health, Govt | Population awareness, sustainability | Carousel/Post | “8 billion stories. One shared planet.” | What change do you want to see? |
Jul 12 | Sun | Malala Day | A | Education, NGOs, Women | Girl education, women’s rights | Carousel/Post | “One child, one teacher, one pen can change the world.” | Support girl education |
Jul 15 | Wed | World Youth Skills Day | A/S | Education, Startups, HR, Corporate | Youth skill development, training | Carousel/Reel | “Skills pay the bills. Invest in yourself.” | Explore our skill-building resources |
Jul 17 | Fri | World Emoji Day | T | All industries | Fun, playful brand content | Reel/Story/Poll | “Tell your brand story using only emojis. Go.” | Drop your emoji reaction! |
Jul 18 | Sat | Nelson Mandela Day | A | Education, NGOs, Legal | Peace, equality, social justice | Post/Carousel | “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” | Do 67 minutes of service today |
Jul 21 | Tue | Guru Purnima | D | Education, Spiritual, EdTech | Tribute to teachers & gurus | Post/Reel | “The guru is the bridge between ignorance and knowledge.” | Thank your guru today |
Jul 22 | Wed | World Brain Day | A | Health, Pharma, Wellness, EdTech | Brain health awareness | Carousel/Post | “Your brain is your greatest asset. Protect it.” | Take a mental health break |
Jul 26 | Sun | Kargil Vijay Diwas | D/A | Defence, Education, Govt | India’s Kargil War victory, patriotism | Post/Reel | “They didn’t just win a war. They gave us a future.” | Salute our Kargil heroes |
Jul 28 | Tue | World Nature Conservation Day / World Hepatitis Day | A | Eco, Health, Pharma, Travel | Biodiversity + hepatitis prevention | Carousel/Post | “Nature doesn’t need us. We need nature.” | Go green, get tested |
Jul 29 | Wed | International Tiger Day | A | Travel, Wildlife, Eco brands, Fashion | Tiger conservation, Indian wildlife pride | Carousel/Reel | “India is home to 75% of world’s tigers. Let’s keep it that way.” | Support tiger conservation |
August 2026: Freedom, Bonds & Festive Prep
Independence Day is the second-biggest patriotic moment. Raksha Bandhan, Friendship Day, Onam drive emotional content. Festive product launches begin. Multiple humanitarian days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Aug 1 | Sat | Eid al-Adha (approx) / Muslim Women’s Rights Day | D/E/A | Fashion, F&B, Gifting, Ethnic, NGOs | Sacrifice, community + women’s empowerment | Post/Reel | “Eid Mubarak! A celebration of faith, sacrifice, and love.” | Share your Eid moments |
Aug 2 | Sun | Friendship Day | T/E | All consumer brands | Friendship, nostalgia, group offers | Reel/Story/UGC | “Friends are the family we choose. Tag yours.” | Buy 1 get 1 for your bestie! |
Aug 6 | Thu | Hiroshima Day | A | Education, NGOs, Govt | Nuclear disarmament, peace | Post | “Remember Hiroshima. Choose peace. Always.” | Pledge for a nuclear-free world |
Aug 7 | Fri | National Handloom Day | A/E | Fashion, Handicraft, D2C | Handmade India, artisan support | Carousel/Reel | “Every thread tells a story. Wear the legacy.” | Shop handloom this season |
Aug 8 | Sat | Quit India Movement Day | D/A | Education, Govt, History | 1942 movement, freedom struggle | Post/Reel | “‘Do or die’ — the call that shook an empire.” | Remember the freedom struggle |
Aug 9 | Sun | International Day of Indigenous Peoples / Nagasaki Day | A | NGOs, Education, Tribal brands, Govt | Indigenous rights + peace | Carousel/Post | “Indigenous wisdom is the earth’s oldest library.” | Support indigenous communities |
Aug 12 | Wed | International Youth Day | A | Education, Startups, Fitness | Youth empowerment, future vision | Reel/Carousel | “The future belongs to the fearless.” | What’s your big dream? |
Aug 13 | Thu | International Left-Handers Day | T | All industries | Fun, inclusive content | Reel/Story | “Left-handers: we think differently. Literally.” | Tag a leftie you know! |
Aug 15 | Sat | Independence Day | D/A | All industries | Patriotism, Made in India, freedom | Reel/Carousel/Live | “Freedom is not free. It was earned by millions. Honour it.” | What does freedom mean to you? |
Aug 19 | Wed | World Photography Day / World Humanitarian Day | T/A | Camera, Lifestyle, Travel, Tech, NGOs | Visual storytelling + humanitarian tribute | UGC/Reel/Story | “Every photo is a story frozen in time.” | Share your best shot with #MyFrame |
Aug 20 | Thu | Sadbhavana Diwas (Rajiv Gandhi birth anniv.) | A/D | Govt, Education, NGOs | Harmony, national integration | Post | “Harmony begins with understanding. Let’s build bridges.” | Spread harmony today |
Aug 26 | Wed | Onam / Women’s Equality Day | D/E/A | Kerala brands, FMCG, F&B, NGOs | Harvest prosperity + gender equality | Reel/Post | “May the spirit of Onam fill your home with joy and prosperity.” | Order your Onam sadhya! |
Aug 28 | Fri | Raksha Bandhan | D/E | Gifting, Fashion, Sweets, E-commerce | Sibling love, gifting, protection | Reel/Story/Carousel | “No bodyguard compares to a sibling’s love.” | Send a Rakhi gift today! |
Aug 29 | Sat | National Sports Day (Dhyan Chand Jayanti) | A | Fitness, Sportswear, Education | Sports culture, athlete stories, hockey | Reel/Carousel | “Champions aren’t born in stadiums. They’re built in practice.” | Who’s your sports hero? |
September 2026: Teachers, Devotion & Festive Ramp-Up
Janmashtami & Ganesh Chaturthi open the festive mega-season. Teachers’ Day guaranteed engagement. Literacy, democracy, and peace themes. Ad budgets ramp up.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Sep 1 | Tue | World Letter Writing Day | T | Stationery, Education, Publishing | Nostalgia, handwritten letters | Reel/Post | “In a world of DMs, a handwritten letter hits different.” | Write a letter to someone today |
Sep 4 | Fri | Janmashtami | D | FMCG, Ethnic wear, Spiritual, F&B | Devotion, Krishna leela, makhan content | Reel/Story/Post | “When the world needed love, Krishna came as a child.” | Share your Janmashtami celebration |
Sep 5 | Sat | Teachers’ Day / Int’l Day of Charity | A/T | Education, EdTech, Corporate, NGOs | Gratitude, mentorship + charitable giving | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “The best teachers give you curiosity, not answers.” | Tag a teacher who shaped you |
Sep 8 | Tue | International Literacy Day | A/S | Education, EdTech, NGOs, Govt | Literacy for all, reading culture | Carousel/Post | “Literacy is the door to knowledge. Open it for everyone.” | Support literacy initiatives |
Sep 14 | Mon | Ganesh Chaturthi / Hindi Diwas | D/A | All industries (esp. Maharashtra) | Devotion + Hindi language pride | Reel/Story/Live | “Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha remove every obstacle.” | Share your Ganpati decoration! |
Sep 15 | Tue | Engineer’s Day / Int’l Day of Democracy | A | Tech, SaaS, Education, Manufacturing, Govt | Innovation + democratic values | Post/Carousel | “Engineers don’t just solve problems. They imagine solutions.” | Tag an engineer you admire |
Sep 16 | Wed | World Ozone Day | A | Eco, Science, FMCG, Govt | Ozone layer protection, environment | Carousel/Post | “The ozone layer: Earth’s invisible shield. Protect it.” | Go CFC-free today |
Sep 21 | Mon | International Day of Peace / World Alzheimer’s Day | A | NGOs, Health, Education, Wellness | Global peace + brain health awareness | Carousel/Post | “Peace is not the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of justice.” | Choose peace today |
Sep 26 | Sat | World Contraception Day / European Day of Languages | A | Health, Pharma, Education, EdTech | Family planning + language diversity | Post/Carousel | “Informed choices lead to empowered lives.” | Learn something in a new language today |
Sep 27 | Sun | World Tourism Day | A/E | Travel, Hotels, Airlines, F&B | Travel inspiration, bookings | Reel/Carousel | “The world is a book. Don’t read just one page.” | Book your next trip now! |
Sep 28 | Mon | World Rabies Day | A | Health, Veterinary, NGOs | Rabies prevention, pet health | Post | “Vaccinate your pets. Prevent rabies.” | Schedule a vet visit today |
Sep 29 | Tue | World Heart Day | A | Health, Fitness, Pharma, Wellness | Heart health awareness, cardio fitness | Carousel/Reel | “Your heart works 24/7. Give it the care it deserves.” | Get your heart checked today |
October 2026: Navratri, Dussehra & Peak Festive Season
Biggest month for Indian commerce. Navratri to Dussehra drives everything. Mental health, teachers, food, and animal welfare themes. Ad spends at maximum.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Oct 1 | Thu | International Day of Older Persons / World Vegetarian Day | A | Health, NGOs, F&B, FMCG | Elder care + plant-based awareness | Carousel/Post | “Respect age. Celebrate wisdom.” | Honour an elder today |
Oct 2 | Fri | Gandhi Jayanti / Int’l Day of Non-Violence | D/A | All industries | Non-violence, sustainability, Swadeshi | Post/Carousel | “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” | What change are you making? |
Oct 4 | Sun | World Animal Day | A | Pet brands, Veterinary, Wildlife, NGOs | Animal welfare, pet adoption | Reel/Carousel | “Every animal deserves love and a home.” | Adopt, don’t shop |
Oct 5 | Mon | World Teachers’ Day | A | Education, EdTech, Corporate | Global teacher appreciation | Carousel/Post | “Teachers plant seeds that grow forever.” | Thank a teacher today |
Oct 8 | Thu | Indian Air Force Day | A/D | Defence, Education, Aviation | IAF pride, courage, service | Post/Reel | “Guardians of the sky. Protectors of the nation.” | Salute the Indian Air Force |
Oct 9 | Fri | World Post Day | A/T | Logistics, E-com, Stationery | Postal heritage, snail mail nostalgia | Post/Story | “In the age of DMs, the post office still delivers memories.” | Send someone a postcard today |
Oct 10 | Sat | World Mental Health Day | A | Health, Wellness, Corporate, EdTech | Mental health awareness, self-care | Carousel/Reel | “It’s okay to not be okay. It’s not okay to stay silent.” | Check in on someone today |
Oct 11 | Sun | Int’l Girl Child Day | A | Education, NGOs, Govt | Girl empowerment, equal opportunity | Carousel/Reel | “Educate a girl. Empower a generation.” | Support girl child education |
Oct 11–19 | Sun–Mon | Navratri | D/E | Fashion, Jewellery, FMCG, F&B, Beauty | 9-day colour-wise content, garba, offers | Reel/Story/Live/Carousel | “9 nights. 9 colours. Infinite power. Happy Navratri!” | Shop our Navratri collection |
Oct 15 | Thu | Global Handwashing Day / APJ Abdul Kalam Birthday | A | Health, Education, FMCG, Hygiene | Hygiene awareness + missile man tribute | Carousel/Post | “Dream is not what you see in sleep. It’s what keeps you awake.” | Wash hands, dream big |
Oct 16 | Fri | World Food Day | A | F&B, FMCG, Agriculture, Restaurants | Zero hunger, food security, sustainable food | Reel/Carousel | “Food is a right, not a privilege.” | Donate a meal today |
Oct 20 | Tue | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | D/E | All industries | Victory of good over evil, burning offers | Reel/Post | “Burn your limitations. Rise with Rama. Happy Dussehra!” | Mega Dussehra sale is LIVE! |
Oct 24 | Sat | United Nations Day / World Polio Day | A | Education, Health, NGOs, Govt | UN values + polio eradication | Post/Carousel | “One world. One mission. Peace and progress.” | Support the UN’s mission |
Oct 31 | Sat | Halloween / National Unity Day (Sardar Patel) | T/A | F&B, Fashion, Kids, Lifestyle, Govt | Spooky fun + national integration | Reel/Story | “Trick or treat? We say — both.” | Show us your Halloween look! |
November 2026: Diwali, Shopping & Celebrations
Diwali is the undisputed king. Pre-Diwali sales, Dhanteras, post-Diwali clearance. Children’s Day, Guru Nanak Jayanti. Black Friday + Cyber Monday for e-commerce.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Nov 1 | Sun | World Vegan Day / Rajyotsava Day (Karnataka) | A/T/D | F&B, Health, Karnataka brands | Plant-based awareness + state pride | Reel/Post | “Go green on your plate. Happy World Vegan Day.” | Try a vegan meal today |
Nov 5 | Thu | Dhanteras | D/E | Jewellery, Electronics, Gold, Real Estate | Auspicious buying, gold, investments | Reel/Post/Story | “Dhanteras: when prosperity knocks, open the door.” | Shop our Dhanteras deals! |
Nov 7 | Sat | National Cancer Awareness Day | A | Health, Pharma, Insurance, NGOs | Cancer prevention in India | Carousel/Post | “Awareness is the best medicine. Get screened.” | Schedule a cancer screening |
Nov 8 | Sun | Diwali | D/E/T | ALL industries | Festival of lights, gifting, offers, hope | Reel/Carousel/Story/UGC/Live | “May this Diwali light up your life and your cart.” | Explore our Diwali mega collection! |
Nov 9 | Mon | Govardhan Puja | D | Spiritual, FMCG, F&B | Krishna devotion, nature worship | Post/Story | “Nature provides everything. Let’s return the favour.” | Celebrate with gratitude |
Nov 10 | Tue | World Science Day for Peace / Bhai Dooj | A/D/E | Education, Science, Gifting, Sweets | Science awareness + sibling bonding | Carousel/Reel | “From Diwali sweets to Bhai Dooj treats!” | Send a gift to your sibling |
Nov 14 | Sat | Children’s Day / World Diabetes Day | A/T | Education, Kids, F&B, Toys, Health | Nehru jayanti, childhood + diabetes awareness | Reel/Carousel | “Every child is an artist. Give them the canvas.” | Share your childhood dream! |
Nov 15 | Sun | Chhath Puja | D | Bihar/Jharkhand brands, FMCG, Spiritual | Sun worship, devotion, Chhath | Post/Reel | “The sun rises for those who believe. Happy Chhath Puja.” | Share your Chhath celebration |
Nov 16 | Mon | International Day for Tolerance | A | NGOs, Education, Legal, Corporate | Tolerance, diversity, inclusion | Post/Carousel | “Diversity is not a weakness. It’s our greatest strength.” | Embrace differences |
Nov 19 | Thu | International Men’s Day / World Toilet Day | A/T | Fashion, Grooming, Health, Fitness, Sanitation | Men’s health + sanitation awareness | Reel/Carousel | “Real strength is knowing when to ask for help.” | Check in on the men in your life |
Nov 20 | Fri | Universal Children’s Day (UN) | A | Education, Kids brands, NGOs | Global child rights & welfare | Carousel/Post | “Every child deserves a voice, a vote, and a future.” | Support children’s causes |
Nov 24 | Tue | Guru Nanak Jayanti | D | FMCG, Spiritual, Food, Community | Sikh values, service, equality, langar | Post/Reel | “Where there is compassion, there is God. — Guru Nanak” | Share a kindness today |
Nov 26 | Thu | Constitution Day (India) | A/D | Legal, Education, Govt | Indian Constitution adoption anniversary | Post/Carousel | “The Constitution is not just law. It’s a promise to every citizen.” | Know your fundamental rights |
Nov 27 | Fri | Black Friday | E | E-commerce, Electronics, Fashion, SaaS | Mega discounts, FOMO, doorbuster deals | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Black Friday is here. Your wallet called — it’s ready.” | Grab deals before midnight! |
Nov 30 | Mon | Cyber Monday / Computer Security Day | E/A | E-commerce, Tech, SaaS, Electronics | Online deals + digital safety | Reel/Story | “Cyber Monday: best deals, no lines.” | Shop online deals now! |
December 2026: Reflections, Christmas & Year-End
Close the year with warmth, gratitude, and year-end content. Christmas and NYE prime for emotional storytelling and sale wrap-ups. Human rights and service themes.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Dec 1 | Tue | World AIDS Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | HIV/AIDS awareness, empathy | Carousel/Post | “Awareness is the first step to change. Know your status.” | Get tested. Spread awareness. |
Dec 2 | Wed | National Pollution Control Day | A | Eco, FMCG, Health, Govt | Bhopal tragedy remembrance, pollution awareness | Carousel/Post | “Clean air is not a luxury. It’s a right.” | Reduce your carbon footprint today |
Dec 3 | Thu | International Day of Persons with Disabilities | A | NGOs, Education, Tech, HR | Inclusion, accessibility, empowerment | Carousel/Reel | “Ability is limitless. Disability is just a word.” | Make your brand more accessible |
Dec 4 | Fri | Indian Navy Day | A/D | Defence, Education, Maritime | Naval pride, oceanic heritage | Post/Reel | “Guarding our coasts. Protecting our pride.” | Salute the Indian Navy |
Dec 5 | Sat | World Soil Day / International Volunteer Day | A | Agriculture, Eco, NGOs | Soil health + volunteering spirit | Carousel/Post | “Healthy soil feeds the world. Volunteer today.” | Get your hands dirty for a cause |
Dec 7 | Mon | Armed Forces Flag Day / Int’l Civil Aviation Day | A/D | Defence, Aviation, Govt, Travel | Military welfare + aviation heritage | Post | “For those who serve. We stand with you.” | Contribute to armed forces welfare |
Dec 10 | Thu | Human Rights Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Govt | Justice, equality, dignity | Carousel/Post | “Rights are not granted. They are inherent.” | Stand up for human rights |
Dec 14 | Mon | National Energy Conservation Day | A/E | Energy, Tech, Eco, FMCG | Energy saving, sustainability | Carousel/Post | “Save energy today. Power the future.” | Switch off. Save power. |
Dec 16 | Wed | Vijay Diwas (1971 War Victory) | D/A | Defence, Education, Govt | India’s 1971 war victory, patriotism | Post/Reel | “Vijay Diwas: when a nation’s courage changed history.” | Salute the heroes of 1971 |
Dec 18 | Fri | International Migrants Day / Minorities Rights Day (India) | A | NGOs, Legal, Govt, HR | Migrant rights + minority protection | Post/Carousel | “Every migrant carries a dream. Respect it.” | Support migrant welfare |
Dec 22 | Tue | National Mathematics Day | A/S | EdTech, STEM, Education | Ramanujan legacy, math culture | Carousel/Post | “Numbers don’t lie. Neither did Ramanujan’s genius.” | Share a math fact that blew your mind |
Dec 24 | Thu | National Consumer Rights Day | A/E | E-commerce, Legal, Finance | Consumer empowerment, rights | Post/Carousel | “Know your rights before you click Buy.” | Read our consumer rights guide |
Dec 25 | Fri | Christmas | D/E/T | All industries | Celebration, gifting, year-end warmth | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Merry Christmas! May your days be merry and your cart be full.” | Shop our Christmas collection! |
Dec 26 | Sat | Boxing Day | E/T | E-com, Fashion, Electronics, Retail | Post-Christmas sales, deals | Reel/Story | “Christmas is over but the deals aren’t. Boxing Day sales LIVE.” | Grab post-Christmas deals! |
Dec 31 | Thu | New Year’s Eve | T/E | All industries | 2026 reflections, 2027 teasers, year-in-review | Reel/Story/Live | “2026 was a chapter. 2027 is the sequel. Ready?” | Share your biggest 2026 moment! |
Festival Campaign Playbook: How to Plan Festival Campaigns in India (2026 Edition)
Festivals are not single-day events in marketing. They are 30-day campaign arcs. Here is the timeline every Indian business should follow for major festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Eid.
30-Day Campaign Timeline
Days | Phase | Activities | Formats |
Day 1–7 | Teaser Phase | Build curiosity. Countdown posts, sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes. Collect emails and WhatsApp opt-ins for early access. | Story, Reel teasers |
Day 8–14 | Awareness Phase | Reveal campaign theme. Launch branded hashtag. Start influencer seedings. Run engagement-focused ads (not conversion). | Carousel, Reel, Influencer collab |
Day 15–21 | Launch Phase | Go live with offers. Push conversion ads. Run UGC contests. Activate WhatsApp broadcast and email sequences. Highest-spend week. | Reel, Live, Story, UGC |
Day 22–27 | Urgency Phase | Last-chance messaging. Flash sales. Stock-running-out narratives. Retarget website visitors and cart abandoners aggressively. | Story, Reel, DM campaigns |
Day 28–30 | Post-Festival | Thank-you content. Customer spotlights. Clearance sales. Collect reviews and testimonials. Retarget for next event. | Carousel, Post, Email |
Festival Offer Strategy (Without Killing Margins)
Strategy | How It Works |
Bundle Deals | Buy 2 Get 1 Free on slow-moving inventory paired with bestsellers. Increases AOV while clearing stock. |
Early Bird Pricing | Reward early buyers with exclusive rates. Creates urgency and front-loads revenue. |
Gift-With-Purchase | Add small branded gift above spending threshold. Perceived value exceeds actual cost. |
Loyalty Multipliers | Double loyalty points during festive weeks. Drives repeat purchases without discounting. |
Flash Sales (1–2 hrs) | Limited-time drops create FOMO. Use countdown timers on Stories and WhatsApp broadcasts. |
Festive Combos | Curate festival packages (Diwali gift boxes, Holi colour kits). Justify premium pricing with packaging. |
Organic vs Paid Strategy Split
For a festival campaign, allocate approximately 60% organic (brand building, engagement, UGC) and 40% paid (conversion, retargeting, reach). During the Launch Phase, flip to 40% organic and 60% paid. Post-festival, return to 70% organic and 30% paid for nurturing.
Influencer Collaboration Timing
Reach out to influencers 30–45 days before the festival. Brief them during the Teaser Phase. Content should go live during Awareness Phase (Days 8–14) to build momentum before your offer goes live. Micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) deliver better engagement-to-cost ratios for most Indian brands.
UGC Strategy for Festivals
Launch a branded hashtag challenge or contest during the Awareness Phase. Encourage customers to share their festival moments with your product. Repost the best entries on your Stories and Reels. Offer a small prize (voucher, free product) to incentivize participation. UGC builds social proof and costs almost nothing to produce.
Industry-Specific Festival Calendar 2026 India
Not every festival matters equally to every industry. Below are the top dates that matter most for specific sectors, along with campaign angles and format recommendations.
E-Commerce & D2C
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 14 | Makar Sankranti | New year collection drops | Carousel |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | Made in India + sale | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Colour-themed bundles | Reel |
May 10 | Mother’s Day | Gifting hampers | Reel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Freedom sale | Carousel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Sibling gift combos | Story |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | 9-day flash deals | Story+Live |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Burn the old, buy new | Reel |
Nov 5 | Dhanteras | Gold/premium push | Carousel |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Mega Sale peak | Reel+Story+Live |
Nov 27 | Black Friday | Biggest deals | Story+Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Year-end clearance | Carousel |
Monthly | Salary Day (1st/7th) | Pay-day drops | Story |
Apr–Jun | Summer Season | Summer essentials | Reel |
Quarterly | Season Change | New launches | Carousel |
Restaurants & Cafes
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 13–14 | Lohri/Sankranti | Festive thali, special menu | Reel |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Couple dining packages | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Thandai specials | Reel+Live |
May 10 | Mother’s Day | Brunch for moms | Story |
May 25 | Eid al-Fitr | Iftar/Eid specials | Reel |
Jun 21 | Father’s Day | Dad dines free | Story |
Aug 26 | Onam | Onam sadhya special | Reel |
Sep 14 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Modak specials | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Fasting-friendly menu | Post |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Festive catering | Reel+Live |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Brunch, cakes | Reel |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE dinner packages | Story+Reel |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Rainy day menu, chai | Story |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Cool drinks, mango | Reel |
Year-round | Weekend Specials | Saturday brunch deals | Story |
Education & Schools
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 12 | National Youth Day | Student motivation | Carousel |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | School event coverage | Reel |
Feb 28 | Science Day | Science quiz | Carousel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Girl student spotlight | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Admission Season | Admissions drive | Carousel+Reel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Patriotic event | Reel+Live |
Sep 5 | Teachers’ Day | Teacher appreciation | UGC+Reel |
Oct 10 | Mental Health Day | Student wellness | Carousel |
Nov 14 | Children’s Day | Fun events, talent | Reel+Live |
Dec 22 | Mathematics Day | Math quiz/Olympiad | Carousel |
Mar–Apr | Exam Season | Tips, motivation | Carousel |
May–Jun | Results | Counselling, guides | Carousel+Live |
Jul–Aug | New Session | Welcome, orientation | Reel |
Sep 15 | Engineer’s Day | STEM alumni | Carousel |
Year-round | Open Days | Campus tours | Live+Reel |
Fashion & Ethnic Wear
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 13–14 | Lohri/Sankranti | Winter ethnic collection | Reel |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Date night lookbook | Carousel |
Mar 4 | Holi | White + colour outfits | Reel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Power dressing | Carousel |
Aug 7 | Handloom Day | Handloom spotlight | Carousel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Sibling twinning | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | 9 colours, 9 looks | Reel+Story |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Festive edit launch | Reel |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Diwali mega collection | Reel+Live |
Nov–Feb | Wedding Season | Bridal + guest looks | Carousel+Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Winter party wear | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Summer collection | Carousel |
May 25 | Eid | Eid collection launch | Reel |
Sep 14 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Traditional showcase | Story |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE outfit guide | Story |
Beauty / Salon / Wellness
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Self-care packages | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Pre/post skincare | Carousel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Pampering offers | Story |
Jun 21 | Yoga Day | Wellness rituals | Reel+Live |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Festive makeup tutorials | Reel |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Diwali beauty rush | Reel+Live |
Nov–Feb | Wedding Season | Bridal packages | Carousel |
Jan | New Year | Transformation goals | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Summer skincare | Carousel |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Monsoon haircare | Reel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Grooming packages | Story |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Festive glow packages | Story |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Holiday glow campaign | Reel |
Monthly | Self-Care Sunday | Weekly wellness tips | Carousel |
Apr 7 | Health Day | Wellness awareness | Carousel |
Real Estate
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | Proud Indian homes | Post |
Mar 19 | Gudi Padwa/Ugadi | Auspicious booking | Carousel |
Mar 31 | FY Closing | Tax-saving investments | Carousel |
Apr 1 | New FY | New FY home loans | Post |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Freedom to own home | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Navratri booking offers | Story |
Nov 5 | Dhanteras | Gold-standard properties | Carousel |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Diwali property fest | Reel+Live |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Year-end closing deals | Post |
Monthly | EMI Offer Days | Affordable EMI campaigns | Carousel |
Feb–Mar | Homebuying Season | Spring launch events | Live |
Jul–Aug | Monsoon Offers | Monsoon discount | Story |
Apr 14 | Baisakhi | New beginnings, homes | Reel |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Victory deals on plots | Post |
Year-round | Virtual Tours | 3D walkthroughs | Reel |
Travel & Hotels
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 14 | Sankranti | Winter getaway | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Holi destination packages | Carousel |
Apr–May | Summer | Summer vacation deals | Reel+Carousel |
Jun 5 | Environment Day | Eco-tourism spotlight | Carousel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Explore India campaign | Reel |
Aug 26 | Onam | Kerala tourism special | Reel |
Sep 27 | Tourism Day | Travel inspiration | Carousel |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Long weekend packages | Story |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Diwali getaway deals | Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Christmas holidays | Carousel |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE party destinations | Reel+Live |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Monsoon destinations | Reel |
Nov–Jan | Winter | Hill station packages | Carousel |
Jun 21 | Yoga Day | Wellness retreats | Reel |
Year-round | Weekend Getaways | Quick escape deals | Story |
Additional Industry Quick-Reference
Electronics Retail: Peak months — Jan (New Year deals), Aug (Independence Day sale), Oct–Nov (Dussehra–Diwali). Dhanteras is the single biggest day for electronics purchases in India.
Corporate Gifting: Peak months — Aug (Raksha Bandhan corporate gifts), Oct–Nov (Dussehra–Diwali hampers), Dec (Christmas), Feb (Valentine’s corporate). Start lead gen 45 days before each festival.
Local Services (AC, Plumbing, Interiors, Gym, Clinics): Peak months — Mar–Apr (summer prep: AC servicing), Jun–Jul (monsoon: waterproofing), Jan (gym memberships), Oct–Nov (home interiors for Diwali). Use hyper-local targeting and Google My Business posts.
The Ultimate Hook Bank for Indian Festivals 2026
50 scroll-stopping hooks organised by emotion and intent. Copy, customise, and deploy.
Emotional Hooks
1. “She stayed up every Diwali night so our homes could glow. This one’s for you, Maa.”
2. “The bonfire didn’t just burn wood. It burned all the distances between us. Happy Lohri.”
3. “He never said he was proud. But his eyes said it every Republic Day.”
4. “This Raksha Bandhan, the distance is 1,200 km. But the love? Zero millimetres.”
5. “Festivals aren’t about the dates. They’re about who you celebrate them with.”
6. “The colours of Holi fade. The memories? Never.”
7. “His hands built everything we have. This Father’s Day, hold those hands tight.”
8. “She raised us on festivals and faith. This Mother’s Day, we raise a toast to her.”
Funny / Witty Hooks
1. “Diwali cleaning taught me more discipline than any motivational speaker ever could.”
2. “My bank balance on salary day vs after Diwali shopping — two different people.”
3. “Holi tip: wear the clothes you hate. You’re welcome.”
4. “Navratri day 1: Garba queen. Day 5: ICU for my knees.”
5. “Valentine’s Day plan: order food for 2 and eat it alone like a legend.”
6. “Independence Day outfit: kurta on top, pyjama on bottom. Always.”
7. “Raksha Bandhan: the only day siblings pretend to like each other.”
8. “Christmas in India = cake, fairy lights, and zero snow. We make it work.”
FOMO / Urgency Hooks
1. “Diwali deals end tonight. Your cart is crying. Don’t make it wait.”
2. “Only 3 hours left on our Dussehra mega sale. This is not a drill.”
3. “Everyone’s already shopping for Navratri. Are you still thinking?”
4. “Last 50 boxes of our Diwali gifting hamper. Once gone, that’s it.”
5. “Holi is in 48 hours and you still don’t have your outfit? We’ve got you.”
6. “This Dhanteras offer won’t wait. Neither should you.”
7. “Christmas stocks melting faster than Delhi winters. Order now.”
8. “Flash sale: next 2 hours only. Set your alarm. Tell your friends. Run.”
Luxury / Premium Hooks
1. “Diwali isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about how it makes you feel. Feel extraordinary.”
2. “Some gifts are remembered forever. This Raksha Bandhan, gift unforgettable.”
3. “Navratri deserves more than fast fashion. It deserves handcrafted elegance.”
4. “Dhanteras: invest in gold that doesn’t just shine — it speaks.”
5. “Premium isn’t a price tag. It’s a feeling. Feel it this Diwali.”
6. “Your Eid outfit should make people stop and stare. We’ve made sure it will.”
7. “New Year. New beginnings. New wardrobe. Same impeccable taste.”
8. “This Christmas, give the gift of time. And a really nice watch.”
Community / Culture Hooks
1. “India doesn’t celebrate one festival. It celebrates thousands. That’s our superpower.”
2. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the spirit of Diwali is the same: light over darkness.”
3. “Holi doesn’t care about your designation. On the colour ground, we’re all equal.”
4. “Onam teaches us that prosperity is best when shared. Happy Onam.”
5. “The warmth of Lohri isn’t from the fire. It’s from the people around it.”
6. “Every Ganesh Chaturthi, the streets become our living room. That’s community.”
7. “Eid teaches us patience is always rewarded. Eid Mubarak to all.”
8. “Pongal reminds us: gratitude to the earth, gratitude to each other.”
Offer-Based Hooks (Premium Tone)
1. “This Diwali, we’re lighting up your savings. Up to 40% off our festive collection.”
2. “Mother’s Day gift sorted: premium hampers starting at ₹999. She deserves it.”
3. “Navratri special: buy any 2 ethnic pieces and get a matching dupatta free.”
4. “Republic Day offer: flat 26% off on everything — for 26 hours only.”
5. “Dhanteras exclusive: free gold coin on purchases above ₹5,000.”
6. “Raksha Bandhan sibling combo: order for both and save 30%.”
7. “Holi party essentials — organic colours, t-shirts, party packs — flat ₹499.”
8. “New Year gift to you: free shipping on everything. All of January.”
9. “Black Friday came early. Our prices just took a nosedive.”
10. “Christmas hampers so good, even Santa wants one.”
Caption + CTA Bank (Ready to Use)
30 Caption Starters
1. This [festival] hits different when you have...
2. We asked our team what [festival] means to them.
3. 3 things you need this [festival]:
4. POV: It’s [festival] and you found the perfect gift.
5. No one talks about this side of [festival]...
6. Your [festival] checklist (save this post):
7. Here’s why [festival] 2026 is going to be different.
8. Unpopular opinion: [festival] is overrated. Just kidding.
9. If [festival] was a person, it would be...
10. The one thing you MUST do this [festival]:
11. This [festival], we’re doing things differently.
12. Behind every [festival] memory is a story worth telling.
13. [Festival] isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
14. How we prepare for [festival] at [brand name]:
15. Real talk: [festival] taught me this life lesson.
16. Your [festival] mood board: save this for later.
17. The ultimate [festival] survival guide:
18. Why [festival] is the best time to [brand action].
19. Stop scrolling. This [festival] post is for you.
20. Our founder’s favourite [festival] memory:
21. What’s your [festival] personality type?
22. This time last year on [festival], we...
23. The [festival] trends you need to know in 2026:
24. Your morning vs your evening on [festival]:
25. Tell us your [festival] tradition in the comments.
26. We’ve been waiting all year for this announcement.
27. [Festival] + [your product] = the combo you didn’t know you needed.
28. How to make [festival] 2026 your best one yet:
29. A letter to everyone celebrating [festival] away from home.
30. The smallest gestures make the biggest [festival] memories.
30 CTA Lines
1. Shop the festive collection now →
2. Tap the link in bio to grab yours.
3. DM us “FESTIVAL” for an exclusive code.
4. Save this post for later — you’ll thank us.
5. Tag someone who needs to see this.
6. Comment your answer — best one wins!
7. Book your spot now — limited seats available.
8. Follow us for more festival content like this.
9. Share this with your bestie — they’ll love it.
10. Click the link to download your free guide.
11. Drop a heart if you agree.
12. Order now and get free delivery this festival season.
13. Swipe right to see the full collection.
14. This offer ends at midnight. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
15. Reply with your city and we’ll find you the nearest store.
16. Grab the early bird price — available only this week.
17. Tell us in the comments: which one is your favourite?
18. Share your festival look using our hashtag to be featured.
19. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly festival content ideas.
20. Double-tap if this resonated with you.
21. Send this to someone who needs festival cheer.
22. Want this for your brand? DM us or visit our website.
23. Limited stock — first come, first served.
24. Bookmark this for your next content planning session.
25. WhatsApp us for instant festive orders.
26. Turn on post notifications so you never miss a deal.
27. Sign up for early access to our collection.
28. Rate this content 1–10 in the comments.
29. Visit debatemarketers.com for a complete marketing strategy.
30. Your move. Shop now or regret later.
15 Comment Prompts That Boost Engagement
1. What’s your favourite festival memory? Share below!
2. Describe your Diwali in 3 emojis. Go!
3. Which festival has the best food? Let the debate begin.
4. If you could add one holiday to the calendar, what would it be?
5. Tag someone you want to celebrate [festival] with this year.
6. Hot take: the best festival is _____. Fill in the blank.
7. Rate our festive collection 1–10. Be honest!
8. Drop your city name and let’s see where our community is celebrating from.
9. What’s one tradition you NEVER skip during [festival]?
10. Comment YES if you’ve already started [festival] shopping.
11. Your go-to [festival] outfit: traditional or fusion?
12. What’s the one gift you always give during [festival]?
13. Tell us a festival fact most people don’t know.
14. Would you rather: Holi with colours or Diwali with fireworks? Choose one!
15. What does [festival] mean to you in one sentence?
Hashtag Strategy for India 2026 (Non-Generic)
How Hashtags Work Now
Hashtags are no longer the primary discovery tool they were in 2019. In 2026, Instagram and LinkedIn prioritise SEO-style search, interest-based feeds, and Reel recommendations over hashtag-driven reach. However, hashtags still serve three crucial purposes: categorisation (helping the algorithm understand your content), community building (connecting with niche audiences), and brand tracking (measuring campaign impact). Use fewer, more targeted hashtags.
The Hashtag Formula
Use 15–20 hashtags per post: 5 Broad India + 5 Festival/Niche + 5 Local/City + 5 Community. This covers reach, relevance, discoverability, and engagement.
Broad India Hashtags
#IndianBusiness #MadeInIndia #IndiaMarketing #DigitalIndia #BrandIndia #IndianEntrepreneur #StartupIndia #SocialMediaIndia #IndiaBusiness #GrowWithIndia
Festival Hashtags
#Diwali2026 #Holi2026 #Navratri2026 #RepublicDay2026 #RakshaBandhan2026 #IndependenceDay2026 #GaneshChaturthi2026 #Dussehra2026 #Christmas2026 #Eid2026
City-Based Hashtag Templates
#[City]Business #[City]Foodies #[City]Events #[City]Shopping #[City]Life #[City]Brands #[City]Marketing #[City]Startups #[City]Eats #[City]Local — Replace [City] with Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kochi, etc.
Industry-Based Hashtag Templates
#[Industry]India #[Industry]Marketing #[Industry]Trends2026 #[Industry]Tips #[Industry]Community #[Industry]Growth #[Industry]Business #[Industry]Insights #[Industry]Leaders #[Industry]Innovation
Community Hashtags (For Reach)
#SmallBusinessIndia #WomenEntrepreneurs #ContentCreatorsIndia #MarketingTips #SocialMediaTips #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #DigitalMarketing #CreativeAgency #BrandBuilding
Infographics & Visual Assets: 12 Ideas for 2026
Create these using Canva, Figma, or a professional designer. Each is shareable and positions your brand as a thought leader.
Infographic Title | Description & Design Notes |
India 2026 Festival Heatmap | Month-by-month heatmap showing festival density. Colour intensity: light=few, dark=peak. Oct–Nov darkest. Horizontal timeline or grid format. |
Sales vs Engagement Chart | Two-axis chart: X=Sales Impact, Y=Engagement Impact. Plot major festivals. Diwali top right. World Emoji Day = high engagement, low sales. |
Posting Format Guide | Matrix: festivals vs formats (Reel, Carousel, Story, Live, UGC). Tick marks for best format per festival. |
Campaign Timeline (30-Day) | Horizontal timeline: Teaser → Awareness → Launch → Urgency → Post-Festival with icons and actions. |
Story Sequence Templates | 5–7 story slide mockup: Teaser, Reveal, Product showcase, Social proof, Offer, CTA, Countdown. |
UGC Ideas by Festival | Carousel-style: Holi photo contest, Diwali lighting challenge, Rakhi sibling stories, Navratri dance challenge. |
Offer Psychology Map | Visual diagram of offer psychology: anchoring, scarcity, social proof, urgency, bundling effects. |
Festival Colour Palette | Dominant colours per festival: Holi (rainbow), Diwali (gold/red/maroon), Navratri (9 specific), Christmas (red/green/gold). |
Best Ad Angles | Table infographic: Festival → Ad Type (awareness/conversion/retarget) → Platform → Budget Split. |
Monthly Content Mix | Pie/donut chart per month: educational, entertaining, promotional, UGC, trending percentages. |
D.A.T.E.S. Framework Visual | Clean visual with icons per category and 2–3 example festivals each. |
Shopping Calendar 2026 | Timeline of all shopping moments: Republic Day Sale through NYE Sale with spending indices. |
Bonus: Content Templates (Plug & Play)
10 Reel Script Templates
Template | Script Structure |
Festival Glow-Up | Before vs During [festival] transformation. Trending audio. Product reveal + CTA at end. |
Myth Buster | Things people get wrong about [festival]. Debunk 3 myths with text overlay. Educational + shareable. |
Behind the Scenes | POV: Brand manager before [festival]. Chaotic but fun prep process. Humanises the brand. |
Day in My Life | [Festival] morning as a [profession]. Relatable routine + product placement. Soft-sell. |
Outfit Challenge | Style this [festival] outfit in 3 ways. Quick transitions with ethnic/fusion looks. Tag-friendly. |
Customer Reactions | Surprised customers with [festival] gifts. Watch reactions. Real UGC builds trust. |
Recipe / DIY | How to make [festival item] in 60 seconds. Quick recipe or DIY decor. Save-worthy. |
Nostalgia Trip | [Festival] in the 90s vs today. Split screen comparison. Emotional engagement bait. |
Festival GRWM | Get Ready With Me for [festival]. Product placement with cultural pride. Beauty/fashion brands. |
Facts & Trivia | 5 things you didn’t know about [festival]. Quick facts with visual text. High-share format. |
10 Carousel Templates (Slide-by-Slide)
Template | Slide Structure |
Marketing Checklist | S1: Title / S2: Pre-campaign (30d) / S3: Content week / S4: Launch / S5: Urgency / S6: Post-festival / S7: CTA |
Festival History | S1: Story of [festival] / S2–4: Origin, significance, modern celebrations / S5: Brand greeting + CTA |
Top 5 Products | S1: 5 must-haves / S2–6: One product per slide with photo + feature / S7: Shop now CTA |
Do’s and Don’ts | S1: Title / S2–4: 3 Do’s / S5–7: 3 Don’ts / S8: CTA |
Campaign Results | S1: Our results / S2: Reach / S3: Engagement / S4: Sales / S5: Top content / S6: Lessons / S7: CTA |
Colour Guide | S1: Navratri 2026 Colour Calendar / S2–10: One day, colour, outfit or product pairing / S11: CTA |
Testimonials | S1: What customers said / S2–6: One testimonial per slide with photo / S7: CTA |
Recipe/DIY Guide | S1: How to make [dish] at home / S2–6: Step-by-step with photos / S7: Final result + CTA |
Savings Guide | S1: How to save money this [festival] / S2–6: Budgeting + deal tips / S7: Your offer + CTA |
Year-in-Review | S1: Our 2026 festival journey / S2–8: Highlights from each major festival / S9: Thank you + 2027 teaser |
10 Story Sequence Templates
Template | Sequence Structure |
Countdown | 7-day countdown. Daily tip/product. Final: It’s here! Shop now. |
Poll Series | Quick question → 3–4 polls (traditional vs modern?) → Results + product tie-in. |
Behind-the-Scenes | Behind the curtain → Office/studio prep → Final reveal + CTA. |
This or That | 5 slides with 2 options each. Poll sticker. Great for engagement metrics. |
Festival Quiz | How well do you know [festival]? → Quiz questions → Answers + fun fact. |
Outfit of the Day | 5 team members in festival outfits. Tag brands. Relatable and shareable. |
Flash Sale | Teaser → Reveal → Products + prices → Countdown timer → Last call. |
UGC Feature | Our community celebrates → Customer photos/videos → Share yours to be featured! |
Festival How-To | How to [activity] in 5 steps → One step per story → CTA. |
Gratitude Series | We’re grateful for → Customers, team, partners, community → Thank-you + CTA. |
Bonus: AI Prompt Pack for 2026 Festivals
Use these in Claude or ChatGPT. Replace [festival], [brand], [industry], [product] with your specifics.
Use Case | Prompt Template |
Festival Captions | Write 10 Instagram captions for [brand], a [industry] brand, celebrating [festival]. Tone: [warm/witty/professional]. Include emojis and CTA. Under 150 words each. |
Reel Scripts | Write a 30-second Reel script for [brand] celebrating [festival]. Hook (first 3 sec), body, CTA. Mention [product] naturally. Indian audiences 22–35. |
Carousel Slides | Create a 7-slide carousel for [brand] about [festival topic]. S1: Hook. S2–6: Key points (under 20 words). S7: CTA. Describe visuals. |
Ad Copy | Write 5 FB/IG ad variations for [brand]’s [festival] sale on [product]. Headline (under 10 words), primary text (under 125 words), CTA button text. |
WhatsApp Broadcast | Write a WhatsApp broadcast for [brand]’s [festival] offer. Under 100 words. Greeting, offer, urgency, link placeholder. Friendly and direct. |
Email Subject Lines | Generate 15 email subject lines for [brand]’s [festival] campaign. Mix emotional, urgency, curiosity, offer-based. Under 50 chars. 3 with emojis. |
Offer Naming | Create 10 creative names for [brand]’s [festival] sale. Catchy, alliterative, culturally appropriate. |
Hashtag Packs | Generate 20 hashtags for [brand]’s [festival] IG post. 5 broad + 5 festival + 5 industry + 5 community. No spam hashtags. |
Downloadable Planning Templates
Use these templates to plan your 2026 social media content systematically. Copy into your project management tool or spreadsheet.
Monthly Planning Table
Week | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
Week 1 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 2 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 3 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 4 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Festival Campaign Tracker
Festival | Start | Launch | End | Budget | Platform | Status |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
Post Production Checklist
☐ Content concept approved
☐ Copy/caption written and reviewed
☐ Visual designed (correct dimensions for platform)
☐ Hashtags selected (15–20, using the Hashtag Formula)
☐ CTA included in caption and visual
☐ Links checked and working (bio link, UTM parameters)
☐ Scheduling tool loaded (date and time confirmed)
☐ Stories/Reels companion content prepared
☐ WhatsApp/Email broadcast drafted (if applicable)
☐ Post-publish engagement plan ready (reply within 1 hour)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a social media calendar 2026 India?
A social media calendar 2026 India is a month-by-month planning tool that lists all major festivals, national holidays, international awareness days, and marketing moments relevant to Indian audiences. It helps brands, agencies, and businesses plan content, campaigns, and ad spends in advance for maximum impact throughout the year.
Why should I plan content around Indian festivals?
Indian consumers have deep emotional and cultural connections with festivals. Festival-related content receives significantly higher engagement, and consumers are more likely to make purchases during festive seasons. Planning ahead enables culturally relevant campaigns, advance creative production, and strategic budget allocation.
When should I start planning my Diwali 2026 campaign?
Start at least 45–60 days before Diwali. This gives time for the Teaser Phase (30 days out), influencer outreach, creative production, and ad setup. For Diwali 2026 (November 8), begin strategic planning in September and execute teasers by early October.
How many hashtags should I use per post in 2026?
Use 15–20 hashtags per Instagram post following the formula: 5 broad + 5 niche/festival + 5 local/city + 5 community. For LinkedIn and Twitter/X, use 3–5 highly relevant hashtags. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity in 2026.
What is the D.A.T.E.S. framework?
D.A.T.E.S. is a proprietary marketing moments framework: D (Devotional/Religious), A (Awareness/Advocacy), T (Trending/Viral), E (Economic/Business), S (Seasonal/Academic). It helps brands instantly identify the right tone, format, and audience for each marketing date.
Which festivals drive the most sales for Indian e-commerce?
The top sales-driving festivals are Diwali (including Dhanteras), Navratri/Dussehra, Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, and Christmas/New Year. Black Friday has also become significant for Indian e-commerce in recent years.
How do I create a festival campaign without heavy discounting?
Use bundle deals, early bird pricing, gift-with-purchase, loyalty multipliers, flash sales, and festive combos. These create perceived value and urgency without eroding margins. Focus on premium packaging and experience over flat discounts.
What content formats work best for Indian festival marketing?
Reels dominate for reach and engagement. Carousels work for educational content. Stories create urgency. Live sessions build community. UGC contests drive social proof. The best approach combines all formats strategically across the campaign timeline.
Can small businesses benefit from a social media calendar?
Absolutely. Small businesses benefit the most because they have limited resources. A calendar helps them plan ahead, batch-create content, and compete with larger brands during festival seasons when consumer attention peaks.
How can Debate Marketers help with my 2026 festival strategy?
Debate Marketers is a full-service marketing and branding agency specializing in strategic content planning, social media management, and brand building. Visit debatemarketers.com or contact our team for a customised 2026 festival marketing strategy tailored to your industry, audience, and goals.
Best Months for Each Industry in 2026 (India)
Industry | Peak Months | Key Festivals / Moments |
Education | Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug | Admissions, exams, results, new sessions, National Youth Day |
Corporate Gifting | Feb, Aug, Oct–Dec | Valentine’s corporate, Raksha Bandhan, Dussehra–Diwali, Christmas |
Electronics Retail | Jan, Aug, Oct–Nov | New Year deals, Independence Day, Dussehra, Dhanteras, Diwali, Black Friday |
Fashion & Ethnic | Mar, Aug, Oct–Feb | Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Navratri–Diwali, Wedding season |
E-Commerce & D2C | Jan, Mar, Aug, Oct–Dec | Republic Day, Holi, Independence Day, Navratri–Diwali, Black Friday, Christmas |
Restaurants & Cafes | Feb, Oct–Dec, Monsoon | Valentine’s, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, NYE, Monsoon specials |
Beauty & Wellness | Feb–Mar, Jun, Oct–Feb | Valentine’s, Holi, Yoga Day, Navratri–Diwali, Wedding season |
Real Estate | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | Gudi Padwa, FY closing, Navratri, Dhanteras, Diwali |
Travel & Hotels | Dec–Jan, Apr–May, Oct | Winter travel, summer vacations, Dussehra long weekend, Diwali getaways |
Fitness & Gym | Jan, Jun, Aug | New Year resolutions, Yoga Day, National Sports Day |
Local Services | Jan, Mar–Apr, Jun–Jul, Oct–Nov | New Year, summer prep, monsoon, Diwali home prep |
FMCG & Consumer | Year-round (peaks Oct–Nov) | All major festivals; Diwali–Dhanteras is the peak |
Final Thoughts: From Calendar to Competitive Advantage
A calendar is only as powerful as the strategy behind it. The 2026 Social Media Calendar tells you when to show up. The D.A.T.E.S. framework tells you how. And the campaign playbook, hook banks, and templates tell you exactly what to create.
At Debate Marketers, we don’t just follow trends — we challenge assumptions and build brands that endure. If you’re ready to transform your social media from reactive posting to strategic brand building, we’re here to help.
Visit debatemarketers.com or reach out to our team to get a customised 2026 festival marketing strategy crafted specifically for your brand, your industry, and your goals.
Download this calendar, bookmark this page, and make 2026 the year your brand becomes impossible to ignore.
Internal Linking Suggestions: Link to social media marketing services page, Instagram marketing tips blog, SEO services page, branding case studies, contact/consultation page, and downloadable resources or lead magnets.
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Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
Written by
Your definitive marketing playbook for every festival, trending moment, and campaign opportunity in India — month by month, industry by industry, format by format.
Social Media Calendar 2026 India: Complete Festival & Marketing Dates Guide
Your definitive marketing playbook for every festival, trending moment, and campaign opportunity in India — month by month, industry by industry, format by format.
Why 2026 Calendar Planning = Marketing Advantage
India runs on festivals. Not just culturally, but commercially. From Diwali shopping hauls to Republic Day brand patriotism, every major festival triggers a buying cycle that smart marketers exploit weeks in advance. The brands that plan early don’t just participate in trends — they set them.
Here’s the reality: 78% of Indian consumers say they are more likely to purchase from a brand that acknowledges their festivals. Another 65% begin searching for deals and gift ideas at least two weeks before a major occasion. If you’re scrambling to post a Holi reel on the morning of Holi, you’ve already lost.
This is exactly why Debate Marketers — a leading marketing and branding agency — has created this comprehensive Social Media Calendar 2026 India guide. This is not a list of dates. This is a campaign planning system: month-wise breakdowns, industry-specific angles, hook banks, caption templates, hashtag strategies, and ready-to-use content frameworks. Whether you’re a solo founder, an e-commerce brand, a restaurant chain, or a full-service agency, this calendar is your 2026 content bible.
Plan month-wise. Execute week-wise. Win day-wise. Let’s begin.
The D.A.T.E.S. Framework — India 2026 Marketing Moments
We’ve developed a proprietary framework called D.A.T.E.S. to categorize every marketing moment in 2026 India. Use this to classify your content strategy and never miss a relevant angle.
Category | What It Covers | Content Focus |
D — Devotional & Religious | Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist festivals | Emotional, cultural, community |
A — Awareness & Advocacy | Health Day, Mental Health, Environment, Women’s Day | Cause marketing, CSR, thought leadership |
T — Trending & Viral | Self-love trends, nostalgia, meme moments, pop culture | Engagement, shares, brand personality |
E — Economic & Business | Budget day, FY closing, salary days, sale seasons | Revenue, offers, lead generation |
S — Seasonal & Academic | Summer/monsoon/winter, exams, admissions, results | Relevance, topicality, life-stage targeting |
How to use D.A.T.E.S.: For every upcoming date, tag it with one or more D.A.T.E.S. categories. This instantly tells you the tone (emotional vs transactional), the format (reel vs carousel vs ad), and the audience segment to target. Diwali = D+E. Republic Day = D+A. World Emoji Day = purely T. This eliminates guesswork.
Full Year 2026 Social Media Calendar India (Month-Wise)
Below is your complete month-by-month breakdown with the date, occasion, D.A.T.E.S. category, best industries, content angle, recommended format, a hook line, and CTA suggestion.
January 2026: New Beginnings & Patriotism
The year opens with resolutions, harvest festivals, patriotic pride, and global awareness days. Fitness, FMCG, education, and government sectors should go heavy.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jan 1 | Thu | New Year’s Day | S/T | All industries | 2026 goals / brand resolutions | Reel/Story | “This year, we’re not just setting goals — we’re keeping them.” | Share your 2026 goal! |
Jan 4 | Sun | World Braille Day | A | Education, NGOs, Tech | Accessibility & inclusion awareness | Carousel | “Inclusion isn’t optional — it’s the standard.” | Tag someone making a difference |
Jan 5 | Mon | National Birds Day | A | Travel, Wildlife, Eco | Bird conservation & biodiversity | Carousel/Post | “Every bird lost is a song the world will never hear again.” | Support bird conservation |
Jan 6 | Tue | World War Orphans Day | A | NGOs, Education, Govt | Children affected by war & conflict | Post | “Every child deserves a childhood. Every orphan deserves a home.” | Donate or share awareness |
Jan 9 | Fri | Pravasi Bharatiya Divas | D/A | Govt, Travel, NRI brands | Celebrating Indian diaspora globally | Post/Carousel | “No matter where we go, India lives in us.” | Tag an NRI friend |
Jan 10 | Sat | World Hindi Day | A/T | Media, EdTech, Publishing | Hindi language pride & culture | Reel/Post | “Hindi isn’t just a language. It’s an emotion.” | Drop your favourite Hindi word |
Jan 11 | Sun | Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniv. | A/D | Education, Govt | Remembrance, Jai Jawan Jai Kisan | Post | “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan — a slogan that built a nation.” | Remember our leaders |
Jan 12 | Mon | National Youth Day | A/D | Education, Fitness, Startups | Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, youth power | Carousel/Reel | “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” | What’s your mission this year? |
Jan 13 | Tue | Lohri | D | FMCG, Food, Fashion | Harvest celebration, family bonding | Reel/Story | “The warmth of the bonfire, the sweetness of rewri.” | Share your Lohri memories |
Jan 14 | Wed | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | D | Food, Travel, Fashion, FMCG | Harvest & gratitude festival | Reel/Carousel | “New beginnings soar like kites on Sankranti.” | Show us your kite moments! |
Jan 15 | Thu | Indian Army Day | A/D | Defence, Education, FMCG | Salute the armed forces | Post/Reel | “Behind every peaceful morning is a soldier who didn’t sleep.” | Tag a soldier you admire |
Jan 20 | Tue | Penguin Awareness Day | A/T | Wildlife, Kids, Fashion | Fun wildlife awareness, penguin content | Reel/Story | “Waddle you do for penguins today?” | Share your favourite penguin fact |
Jan 23 | Fri | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti | D/A | Education, Govt, Defence | Parakram Diwas, freedom fighter tribute | Post/Carousel | “Give me blood and I shall give you freedom.” | Salute Netaji’s legacy |
Jan 24 | Sat | International Day of Education | A/S | EdTech, Schools, Coaching | Education for all, lifelong learning | Carousel/Post | “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” | Support education initiatives |
Jan 25 | Sun | National Voters Day / Tourism Day | A | Govt, Travel, Education | Democratic participation + India tourism | Carousel/Reel | “Your vote is your voice. Use it.” | Pledge to vote / Explore India |
Jan 26 | Mon | Republic Day | D/A | All industries | Patriotism, Made in India, Constitution | Reel/Carousel/Live | “One nation, one dream, one Constitution.” | What does India mean to you? |
Jan 27 | Tue | International Holocaust Remembrance Day | A | Education, NGOs | Remembrance, human rights | Post | “Never again. Remember so the world never forgets.” | Share a story of courage |
Jan 28 | Wed | Data Privacy Day / Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti | A/E | Tech, SaaS, Education | Data protection awareness + patriotism | Carousel/Post | “Your data is your identity. Protect it.” | Review your privacy settings |
Jan 30 | Fri | Martyrs’ Day / World Leprosy Day | A/D | Education, NGOs, Govt, Health | Gandhi death anniv., health awareness | Post/Story | “Their sacrifice is our freedom. Never forget.” | Light a virtual candle |
Jan 31 | Sat | International Zebra Day | A/T | Wildlife, Kids, Eco brands | Zebra conservation, fun content | Story/Reel | “Stripes never go out of style. Save the zebras.” | Share a wildlife fact |
February 2026: Love, Awareness & Devotion
Valentine’s Week dominates commercial conversations with 8 days of love-themed content. Health awareness days, Maha Shivaratri for cultural brands, and Science Day for education sectors.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Feb 1 | Sun | Indian Coast Guard Day | A/D | Defence, Maritime, Govt | Coast Guard formation & pride | Post | “Guarding our coasts, protecting our shores.” | Salute the Coast Guard |
Feb 2 | Mon | World Wetlands Day | A | Eco brands, Travel, NGOs | Wetland conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Post | “Wetlands are the kidneys of the earth. Protect them.” | Support wetland conservation |
Feb 4 | Wed | World Cancer Day | A | Health, Pharma, Insurance, NGOs | Early detection & cancer awareness | Carousel/Post | “Early detection saves lives. Don’t wait.” | Share with someone who needs a checkup |
Feb 7 | Sat | Rose Day (Valentine’s Week Day 1) | T/E | Florists, Gifting, F&B, Fashion | Rose gifting, love confessions, floral content | Reel/Story | “A single rose says what a thousand words cannot.” | Send a rose to your special someone! |
Feb 8 | Sun | Propose Day (Valentine’s Week Day 2) | T/E | Jewellery, Gifting, Restaurants, Travel | Proposals, couple content, romantic gestures | Reel/Story | “Some questions don’t need a perfect moment. Just a brave heart.” | Share your proposal story! |
Feb 9 | Mon | Chocolate Day (Valentine’s Week Day 3) | T/E | Chocolate brands, F&B, Gifting, FMCG | Chocolate gifting, sweet tooth content, giveaways | Reel/Story | “Life is like a box of chocolates — and we’re giving away the whole box.” | Tag your chocolate-loving friend! |
Feb 10 | Tue | Teddy Day (Valentine’s Week Day 4) / Safer Internet Day | T/E/A | Gifting, Toys, Kids, Tech, SaaS | Teddy gifting, cute content + cyber safety | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Some hugs are furry and last forever. Happy Teddy Day.” | Gift a teddy + stay safe online |
Feb 11 | Wed | Promise Day (Valentine’s Week Day 5) / Women & Girls in Science Day | T/E/A | Gifting, Fashion, EdTech, STEM, NGOs | Relationship promises + women in STEM | Reel/Story/Carousel | “The best promise? I’ll always show up. Happy Promise Day.” | Make a promise that matters |
Feb 12 | Thu | Hug Day (Valentine’s Week Day 6) / Darwin Day | T/E/A | Fashion, Wellness, Lifestyle, Education | Hug content, warmth, emotional connection + science | Reel/Story | “Sometimes, a hug is the only thing that says everything.” | Send a virtual hug today! |
Feb 13 | Fri | Kiss Day (Valentine’s Week Day 7) / World Radio Day | T/E/A | Beauty, F&B, Lifestyle, Media, Entertainment | Romance content, lipstick brands, kiss-themed + radio nostalgia | Reel/Story | “A kiss on the forehead says more than a thousand words.” | Share your love story! |
Feb 14 | Sat | Valentine’s Day (Valentine’s Week Day 8) | T/E | All consumer brands | Peak gifting, dining, couple content, self-love, anti-Valentine humour | Reel/Live/Story/Carousel | “The best things in life are felt, not bought. But we’ve got gifts just in case.” | Shop our Valentine’s collection now |
Feb 15 | Sun | Maha Shivaratri | D | Ethnic wear, FMCG, Spiritual, Travel | Devotion, fasting, spiritual awakening | Post/Reel | “On the darkest night, Shiva’s grace shines brightest.” | Share your prayers |
Feb 17 | Tue | Random Acts of Kindness Day | T | All industries | Positivity, brand goodwill, kindness challenge | Reel/Story | “Kindness costs nothing. But it changes everything.” | Do one kind thing today & share it |
Feb 19 | Thu | Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti | D/A | Education, Maharashtra brands, History | Bravery, leadership, Maratha pride | Carousel/Reel | “Leadership isn’t about the throne. It’s about the people.” | What leadership lesson inspires you? |
Feb 20 | Fri | World Day of Social Justice | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Govt | Equality, fairness, human rights | Post/Carousel | “Justice delayed is justice denied.” | Stand for social justice |
Feb 21 | Sat | International Mother Language Day | A | EdTech, Media, Publishing, Culture | Linguistic diversity, regional languages | Carousel/Reel | “Every language is a universe of thought. Protect yours.” | What’s your mother tongue? |
Feb 24 | Tue | Central Excise Day | A/E | Finance, Govt, Accounting | Excise department formation | Post | “Taxation builds nations. Honour the system.” | Learn about excise duties |
Feb 28 | Sat | National Science Day | A/S | EdTech, Science, STEM brands | C.V. Raman legacy, innovation | Carousel/Post | “Every breakthrough started with a question nobody dared to ask.” | What discovery changed your life? |
March 2026: Colours, Women & New Year
Holi is the biggest visual content opportunity. International Women’s Day drives massive engagement. Financial year closing. World Water Day & forestry themes.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Mar 1 | Sun | Zero Discrimination Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Fashion | Equality, inclusion, anti-discrimination | Carousel/Post | “Difference is beautiful. Discrimination is not.” | Stand for zero discrimination |
Mar 3 | Tue | World Wildlife Day | A | Travel, NGOs, Eco brands | Wildlife conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Reel | “Every species lost is a colour erased from Earth’s canvas.” | Follow for more eco-content |
Mar 4 | Wed | Holi | D/T/E | All industries | Colours, joy, togetherness, offers | Reel/Story/UGC | “Life is better in every colour. Happy Holi!” | Share your most colourful moment! |
Mar 8 | Sun | International Women’s Day | A/T | All industries | Women empowerment, spotlight leaders | Carousel/Reel/Live | “She didn’t wait for a seat at the table. She built her own.” | Name a woman who inspires you |
Mar 14 | Sat | Pi Day / Int’l Day of Mathematics | A/S | EdTech, Science, STEM, F&B | Math awareness, fun pi content | Reel/Post | “3.14159... Math is infinite, just like possibilities.” | Share your favourite math fact |
Mar 15 | Sun | World Consumer Rights Day | A/E | E-commerce, Legal, Finance | Consumer protection, fair trade | Post/Carousel | “Know your rights. Demand what’s fair.” | Read our consumer rights guide |
Mar 19 | Thu | Gudi Padwa / Ugadi | D | Real Estate, FMCG, Auto, Finance | Regional new year, new beginnings | Reel/Post | “New year. New blessings. New beginnings.” | What’s your new year wish? |
Mar 20 | Fri | International Day of Happiness | T | All industries | Positivity, feel-good content | Reel/Story | “Happiness is not a destination. It’s a Monday morning chai.” | What made you smile today? |
Mar 21 | Sat | World Forestry Day / World Down Syndrome Day / World Poetry Day | A | Eco, NGOs, Education, Publishing | Forest conservation + inclusion + literature | Carousel/Post | “Forests are the lungs of the earth. Breathe easy.” | Plant a tree today |
Mar 22 | Sun | World Water Day | A | Eco, FMCG, Govt, NGOs | Sustainable water, conservation | Carousel/Reel | “Water is life. Every drop counts.” | Save water, share this post |
Mar 23 | Mon | Shaheed Diwas (Bhagat Singh) | D/A | Education, Govt, Defence | Martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev | Post/Reel | “They chose death over slavery. Never forget.” | Salute the martyrs |
Mar 24 | Tue | World Tuberculosis Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | TB awareness & prevention | Carousel/Post | “TB is curable. Awareness is the first step.” | Get informed, get tested |
Mar 26 | Thu | Ram Navami | D | Ethnic wear, FMCG, Spiritual | Devotion, dharma, cultural pride | Post/Reel | “When dharma leads, victory follows.” | Share your blessings |
Mar 27 | Fri | World Theatre Day | A/T | Entertainment, Arts, Education | Performing arts, creativity | Reel/Post | “The stage is where stories come alive.” | Tag a theatre lover |
Mar 31 | Tue | Financial Year Closing | E | Finance, Accounting, SaaS, Insurance | Tax planning, FY wrap, investment push | Carousel/Post | “Last chance to save on taxes this FY. Have you planned yet?” | Book a free consultation |
Mar 31 | Tue | Mahavir Jayanti | D | Spiritual, FMCG, Jain community brands | Non-violence, truth, Jain values | Post | “Live and let live. The path of ahimsa leads to peace.” | Share a message of peace |
April 2026: Health, Heritage & Fresh Starts
New financial year energy. World Health Day, Earth Day, and heritage days. Many global health & environment awareness dates. Q1 learnings become Q2 strategy.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Apr 1 | Wed | April Fools’ Day / New FY / Odisha Day | T/E/D | All industries | Prank content + FY offers + state pride | Reel/Story | “No joke: our new FY prices are actually this low.” | Check out our April deals! |
Apr 2 | Thu | World Autism Awareness Day | A | Health, NGOs, Education, Kids | Autism inclusion & understanding | Carousel/Post | “Different, not less. Embrace neurodiversity.” | Learn about autism inclusion |
Apr 3 | Fri | Good Friday | D | Spiritual, F&B, Fashion | Reflection, sacrifice, compassion | Post/Story | “In every sacrifice, there is a lesson of love.” | Wishing you peace |
Apr 5 | Sun | Easter Sunday / National Maritime Day | D/E/A | F&B, Kids, Gifting, Maritime | Celebration + India’s maritime history | Reel/Carousel | “Hoppy Easter! Time for egg hunts and fresh starts.” | Shop our Easter collection |
Apr 7 | Tue | World Health Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness, Insurance | Wellness awareness, global health | Carousel/Reel | “Your health is your most valuable asset. Invest wisely.” | Book your annual checkup |
Apr 10 | Fri | World Homoeopathy Day | A | Health, Wellness, Alt. Medicine | Homoeopathy awareness | Post | “Healing naturally, one remedy at a time.” | Explore holistic health options |
Apr 11 | Sat | National Safe Motherhood Day | A | Health, Maternity, NGOs | Maternal health, reducing mortality | Carousel/Post | “Every mother deserves safe healthcare.” | Support maternal health initiatives |
Apr 13 | Mon | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day / Baisakhi / Vishu | D/A | Education, Sikh community, Kerala brands | Remembrance + Harvest festival + Regional NY | Reel/Carousel | “Never forget Jallianwala. Never take freedom for granted.” | Share a freedom thought |
Apr 14 | Tue | Ambedkar Jayanti / Bengali New Year | D/A | Education, Legal, Social, Bengal brands | Equality + Cultural new year | Carousel/Reel | “Equality is not charity. It is justice.” | What does equality mean to you? |
Apr 17 | Fri | World Haemophilia Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs | Bleeding disorders awareness | Post/Carousel | “Awareness bleeds into action. Know about haemophilia.” | Share to spread awareness |
Apr 18 | Sat | World Heritage Day | A | Travel, Architecture, Education, Culture | Protect cultural & natural heritage | Carousel/Reel | “Our heritage defines us. Protect it for the future.” | Visit a heritage site this month |
Apr 21 | Tue | Civil Services Day | A | Education, Coaching, Govt | Public service, UPSC aspirants | Post/Carousel | “Behind every policy is a public servant who cared.” | Salute our civil servants |
Apr 22 | Wed | World Earth Day | A/T | Eco brands, Fashion, Travel, F&B | Sustainability, green initiatives | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “There is no Planet B. Act now.” | Share one eco-habit you follow |
Apr 23 | Thu | World Book & Copyright Day | A/T | Publishing, EdTech, Bookstores | Reading culture, intellectual property | Carousel/Reel | “A book is a dream you hold in your hands.” | What’s the last book you read? |
Apr 24 | Fri | National Panchayati Raj Day | A | Govt, Education, Rural brands | Local self-governance in India | Post | “Democracy begins at the grassroots.” | Know your Panchayat |
Apr 25 | Sat | World Malaria Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | Malaria prevention & eradication | Carousel/Post | “One mosquito net can save a life. Act now.” | Support malaria prevention |
Apr 26 | Sun | World Intellectual Property Day | A/E | Tech, Legal, SaaS, Startups | Innovation & IP rights protection | Carousel/Post | “Your ideas deserve protection. Innovate fearlessly.” | Learn about IP rights |
May 2026: Workers, Mothers & Wellness
Mother’s Day is the emotional peak. Labour Day, Buddha Purnima open the month. Nurses Day, biodiversity, press freedom. Summer campaigns in full swing.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
May 1 | Fri | Int’l Labour Day / Maharashtra Day | A/D | Corporate, HR, Maharashtra brands | Worker appreciation, state pride | Post/Carousel | “Every empire was built by workers, not just visionaries.” | Thank a worker today |
May 1 | Fri | Buddha Purnima | D | Spiritual, Wellness, Travel | Peace, mindfulness, compassion | Post/Reel | “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” | What brings you inner peace? |
May 2 | Sat | World Asthma Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness | Asthma awareness & management | Carousel/Post | “Breathe easy. Know your triggers.” | Consult your doctor today |
May 3 | Sun | World Press Freedom Day | A | Media, Journalism, EdTech | Free press, truth, information | Post/Carousel | “A free press is the backbone of democracy.” | Support independent journalism |
May 4 | Mon | Coal Miners’ Day / Star Wars Day | A/T | Mining, Energy, Entertainment | Worker safety + Pop culture fun | Post/Reel | “May the 4th be with you — and all who work underground.” | Share your Star Wars moment! |
May 7 | Thu | World Athletics Day | A | Fitness, Sportswear, Education | Youth sports, physical fitness | Reel/Post | “Run towards your goals. Literally.” | Share your fitness journey |
May 8 | Fri | World Red Cross Day / Thalassaemia Day | A | Health, NGOs, Blood banks | Humanitarian work + blood disorder awareness | Carousel/Post | “Humanity in action. Thank you, Red Cross.” | Donate blood, save lives |
May 9 | Sat | Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti | D/A | Education, Arts, Publishing, Bengali brands | Nobel laureate tribute, literature & culture | Reel/Post | “Where the mind is without fear... — Tagore” | Share your favourite Tagore line |
May 10 | Sun | Mother’s Day | D/T/E | All consumer brands | Gratitude, gifting, emotional storytelling | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “She gave us everything and asked for nothing.” | Shop Mother’s Day gifts now |
May 11 | Mon | National Technology Day | A/E | Tech, SaaS, Education, Startups | India’s Pokhran anniversary, tech innovation | Carousel/Post | “Innovation is India’s superpower. Celebrate it.” | Share a tech innovation you love |
May 12 | Tue | International Nurses Day | A | Health, Hospitals, Pharma | Tribute to Florence Nightingale, nursing | Post/Carousel | “Nurses: the heartbeat of healthcare.” | Thank a nurse today |
May 17 | Sun | National Endangered Species Day | A | Wildlife, Eco, NGOs, Travel | Species conservation, biodiversity | Carousel/Reel | “Extinction is forever. Conservation is now.” | Support wildlife protection |
May 18 | Mon | International Museum Day | A/T | Culture, Tourism, Education, Arts | Museums, cultural preservation | Carousel/Reel | “Museums: where the past meets the present.” | Visit a museum this week! |
May 21 | Thu | National Anti-Terrorism Day | A/D | Govt, Defence, Education | Rajiv Gandhi remembrance, anti-terror pledge | Post | “Terrorism has no religion. Peace has no border.” | Take the peace pledge |
May 22 | Fri | Int’l Day for Biological Diversity | A | Eco, FMCG, Travel, NGOs | Biodiversity conservation | Carousel/Post | “Biodiversity is life. Protect every species.” | Go green today |
May 25 | Mon | Eid al-Fitr (approx) | D/E | Fashion, F&B, Gifting, Ethnic wear | End of Ramadan, celebration, feasting | Reel/Story/Post | “Eid Mubarak! May this day bring joy to every home.” | Share your Eid celebrations! |
May 31 | Sun | World No Tobacco Day | A | Health, Pharma, Fitness, Insurance | Anti-smoking, healthy living | Carousel/Post | “Every cigarette shortens your story. Choose a longer chapter.” | Pledge to go smoke-free |
June 2026: Environment, Yoga & Fathers
Mid-year checkpoint. World Environment Day and Yoga Day are massive. Father’s Day drives gifting. Monsoon campaigns begin. Multiple UN awareness days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jun 1 | Mon | World Milk Day / Global Day of Parents | A | FMCG, Dairy, Parenting, Health | Nutrition + parenting appreciation | Post/Reel | “Milk: nature’s first superfood. Parents: life’s first superheroes.” | Celebrate your parents today |
Jun 2 | Tue | Telangana Formation Day | D | Telangana brands, Govt, Travel | State pride & formation anniversary | Post/Reel | “Happy Telangana Day! Pride in our roots.” | Explore Telangana’s culture |
Jun 4 | Thu | Int’l Day of Innocent Children Victims | A | NGOs, Education, Kids | Child protection, conflict awareness | Post | “Every child deserves safety, peace, and love.” | Support children in conflict zones |
Jun 5 | Fri | World Environment Day | A/T | Eco brands, FMCG, Travel, Fashion | Sustainability, green pledges, climate | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “Plant a tree. Save a life. It’s that simple.” | Take the green pledge |
Jun 7 | Sun | World Food Safety Day | A | F&B, FMCG, Health, Restaurants | Safe food handling & hygiene | Carousel/Post | “Safe food today, healthy world tomorrow.” | Check your food safety practices |
Jun 8 | Mon | World Oceans Day | A | Travel, Eco, Marine, Fashion | Ocean conservation, marine life | Reel/Carousel | “The ocean covers 70% of earth. Let’s cover 100% of its care.” | Reduce plastic, save oceans |
Jun 12 | Fri | World Day Against Child Labour | A | NGOs, Education, Govt, Legal | Ending child labour worldwide | Carousel/Post | “Children belong in classrooms, not factories.” | Support child education |
Jun 14 | Sun | World Blood Donor Day | A | Health, Hospitals, NGOs | Blood donation awareness | Post/Carousel | “Donate blood. Give the gift of life.” | Find your nearest blood bank |
Jun 17 | Wed | World Day to Combat Desertification | A | Eco, Agriculture, NGOs, Govt | Sustainable land management | Carousel/Post | “Dry land doesn’t mean dead hope. Restore. Regenerate.” | Support land restoration |
Jun 19 | Fri | World Sickle Cell Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs | Sickle cell disease awareness | Post | “Awareness is the first step to a cure.” | Learn about sickle cell disease |
Jun 20 | Sat | World Refugee Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Govt, Education | Refugee rights & compassion | Carousel/Post | “No one leaves home unless home becomes a war zone.” | Support refugee causes |
Jun 21 | Sun | Int’l Yoga Day / Father’s Day / World Music Day | A/D/T/E | Fitness, Wellness, All consumer, Entertainment | Yoga + Dad appreciation + Music culture | Reel/Live/Story/Carousel | “Yoga: India’s gift to the world. Dad: your gift to us.” | Gift something special to Dad |
Jun 23 | Tue | International Olympic Day / UN Public Service Day | A/T | Fitness, Govt, Sports, Education | Olympic values + public service tribute | Reel/Post | “Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together.” | Who’s your Olympic hero? |
Jun 26 | Fri | Int’l Day Against Drug Abuse | A | Health, NGOs, Govt, Education | Drug prevention, healthy living | Carousel/Post | “Say no to drugs. Say yes to life.” | Spread awareness, not substances |
Jun 29 | Mon | National Statistics Day | A/E | Finance, SaaS, Govt, Analytics | Data-driven India, statistics importance | Post/Carousel | “Numbers tell stories. Statistics tell the truth.” | Explore data insights |
Jun 30 | Tue | Social Media Day | T | Marketing agencies, SaaS, All | Celebrate digital community | Reel/Carousel/Live | “From followers to family — thank you for being here.” | Tag your favourite account! |
July 2026: Emojis, Tigers & Monsoon Vibes
Lighter content month for brand personality. Monsoon campaigns peak. Kargil Vijay Diwas for patriotic content. Multiple global awareness & fun days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Jul 1 | Wed | Doctor’s Day / CA Day / Canada Day | A | Health, Finance, Education | Professional appreciation days | Post/Carousel | “To those who heal bodies and balance sheets — salute.” | Thank your doctor/CA today |
Jul 4 | Sat | US Independence Day | T | Global brands, Export businesses | Cultural awareness, US audience | Post/Story | “Happy 4th of July to our American friends and followers!” | Celebrate freedom worldwide |
Jul 7 | Tue | Jagannath Rath Yatra | D | FMCG, Spiritual, Odisha brands, Travel | Annual chariot festival, devotion | Reel/Post | “When the chariot moves, the universe moves with it.” | Share your Rath Yatra experience |
Jul 11 | Sat | World Population Day | A | NGOs, Health, Govt | Population awareness, sustainability | Carousel/Post | “8 billion stories. One shared planet.” | What change do you want to see? |
Jul 12 | Sun | Malala Day | A | Education, NGOs, Women | Girl education, women’s rights | Carousel/Post | “One child, one teacher, one pen can change the world.” | Support girl education |
Jul 15 | Wed | World Youth Skills Day | A/S | Education, Startups, HR, Corporate | Youth skill development, training | Carousel/Reel | “Skills pay the bills. Invest in yourself.” | Explore our skill-building resources |
Jul 17 | Fri | World Emoji Day | T | All industries | Fun, playful brand content | Reel/Story/Poll | “Tell your brand story using only emojis. Go.” | Drop your emoji reaction! |
Jul 18 | Sat | Nelson Mandela Day | A | Education, NGOs, Legal | Peace, equality, social justice | Post/Carousel | “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” | Do 67 minutes of service today |
Jul 21 | Tue | Guru Purnima | D | Education, Spiritual, EdTech | Tribute to teachers & gurus | Post/Reel | “The guru is the bridge between ignorance and knowledge.” | Thank your guru today |
Jul 22 | Wed | World Brain Day | A | Health, Pharma, Wellness, EdTech | Brain health awareness | Carousel/Post | “Your brain is your greatest asset. Protect it.” | Take a mental health break |
Jul 26 | Sun | Kargil Vijay Diwas | D/A | Defence, Education, Govt | India’s Kargil War victory, patriotism | Post/Reel | “They didn’t just win a war. They gave us a future.” | Salute our Kargil heroes |
Jul 28 | Tue | World Nature Conservation Day / World Hepatitis Day | A | Eco, Health, Pharma, Travel | Biodiversity + hepatitis prevention | Carousel/Post | “Nature doesn’t need us. We need nature.” | Go green, get tested |
Jul 29 | Wed | International Tiger Day | A | Travel, Wildlife, Eco brands, Fashion | Tiger conservation, Indian wildlife pride | Carousel/Reel | “India is home to 75% of world’s tigers. Let’s keep it that way.” | Support tiger conservation |
August 2026: Freedom, Bonds & Festive Prep
Independence Day is the second-biggest patriotic moment. Raksha Bandhan, Friendship Day, Onam drive emotional content. Festive product launches begin. Multiple humanitarian days.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Aug 1 | Sat | Eid al-Adha (approx) / Muslim Women’s Rights Day | D/E/A | Fashion, F&B, Gifting, Ethnic, NGOs | Sacrifice, community + women’s empowerment | Post/Reel | “Eid Mubarak! A celebration of faith, sacrifice, and love.” | Share your Eid moments |
Aug 2 | Sun | Friendship Day | T/E | All consumer brands | Friendship, nostalgia, group offers | Reel/Story/UGC | “Friends are the family we choose. Tag yours.” | Buy 1 get 1 for your bestie! |
Aug 6 | Thu | Hiroshima Day | A | Education, NGOs, Govt | Nuclear disarmament, peace | Post | “Remember Hiroshima. Choose peace. Always.” | Pledge for a nuclear-free world |
Aug 7 | Fri | National Handloom Day | A/E | Fashion, Handicraft, D2C | Handmade India, artisan support | Carousel/Reel | “Every thread tells a story. Wear the legacy.” | Shop handloom this season |
Aug 8 | Sat | Quit India Movement Day | D/A | Education, Govt, History | 1942 movement, freedom struggle | Post/Reel | “‘Do or die’ — the call that shook an empire.” | Remember the freedom struggle |
Aug 9 | Sun | International Day of Indigenous Peoples / Nagasaki Day | A | NGOs, Education, Tribal brands, Govt | Indigenous rights + peace | Carousel/Post | “Indigenous wisdom is the earth’s oldest library.” | Support indigenous communities |
Aug 12 | Wed | International Youth Day | A | Education, Startups, Fitness | Youth empowerment, future vision | Reel/Carousel | “The future belongs to the fearless.” | What’s your big dream? |
Aug 13 | Thu | International Left-Handers Day | T | All industries | Fun, inclusive content | Reel/Story | “Left-handers: we think differently. Literally.” | Tag a leftie you know! |
Aug 15 | Sat | Independence Day | D/A | All industries | Patriotism, Made in India, freedom | Reel/Carousel/Live | “Freedom is not free. It was earned by millions. Honour it.” | What does freedom mean to you? |
Aug 19 | Wed | World Photography Day / World Humanitarian Day | T/A | Camera, Lifestyle, Travel, Tech, NGOs | Visual storytelling + humanitarian tribute | UGC/Reel/Story | “Every photo is a story frozen in time.” | Share your best shot with #MyFrame |
Aug 20 | Thu | Sadbhavana Diwas (Rajiv Gandhi birth anniv.) | A/D | Govt, Education, NGOs | Harmony, national integration | Post | “Harmony begins with understanding. Let’s build bridges.” | Spread harmony today |
Aug 26 | Wed | Onam / Women’s Equality Day | D/E/A | Kerala brands, FMCG, F&B, NGOs | Harvest prosperity + gender equality | Reel/Post | “May the spirit of Onam fill your home with joy and prosperity.” | Order your Onam sadhya! |
Aug 28 | Fri | Raksha Bandhan | D/E | Gifting, Fashion, Sweets, E-commerce | Sibling love, gifting, protection | Reel/Story/Carousel | “No bodyguard compares to a sibling’s love.” | Send a Rakhi gift today! |
Aug 29 | Sat | National Sports Day (Dhyan Chand Jayanti) | A | Fitness, Sportswear, Education | Sports culture, athlete stories, hockey | Reel/Carousel | “Champions aren’t born in stadiums. They’re built in practice.” | Who’s your sports hero? |
September 2026: Teachers, Devotion & Festive Ramp-Up
Janmashtami & Ganesh Chaturthi open the festive mega-season. Teachers’ Day guaranteed engagement. Literacy, democracy, and peace themes. Ad budgets ramp up.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Sep 1 | Tue | World Letter Writing Day | T | Stationery, Education, Publishing | Nostalgia, handwritten letters | Reel/Post | “In a world of DMs, a handwritten letter hits different.” | Write a letter to someone today |
Sep 4 | Fri | Janmashtami | D | FMCG, Ethnic wear, Spiritual, F&B | Devotion, Krishna leela, makhan content | Reel/Story/Post | “When the world needed love, Krishna came as a child.” | Share your Janmashtami celebration |
Sep 5 | Sat | Teachers’ Day / Int’l Day of Charity | A/T | Education, EdTech, Corporate, NGOs | Gratitude, mentorship + charitable giving | Reel/Carousel/UGC | “The best teachers give you curiosity, not answers.” | Tag a teacher who shaped you |
Sep 8 | Tue | International Literacy Day | A/S | Education, EdTech, NGOs, Govt | Literacy for all, reading culture | Carousel/Post | “Literacy is the door to knowledge. Open it for everyone.” | Support literacy initiatives |
Sep 14 | Mon | Ganesh Chaturthi / Hindi Diwas | D/A | All industries (esp. Maharashtra) | Devotion + Hindi language pride | Reel/Story/Live | “Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha remove every obstacle.” | Share your Ganpati decoration! |
Sep 15 | Tue | Engineer’s Day / Int’l Day of Democracy | A | Tech, SaaS, Education, Manufacturing, Govt | Innovation + democratic values | Post/Carousel | “Engineers don’t just solve problems. They imagine solutions.” | Tag an engineer you admire |
Sep 16 | Wed | World Ozone Day | A | Eco, Science, FMCG, Govt | Ozone layer protection, environment | Carousel/Post | “The ozone layer: Earth’s invisible shield. Protect it.” | Go CFC-free today |
Sep 21 | Mon | International Day of Peace / World Alzheimer’s Day | A | NGOs, Health, Education, Wellness | Global peace + brain health awareness | Carousel/Post | “Peace is not the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of justice.” | Choose peace today |
Sep 26 | Sat | World Contraception Day / European Day of Languages | A | Health, Pharma, Education, EdTech | Family planning + language diversity | Post/Carousel | “Informed choices lead to empowered lives.” | Learn something in a new language today |
Sep 27 | Sun | World Tourism Day | A/E | Travel, Hotels, Airlines, F&B | Travel inspiration, bookings | Reel/Carousel | “The world is a book. Don’t read just one page.” | Book your next trip now! |
Sep 28 | Mon | World Rabies Day | A | Health, Veterinary, NGOs | Rabies prevention, pet health | Post | “Vaccinate your pets. Prevent rabies.” | Schedule a vet visit today |
Sep 29 | Tue | World Heart Day | A | Health, Fitness, Pharma, Wellness | Heart health awareness, cardio fitness | Carousel/Reel | “Your heart works 24/7. Give it the care it deserves.” | Get your heart checked today |
October 2026: Navratri, Dussehra & Peak Festive Season
Biggest month for Indian commerce. Navratri to Dussehra drives everything. Mental health, teachers, food, and animal welfare themes. Ad spends at maximum.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Oct 1 | Thu | International Day of Older Persons / World Vegetarian Day | A | Health, NGOs, F&B, FMCG | Elder care + plant-based awareness | Carousel/Post | “Respect age. Celebrate wisdom.” | Honour an elder today |
Oct 2 | Fri | Gandhi Jayanti / Int’l Day of Non-Violence | D/A | All industries | Non-violence, sustainability, Swadeshi | Post/Carousel | “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” | What change are you making? |
Oct 4 | Sun | World Animal Day | A | Pet brands, Veterinary, Wildlife, NGOs | Animal welfare, pet adoption | Reel/Carousel | “Every animal deserves love and a home.” | Adopt, don’t shop |
Oct 5 | Mon | World Teachers’ Day | A | Education, EdTech, Corporate | Global teacher appreciation | Carousel/Post | “Teachers plant seeds that grow forever.” | Thank a teacher today |
Oct 8 | Thu | Indian Air Force Day | A/D | Defence, Education, Aviation | IAF pride, courage, service | Post/Reel | “Guardians of the sky. Protectors of the nation.” | Salute the Indian Air Force |
Oct 9 | Fri | World Post Day | A/T | Logistics, E-com, Stationery | Postal heritage, snail mail nostalgia | Post/Story | “In the age of DMs, the post office still delivers memories.” | Send someone a postcard today |
Oct 10 | Sat | World Mental Health Day | A | Health, Wellness, Corporate, EdTech | Mental health awareness, self-care | Carousel/Reel | “It’s okay to not be okay. It’s not okay to stay silent.” | Check in on someone today |
Oct 11 | Sun | Int’l Girl Child Day | A | Education, NGOs, Govt | Girl empowerment, equal opportunity | Carousel/Reel | “Educate a girl. Empower a generation.” | Support girl child education |
Oct 11–19 | Sun–Mon | Navratri | D/E | Fashion, Jewellery, FMCG, F&B, Beauty | 9-day colour-wise content, garba, offers | Reel/Story/Live/Carousel | “9 nights. 9 colours. Infinite power. Happy Navratri!” | Shop our Navratri collection |
Oct 15 | Thu | Global Handwashing Day / APJ Abdul Kalam Birthday | A | Health, Education, FMCG, Hygiene | Hygiene awareness + missile man tribute | Carousel/Post | “Dream is not what you see in sleep. It’s what keeps you awake.” | Wash hands, dream big |
Oct 16 | Fri | World Food Day | A | F&B, FMCG, Agriculture, Restaurants | Zero hunger, food security, sustainable food | Reel/Carousel | “Food is a right, not a privilege.” | Donate a meal today |
Oct 20 | Tue | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | D/E | All industries | Victory of good over evil, burning offers | Reel/Post | “Burn your limitations. Rise with Rama. Happy Dussehra!” | Mega Dussehra sale is LIVE! |
Oct 24 | Sat | United Nations Day / World Polio Day | A | Education, Health, NGOs, Govt | UN values + polio eradication | Post/Carousel | “One world. One mission. Peace and progress.” | Support the UN’s mission |
Oct 31 | Sat | Halloween / National Unity Day (Sardar Patel) | T/A | F&B, Fashion, Kids, Lifestyle, Govt | Spooky fun + national integration | Reel/Story | “Trick or treat? We say — both.” | Show us your Halloween look! |
November 2026: Diwali, Shopping & Celebrations
Diwali is the undisputed king. Pre-Diwali sales, Dhanteras, post-Diwali clearance. Children’s Day, Guru Nanak Jayanti. Black Friday + Cyber Monday for e-commerce.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Nov 1 | Sun | World Vegan Day / Rajyotsava Day (Karnataka) | A/T/D | F&B, Health, Karnataka brands | Plant-based awareness + state pride | Reel/Post | “Go green on your plate. Happy World Vegan Day.” | Try a vegan meal today |
Nov 5 | Thu | Dhanteras | D/E | Jewellery, Electronics, Gold, Real Estate | Auspicious buying, gold, investments | Reel/Post/Story | “Dhanteras: when prosperity knocks, open the door.” | Shop our Dhanteras deals! |
Nov 7 | Sat | National Cancer Awareness Day | A | Health, Pharma, Insurance, NGOs | Cancer prevention in India | Carousel/Post | “Awareness is the best medicine. Get screened.” | Schedule a cancer screening |
Nov 8 | Sun | Diwali | D/E/T | ALL industries | Festival of lights, gifting, offers, hope | Reel/Carousel/Story/UGC/Live | “May this Diwali light up your life and your cart.” | Explore our Diwali mega collection! |
Nov 9 | Mon | Govardhan Puja | D | Spiritual, FMCG, F&B | Krishna devotion, nature worship | Post/Story | “Nature provides everything. Let’s return the favour.” | Celebrate with gratitude |
Nov 10 | Tue | World Science Day for Peace / Bhai Dooj | A/D/E | Education, Science, Gifting, Sweets | Science awareness + sibling bonding | Carousel/Reel | “From Diwali sweets to Bhai Dooj treats!” | Send a gift to your sibling |
Nov 14 | Sat | Children’s Day / World Diabetes Day | A/T | Education, Kids, F&B, Toys, Health | Nehru jayanti, childhood + diabetes awareness | Reel/Carousel | “Every child is an artist. Give them the canvas.” | Share your childhood dream! |
Nov 15 | Sun | Chhath Puja | D | Bihar/Jharkhand brands, FMCG, Spiritual | Sun worship, devotion, Chhath | Post/Reel | “The sun rises for those who believe. Happy Chhath Puja.” | Share your Chhath celebration |
Nov 16 | Mon | International Day for Tolerance | A | NGOs, Education, Legal, Corporate | Tolerance, diversity, inclusion | Post/Carousel | “Diversity is not a weakness. It’s our greatest strength.” | Embrace differences |
Nov 19 | Thu | International Men’s Day / World Toilet Day | A/T | Fashion, Grooming, Health, Fitness, Sanitation | Men’s health + sanitation awareness | Reel/Carousel | “Real strength is knowing when to ask for help.” | Check in on the men in your life |
Nov 20 | Fri | Universal Children’s Day (UN) | A | Education, Kids brands, NGOs | Global child rights & welfare | Carousel/Post | “Every child deserves a voice, a vote, and a future.” | Support children’s causes |
Nov 24 | Tue | Guru Nanak Jayanti | D | FMCG, Spiritual, Food, Community | Sikh values, service, equality, langar | Post/Reel | “Where there is compassion, there is God. — Guru Nanak” | Share a kindness today |
Nov 26 | Thu | Constitution Day (India) | A/D | Legal, Education, Govt | Indian Constitution adoption anniversary | Post/Carousel | “The Constitution is not just law. It’s a promise to every citizen.” | Know your fundamental rights |
Nov 27 | Fri | Black Friday | E | E-commerce, Electronics, Fashion, SaaS | Mega discounts, FOMO, doorbuster deals | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Black Friday is here. Your wallet called — it’s ready.” | Grab deals before midnight! |
Nov 30 | Mon | Cyber Monday / Computer Security Day | E/A | E-commerce, Tech, SaaS, Electronics | Online deals + digital safety | Reel/Story | “Cyber Monday: best deals, no lines.” | Shop online deals now! |
December 2026: Reflections, Christmas & Year-End
Close the year with warmth, gratitude, and year-end content. Christmas and NYE prime for emotional storytelling and sale wrap-ups. Human rights and service themes.
Date | Day | Occasion | Type | Industries | Content Angle | Format | Hook Line | CTA |
Dec 1 | Tue | World AIDS Day | A | Health, Pharma, NGOs, Govt | HIV/AIDS awareness, empathy | Carousel/Post | “Awareness is the first step to change. Know your status.” | Get tested. Spread awareness. |
Dec 2 | Wed | National Pollution Control Day | A | Eco, FMCG, Health, Govt | Bhopal tragedy remembrance, pollution awareness | Carousel/Post | “Clean air is not a luxury. It’s a right.” | Reduce your carbon footprint today |
Dec 3 | Thu | International Day of Persons with Disabilities | A | NGOs, Education, Tech, HR | Inclusion, accessibility, empowerment | Carousel/Reel | “Ability is limitless. Disability is just a word.” | Make your brand more accessible |
Dec 4 | Fri | Indian Navy Day | A/D | Defence, Education, Maritime | Naval pride, oceanic heritage | Post/Reel | “Guarding our coasts. Protecting our pride.” | Salute the Indian Navy |
Dec 5 | Sat | World Soil Day / International Volunteer Day | A | Agriculture, Eco, NGOs | Soil health + volunteering spirit | Carousel/Post | “Healthy soil feeds the world. Volunteer today.” | Get your hands dirty for a cause |
Dec 7 | Mon | Armed Forces Flag Day / Int’l Civil Aviation Day | A/D | Defence, Aviation, Govt, Travel | Military welfare + aviation heritage | Post | “For those who serve. We stand with you.” | Contribute to armed forces welfare |
Dec 10 | Thu | Human Rights Day | A | NGOs, Legal, Education, Govt | Justice, equality, dignity | Carousel/Post | “Rights are not granted. They are inherent.” | Stand up for human rights |
Dec 14 | Mon | National Energy Conservation Day | A/E | Energy, Tech, Eco, FMCG | Energy saving, sustainability | Carousel/Post | “Save energy today. Power the future.” | Switch off. Save power. |
Dec 16 | Wed | Vijay Diwas (1971 War Victory) | D/A | Defence, Education, Govt | India’s 1971 war victory, patriotism | Post/Reel | “Vijay Diwas: when a nation’s courage changed history.” | Salute the heroes of 1971 |
Dec 18 | Fri | International Migrants Day / Minorities Rights Day (India) | A | NGOs, Legal, Govt, HR | Migrant rights + minority protection | Post/Carousel | “Every migrant carries a dream. Respect it.” | Support migrant welfare |
Dec 22 | Tue | National Mathematics Day | A/S | EdTech, STEM, Education | Ramanujan legacy, math culture | Carousel/Post | “Numbers don’t lie. Neither did Ramanujan’s genius.” | Share a math fact that blew your mind |
Dec 24 | Thu | National Consumer Rights Day | A/E | E-commerce, Legal, Finance | Consumer empowerment, rights | Post/Carousel | “Know your rights before you click Buy.” | Read our consumer rights guide |
Dec 25 | Fri | Christmas | D/E/T | All industries | Celebration, gifting, year-end warmth | Reel/Story/Carousel | “Merry Christmas! May your days be merry and your cart be full.” | Shop our Christmas collection! |
Dec 26 | Sat | Boxing Day | E/T | E-com, Fashion, Electronics, Retail | Post-Christmas sales, deals | Reel/Story | “Christmas is over but the deals aren’t. Boxing Day sales LIVE.” | Grab post-Christmas deals! |
Dec 31 | Thu | New Year’s Eve | T/E | All industries | 2026 reflections, 2027 teasers, year-in-review | Reel/Story/Live | “2026 was a chapter. 2027 is the sequel. Ready?” | Share your biggest 2026 moment! |
Festival Campaign Playbook: How to Plan Festival Campaigns in India (2026 Edition)
Festivals are not single-day events in marketing. They are 30-day campaign arcs. Here is the timeline every Indian business should follow for major festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Eid.
30-Day Campaign Timeline
Days | Phase | Activities | Formats |
Day 1–7 | Teaser Phase | Build curiosity. Countdown posts, sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes. Collect emails and WhatsApp opt-ins for early access. | Story, Reel teasers |
Day 8–14 | Awareness Phase | Reveal campaign theme. Launch branded hashtag. Start influencer seedings. Run engagement-focused ads (not conversion). | Carousel, Reel, Influencer collab |
Day 15–21 | Launch Phase | Go live with offers. Push conversion ads. Run UGC contests. Activate WhatsApp broadcast and email sequences. Highest-spend week. | Reel, Live, Story, UGC |
Day 22–27 | Urgency Phase | Last-chance messaging. Flash sales. Stock-running-out narratives. Retarget website visitors and cart abandoners aggressively. | Story, Reel, DM campaigns |
Day 28–30 | Post-Festival | Thank-you content. Customer spotlights. Clearance sales. Collect reviews and testimonials. Retarget for next event. | Carousel, Post, Email |
Festival Offer Strategy (Without Killing Margins)
Strategy | How It Works |
Bundle Deals | Buy 2 Get 1 Free on slow-moving inventory paired with bestsellers. Increases AOV while clearing stock. |
Early Bird Pricing | Reward early buyers with exclusive rates. Creates urgency and front-loads revenue. |
Gift-With-Purchase | Add small branded gift above spending threshold. Perceived value exceeds actual cost. |
Loyalty Multipliers | Double loyalty points during festive weeks. Drives repeat purchases without discounting. |
Flash Sales (1–2 hrs) | Limited-time drops create FOMO. Use countdown timers on Stories and WhatsApp broadcasts. |
Festive Combos | Curate festival packages (Diwali gift boxes, Holi colour kits). Justify premium pricing with packaging. |
Organic vs Paid Strategy Split
For a festival campaign, allocate approximately 60% organic (brand building, engagement, UGC) and 40% paid (conversion, retargeting, reach). During the Launch Phase, flip to 40% organic and 60% paid. Post-festival, return to 70% organic and 30% paid for nurturing.
Influencer Collaboration Timing
Reach out to influencers 30–45 days before the festival. Brief them during the Teaser Phase. Content should go live during Awareness Phase (Days 8–14) to build momentum before your offer goes live. Micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) deliver better engagement-to-cost ratios for most Indian brands.
UGC Strategy for Festivals
Launch a branded hashtag challenge or contest during the Awareness Phase. Encourage customers to share their festival moments with your product. Repost the best entries on your Stories and Reels. Offer a small prize (voucher, free product) to incentivize participation. UGC builds social proof and costs almost nothing to produce.
Industry-Specific Festival Calendar 2026 India
Not every festival matters equally to every industry. Below are the top dates that matter most for specific sectors, along with campaign angles and format recommendations.
E-Commerce & D2C
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 14 | Makar Sankranti | New year collection drops | Carousel |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | Made in India + sale | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Colour-themed bundles | Reel |
May 10 | Mother’s Day | Gifting hampers | Reel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Freedom sale | Carousel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Sibling gift combos | Story |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | 9-day flash deals | Story+Live |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Burn the old, buy new | Reel |
Nov 5 | Dhanteras | Gold/premium push | Carousel |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Mega Sale peak | Reel+Story+Live |
Nov 27 | Black Friday | Biggest deals | Story+Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Year-end clearance | Carousel |
Monthly | Salary Day (1st/7th) | Pay-day drops | Story |
Apr–Jun | Summer Season | Summer essentials | Reel |
Quarterly | Season Change | New launches | Carousel |
Restaurants & Cafes
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 13–14 | Lohri/Sankranti | Festive thali, special menu | Reel |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Couple dining packages | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Thandai specials | Reel+Live |
May 10 | Mother’s Day | Brunch for moms | Story |
May 25 | Eid al-Fitr | Iftar/Eid specials | Reel |
Jun 21 | Father’s Day | Dad dines free | Story |
Aug 26 | Onam | Onam sadhya special | Reel |
Sep 14 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Modak specials | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Fasting-friendly menu | Post |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Festive catering | Reel+Live |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Brunch, cakes | Reel |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE dinner packages | Story+Reel |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Rainy day menu, chai | Story |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Cool drinks, mango | Reel |
Year-round | Weekend Specials | Saturday brunch deals | Story |
Education & Schools
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 12 | National Youth Day | Student motivation | Carousel |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | School event coverage | Reel |
Feb 28 | Science Day | Science quiz | Carousel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Girl student spotlight | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Admission Season | Admissions drive | Carousel+Reel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Patriotic event | Reel+Live |
Sep 5 | Teachers’ Day | Teacher appreciation | UGC+Reel |
Oct 10 | Mental Health Day | Student wellness | Carousel |
Nov 14 | Children’s Day | Fun events, talent | Reel+Live |
Dec 22 | Mathematics Day | Math quiz/Olympiad | Carousel |
Mar–Apr | Exam Season | Tips, motivation | Carousel |
May–Jun | Results | Counselling, guides | Carousel+Live |
Jul–Aug | New Session | Welcome, orientation | Reel |
Sep 15 | Engineer’s Day | STEM alumni | Carousel |
Year-round | Open Days | Campus tours | Live+Reel |
Fashion & Ethnic Wear
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 13–14 | Lohri/Sankranti | Winter ethnic collection | Reel |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Date night lookbook | Carousel |
Mar 4 | Holi | White + colour outfits | Reel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Power dressing | Carousel |
Aug 7 | Handloom Day | Handloom spotlight | Carousel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Sibling twinning | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | 9 colours, 9 looks | Reel+Story |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Festive edit launch | Reel |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Diwali mega collection | Reel+Live |
Nov–Feb | Wedding Season | Bridal + guest looks | Carousel+Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Winter party wear | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Summer collection | Carousel |
May 25 | Eid | Eid collection launch | Reel |
Sep 14 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Traditional showcase | Story |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE outfit guide | Story |
Beauty / Salon / Wellness
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Self-care packages | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Pre/post skincare | Carousel |
Mar 8 | Women’s Day | Pampering offers | Story |
Jun 21 | Yoga Day | Wellness rituals | Reel+Live |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Festive makeup tutorials | Reel |
Nov 5–8 | Dhanteras–Diwali | Diwali beauty rush | Reel+Live |
Nov–Feb | Wedding Season | Bridal packages | Carousel |
Jan | New Year | Transformation goals | Reel |
Apr–Jun | Summer | Summer skincare | Carousel |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Monsoon haircare | Reel |
Aug 28 | Raksha Bandhan | Grooming packages | Story |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Festive glow packages | Story |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Holiday glow campaign | Reel |
Monthly | Self-Care Sunday | Weekly wellness tips | Carousel |
Apr 7 | Health Day | Wellness awareness | Carousel |
Real Estate
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 26 | Republic Day | Proud Indian homes | Post |
Mar 19 | Gudi Padwa/Ugadi | Auspicious booking | Carousel |
Mar 31 | FY Closing | Tax-saving investments | Carousel |
Apr 1 | New FY | New FY home loans | Post |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Freedom to own home | Reel |
Oct 11–19 | Navratri | Navratri booking offers | Story |
Nov 5 | Dhanteras | Gold-standard properties | Carousel |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Diwali property fest | Reel+Live |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Year-end closing deals | Post |
Monthly | EMI Offer Days | Affordable EMI campaigns | Carousel |
Feb–Mar | Homebuying Season | Spring launch events | Live |
Jul–Aug | Monsoon Offers | Monsoon discount | Story |
Apr 14 | Baisakhi | New beginnings, homes | Reel |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Victory deals on plots | Post |
Year-round | Virtual Tours | 3D walkthroughs | Reel |
Travel & Hotels
Date | Occasion | Campaign Angle | Format |
Jan 14 | Sankranti | Winter getaway | Reel |
Mar 4 | Holi | Holi destination packages | Carousel |
Apr–May | Summer | Summer vacation deals | Reel+Carousel |
Jun 5 | Environment Day | Eco-tourism spotlight | Carousel |
Aug 15 | Independence Day | Explore India campaign | Reel |
Aug 26 | Onam | Kerala tourism special | Reel |
Sep 27 | Tourism Day | Travel inspiration | Carousel |
Oct 20 | Dussehra | Long weekend packages | Story |
Nov 8 | Diwali | Diwali getaway deals | Reel |
Dec 25 | Christmas | Christmas holidays | Carousel |
Dec 31 | NYE | NYE party destinations | Reel+Live |
Jul–Sep | Monsoon | Monsoon destinations | Reel |
Nov–Jan | Winter | Hill station packages | Carousel |
Jun 21 | Yoga Day | Wellness retreats | Reel |
Year-round | Weekend Getaways | Quick escape deals | Story |
Additional Industry Quick-Reference
Electronics Retail: Peak months — Jan (New Year deals), Aug (Independence Day sale), Oct–Nov (Dussehra–Diwali). Dhanteras is the single biggest day for electronics purchases in India.
Corporate Gifting: Peak months — Aug (Raksha Bandhan corporate gifts), Oct–Nov (Dussehra–Diwali hampers), Dec (Christmas), Feb (Valentine’s corporate). Start lead gen 45 days before each festival.
Local Services (AC, Plumbing, Interiors, Gym, Clinics): Peak months — Mar–Apr (summer prep: AC servicing), Jun–Jul (monsoon: waterproofing), Jan (gym memberships), Oct–Nov (home interiors for Diwali). Use hyper-local targeting and Google My Business posts.
The Ultimate Hook Bank for Indian Festivals 2026
50 scroll-stopping hooks organised by emotion and intent. Copy, customise, and deploy.
Emotional Hooks
1. “She stayed up every Diwali night so our homes could glow. This one’s for you, Maa.”
2. “The bonfire didn’t just burn wood. It burned all the distances between us. Happy Lohri.”
3. “He never said he was proud. But his eyes said it every Republic Day.”
4. “This Raksha Bandhan, the distance is 1,200 km. But the love? Zero millimetres.”
5. “Festivals aren’t about the dates. They’re about who you celebrate them with.”
6. “The colours of Holi fade. The memories? Never.”
7. “His hands built everything we have. This Father’s Day, hold those hands tight.”
8. “She raised us on festivals and faith. This Mother’s Day, we raise a toast to her.”
Funny / Witty Hooks
1. “Diwali cleaning taught me more discipline than any motivational speaker ever could.”
2. “My bank balance on salary day vs after Diwali shopping — two different people.”
3. “Holi tip: wear the clothes you hate. You’re welcome.”
4. “Navratri day 1: Garba queen. Day 5: ICU for my knees.”
5. “Valentine’s Day plan: order food for 2 and eat it alone like a legend.”
6. “Independence Day outfit: kurta on top, pyjama on bottom. Always.”
7. “Raksha Bandhan: the only day siblings pretend to like each other.”
8. “Christmas in India = cake, fairy lights, and zero snow. We make it work.”
FOMO / Urgency Hooks
1. “Diwali deals end tonight. Your cart is crying. Don’t make it wait.”
2. “Only 3 hours left on our Dussehra mega sale. This is not a drill.”
3. “Everyone’s already shopping for Navratri. Are you still thinking?”
4. “Last 50 boxes of our Diwali gifting hamper. Once gone, that’s it.”
5. “Holi is in 48 hours and you still don’t have your outfit? We’ve got you.”
6. “This Dhanteras offer won’t wait. Neither should you.”
7. “Christmas stocks melting faster than Delhi winters. Order now.”
8. “Flash sale: next 2 hours only. Set your alarm. Tell your friends. Run.”
Luxury / Premium Hooks
1. “Diwali isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about how it makes you feel. Feel extraordinary.”
2. “Some gifts are remembered forever. This Raksha Bandhan, gift unforgettable.”
3. “Navratri deserves more than fast fashion. It deserves handcrafted elegance.”
4. “Dhanteras: invest in gold that doesn’t just shine — it speaks.”
5. “Premium isn’t a price tag. It’s a feeling. Feel it this Diwali.”
6. “Your Eid outfit should make people stop and stare. We’ve made sure it will.”
7. “New Year. New beginnings. New wardrobe. Same impeccable taste.”
8. “This Christmas, give the gift of time. And a really nice watch.”
Community / Culture Hooks
1. “India doesn’t celebrate one festival. It celebrates thousands. That’s our superpower.”
2. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the spirit of Diwali is the same: light over darkness.”
3. “Holi doesn’t care about your designation. On the colour ground, we’re all equal.”
4. “Onam teaches us that prosperity is best when shared. Happy Onam.”
5. “The warmth of Lohri isn’t from the fire. It’s from the people around it.”
6. “Every Ganesh Chaturthi, the streets become our living room. That’s community.”
7. “Eid teaches us patience is always rewarded. Eid Mubarak to all.”
8. “Pongal reminds us: gratitude to the earth, gratitude to each other.”
Offer-Based Hooks (Premium Tone)
1. “This Diwali, we’re lighting up your savings. Up to 40% off our festive collection.”
2. “Mother’s Day gift sorted: premium hampers starting at ₹999. She deserves it.”
3. “Navratri special: buy any 2 ethnic pieces and get a matching dupatta free.”
4. “Republic Day offer: flat 26% off on everything — for 26 hours only.”
5. “Dhanteras exclusive: free gold coin on purchases above ₹5,000.”
6. “Raksha Bandhan sibling combo: order for both and save 30%.”
7. “Holi party essentials — organic colours, t-shirts, party packs — flat ₹499.”
8. “New Year gift to you: free shipping on everything. All of January.”
9. “Black Friday came early. Our prices just took a nosedive.”
10. “Christmas hampers so good, even Santa wants one.”
Caption + CTA Bank (Ready to Use)
30 Caption Starters
1. This [festival] hits different when you have...
2. We asked our team what [festival] means to them.
3. 3 things you need this [festival]:
4. POV: It’s [festival] and you found the perfect gift.
5. No one talks about this side of [festival]...
6. Your [festival] checklist (save this post):
7. Here’s why [festival] 2026 is going to be different.
8. Unpopular opinion: [festival] is overrated. Just kidding.
9. If [festival] was a person, it would be...
10. The one thing you MUST do this [festival]:
11. This [festival], we’re doing things differently.
12. Behind every [festival] memory is a story worth telling.
13. [Festival] isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
14. How we prepare for [festival] at [brand name]:
15. Real talk: [festival] taught me this life lesson.
16. Your [festival] mood board: save this for later.
17. The ultimate [festival] survival guide:
18. Why [festival] is the best time to [brand action].
19. Stop scrolling. This [festival] post is for you.
20. Our founder’s favourite [festival] memory:
21. What’s your [festival] personality type?
22. This time last year on [festival], we...
23. The [festival] trends you need to know in 2026:
24. Your morning vs your evening on [festival]:
25. Tell us your [festival] tradition in the comments.
26. We’ve been waiting all year for this announcement.
27. [Festival] + [your product] = the combo you didn’t know you needed.
28. How to make [festival] 2026 your best one yet:
29. A letter to everyone celebrating [festival] away from home.
30. The smallest gestures make the biggest [festival] memories.
30 CTA Lines
1. Shop the festive collection now →
2. Tap the link in bio to grab yours.
3. DM us “FESTIVAL” for an exclusive code.
4. Save this post for later — you’ll thank us.
5. Tag someone who needs to see this.
6. Comment your answer — best one wins!
7. Book your spot now — limited seats available.
8. Follow us for more festival content like this.
9. Share this with your bestie — they’ll love it.
10. Click the link to download your free guide.
11. Drop a heart if you agree.
12. Order now and get free delivery this festival season.
13. Swipe right to see the full collection.
14. This offer ends at midnight. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
15. Reply with your city and we’ll find you the nearest store.
16. Grab the early bird price — available only this week.
17. Tell us in the comments: which one is your favourite?
18. Share your festival look using our hashtag to be featured.
19. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly festival content ideas.
20. Double-tap if this resonated with you.
21. Send this to someone who needs festival cheer.
22. Want this for your brand? DM us or visit our website.
23. Limited stock — first come, first served.
24. Bookmark this for your next content planning session.
25. WhatsApp us for instant festive orders.
26. Turn on post notifications so you never miss a deal.
27. Sign up for early access to our collection.
28. Rate this content 1–10 in the comments.
29. Visit debatemarketers.com for a complete marketing strategy.
30. Your move. Shop now or regret later.
15 Comment Prompts That Boost Engagement
1. What’s your favourite festival memory? Share below!
2. Describe your Diwali in 3 emojis. Go!
3. Which festival has the best food? Let the debate begin.
4. If you could add one holiday to the calendar, what would it be?
5. Tag someone you want to celebrate [festival] with this year.
6. Hot take: the best festival is _____. Fill in the blank.
7. Rate our festive collection 1–10. Be honest!
8. Drop your city name and let’s see where our community is celebrating from.
9. What’s one tradition you NEVER skip during [festival]?
10. Comment YES if you’ve already started [festival] shopping.
11. Your go-to [festival] outfit: traditional or fusion?
12. What’s the one gift you always give during [festival]?
13. Tell us a festival fact most people don’t know.
14. Would you rather: Holi with colours or Diwali with fireworks? Choose one!
15. What does [festival] mean to you in one sentence?
Hashtag Strategy for India 2026 (Non-Generic)
How Hashtags Work Now
Hashtags are no longer the primary discovery tool they were in 2019. In 2026, Instagram and LinkedIn prioritise SEO-style search, interest-based feeds, and Reel recommendations over hashtag-driven reach. However, hashtags still serve three crucial purposes: categorisation (helping the algorithm understand your content), community building (connecting with niche audiences), and brand tracking (measuring campaign impact). Use fewer, more targeted hashtags.
The Hashtag Formula
Use 15–20 hashtags per post: 5 Broad India + 5 Festival/Niche + 5 Local/City + 5 Community. This covers reach, relevance, discoverability, and engagement.
Broad India Hashtags
#IndianBusiness #MadeInIndia #IndiaMarketing #DigitalIndia #BrandIndia #IndianEntrepreneur #StartupIndia #SocialMediaIndia #IndiaBusiness #GrowWithIndia
Festival Hashtags
#Diwali2026 #Holi2026 #Navratri2026 #RepublicDay2026 #RakshaBandhan2026 #IndependenceDay2026 #GaneshChaturthi2026 #Dussehra2026 #Christmas2026 #Eid2026
City-Based Hashtag Templates
#[City]Business #[City]Foodies #[City]Events #[City]Shopping #[City]Life #[City]Brands #[City]Marketing #[City]Startups #[City]Eats #[City]Local — Replace [City] with Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kochi, etc.
Industry-Based Hashtag Templates
#[Industry]India #[Industry]Marketing #[Industry]Trends2026 #[Industry]Tips #[Industry]Community #[Industry]Growth #[Industry]Business #[Industry]Insights #[Industry]Leaders #[Industry]Innovation
Community Hashtags (For Reach)
#SmallBusinessIndia #WomenEntrepreneurs #ContentCreatorsIndia #MarketingTips #SocialMediaTips #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #DigitalMarketing #CreativeAgency #BrandBuilding
Infographics & Visual Assets: 12 Ideas for 2026
Create these using Canva, Figma, or a professional designer. Each is shareable and positions your brand as a thought leader.
Infographic Title | Description & Design Notes |
India 2026 Festival Heatmap | Month-by-month heatmap showing festival density. Colour intensity: light=few, dark=peak. Oct–Nov darkest. Horizontal timeline or grid format. |
Sales vs Engagement Chart | Two-axis chart: X=Sales Impact, Y=Engagement Impact. Plot major festivals. Diwali top right. World Emoji Day = high engagement, low sales. |
Posting Format Guide | Matrix: festivals vs formats (Reel, Carousel, Story, Live, UGC). Tick marks for best format per festival. |
Campaign Timeline (30-Day) | Horizontal timeline: Teaser → Awareness → Launch → Urgency → Post-Festival with icons and actions. |
Story Sequence Templates | 5–7 story slide mockup: Teaser, Reveal, Product showcase, Social proof, Offer, CTA, Countdown. |
UGC Ideas by Festival | Carousel-style: Holi photo contest, Diwali lighting challenge, Rakhi sibling stories, Navratri dance challenge. |
Offer Psychology Map | Visual diagram of offer psychology: anchoring, scarcity, social proof, urgency, bundling effects. |
Festival Colour Palette | Dominant colours per festival: Holi (rainbow), Diwali (gold/red/maroon), Navratri (9 specific), Christmas (red/green/gold). |
Best Ad Angles | Table infographic: Festival → Ad Type (awareness/conversion/retarget) → Platform → Budget Split. |
Monthly Content Mix | Pie/donut chart per month: educational, entertaining, promotional, UGC, trending percentages. |
D.A.T.E.S. Framework Visual | Clean visual with icons per category and 2–3 example festivals each. |
Shopping Calendar 2026 | Timeline of all shopping moments: Republic Day Sale through NYE Sale with spending indices. |
Bonus: Content Templates (Plug & Play)
10 Reel Script Templates
Template | Script Structure |
Festival Glow-Up | Before vs During [festival] transformation. Trending audio. Product reveal + CTA at end. |
Myth Buster | Things people get wrong about [festival]. Debunk 3 myths with text overlay. Educational + shareable. |
Behind the Scenes | POV: Brand manager before [festival]. Chaotic but fun prep process. Humanises the brand. |
Day in My Life | [Festival] morning as a [profession]. Relatable routine + product placement. Soft-sell. |
Outfit Challenge | Style this [festival] outfit in 3 ways. Quick transitions with ethnic/fusion looks. Tag-friendly. |
Customer Reactions | Surprised customers with [festival] gifts. Watch reactions. Real UGC builds trust. |
Recipe / DIY | How to make [festival item] in 60 seconds. Quick recipe or DIY decor. Save-worthy. |
Nostalgia Trip | [Festival] in the 90s vs today. Split screen comparison. Emotional engagement bait. |
Festival GRWM | Get Ready With Me for [festival]. Product placement with cultural pride. Beauty/fashion brands. |
Facts & Trivia | 5 things you didn’t know about [festival]. Quick facts with visual text. High-share format. |
10 Carousel Templates (Slide-by-Slide)
Template | Slide Structure |
Marketing Checklist | S1: Title / S2: Pre-campaign (30d) / S3: Content week / S4: Launch / S5: Urgency / S6: Post-festival / S7: CTA |
Festival History | S1: Story of [festival] / S2–4: Origin, significance, modern celebrations / S5: Brand greeting + CTA |
Top 5 Products | S1: 5 must-haves / S2–6: One product per slide with photo + feature / S7: Shop now CTA |
Do’s and Don’ts | S1: Title / S2–4: 3 Do’s / S5–7: 3 Don’ts / S8: CTA |
Campaign Results | S1: Our results / S2: Reach / S3: Engagement / S4: Sales / S5: Top content / S6: Lessons / S7: CTA |
Colour Guide | S1: Navratri 2026 Colour Calendar / S2–10: One day, colour, outfit or product pairing / S11: CTA |
Testimonials | S1: What customers said / S2–6: One testimonial per slide with photo / S7: CTA |
Recipe/DIY Guide | S1: How to make [dish] at home / S2–6: Step-by-step with photos / S7: Final result + CTA |
Savings Guide | S1: How to save money this [festival] / S2–6: Budgeting + deal tips / S7: Your offer + CTA |
Year-in-Review | S1: Our 2026 festival journey / S2–8: Highlights from each major festival / S9: Thank you + 2027 teaser |
10 Story Sequence Templates
Template | Sequence Structure |
Countdown | 7-day countdown. Daily tip/product. Final: It’s here! Shop now. |
Poll Series | Quick question → 3–4 polls (traditional vs modern?) → Results + product tie-in. |
Behind-the-Scenes | Behind the curtain → Office/studio prep → Final reveal + CTA. |
This or That | 5 slides with 2 options each. Poll sticker. Great for engagement metrics. |
Festival Quiz | How well do you know [festival]? → Quiz questions → Answers + fun fact. |
Outfit of the Day | 5 team members in festival outfits. Tag brands. Relatable and shareable. |
Flash Sale | Teaser → Reveal → Products + prices → Countdown timer → Last call. |
UGC Feature | Our community celebrates → Customer photos/videos → Share yours to be featured! |
Festival How-To | How to [activity] in 5 steps → One step per story → CTA. |
Gratitude Series | We’re grateful for → Customers, team, partners, community → Thank-you + CTA. |
Bonus: AI Prompt Pack for 2026 Festivals
Use these in Claude or ChatGPT. Replace [festival], [brand], [industry], [product] with your specifics.
Use Case | Prompt Template |
Festival Captions | Write 10 Instagram captions for [brand], a [industry] brand, celebrating [festival]. Tone: [warm/witty/professional]. Include emojis and CTA. Under 150 words each. |
Reel Scripts | Write a 30-second Reel script for [brand] celebrating [festival]. Hook (first 3 sec), body, CTA. Mention [product] naturally. Indian audiences 22–35. |
Carousel Slides | Create a 7-slide carousel for [brand] about [festival topic]. S1: Hook. S2–6: Key points (under 20 words). S7: CTA. Describe visuals. |
Ad Copy | Write 5 FB/IG ad variations for [brand]’s [festival] sale on [product]. Headline (under 10 words), primary text (under 125 words), CTA button text. |
WhatsApp Broadcast | Write a WhatsApp broadcast for [brand]’s [festival] offer. Under 100 words. Greeting, offer, urgency, link placeholder. Friendly and direct. |
Email Subject Lines | Generate 15 email subject lines for [brand]’s [festival] campaign. Mix emotional, urgency, curiosity, offer-based. Under 50 chars. 3 with emojis. |
Offer Naming | Create 10 creative names for [brand]’s [festival] sale. Catchy, alliterative, culturally appropriate. |
Hashtag Packs | Generate 20 hashtags for [brand]’s [festival] IG post. 5 broad + 5 festival + 5 industry + 5 community. No spam hashtags. |
Downloadable Planning Templates
Use these templates to plan your 2026 social media content systematically. Copy into your project management tool or spreadsheet.
Monthly Planning Table
Week | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
Week 1 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 2 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 3 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Week 4 | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] | [Topic] |
Festival Campaign Tracker
Festival | Start | Launch | End | Budget | Platform | Status |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
[Festival] | [Date] | [Date] | [Date] | [₹] | [IG/FB/YT] | [Planning/Live/Done] |
Post Production Checklist
☐ Content concept approved
☐ Copy/caption written and reviewed
☐ Visual designed (correct dimensions for platform)
☐ Hashtags selected (15–20, using the Hashtag Formula)
☐ CTA included in caption and visual
☐ Links checked and working (bio link, UTM parameters)
☐ Scheduling tool loaded (date and time confirmed)
☐ Stories/Reels companion content prepared
☐ WhatsApp/Email broadcast drafted (if applicable)
☐ Post-publish engagement plan ready (reply within 1 hour)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a social media calendar 2026 India?
A social media calendar 2026 India is a month-by-month planning tool that lists all major festivals, national holidays, international awareness days, and marketing moments relevant to Indian audiences. It helps brands, agencies, and businesses plan content, campaigns, and ad spends in advance for maximum impact throughout the year.
Why should I plan content around Indian festivals?
Indian consumers have deep emotional and cultural connections with festivals. Festival-related content receives significantly higher engagement, and consumers are more likely to make purchases during festive seasons. Planning ahead enables culturally relevant campaigns, advance creative production, and strategic budget allocation.
When should I start planning my Diwali 2026 campaign?
Start at least 45–60 days before Diwali. This gives time for the Teaser Phase (30 days out), influencer outreach, creative production, and ad setup. For Diwali 2026 (November 8), begin strategic planning in September and execute teasers by early October.
How many hashtags should I use per post in 2026?
Use 15–20 hashtags per Instagram post following the formula: 5 broad + 5 niche/festival + 5 local/city + 5 community. For LinkedIn and Twitter/X, use 3–5 highly relevant hashtags. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity in 2026.
What is the D.A.T.E.S. framework?
D.A.T.E.S. is a proprietary marketing moments framework: D (Devotional/Religious), A (Awareness/Advocacy), T (Trending/Viral), E (Economic/Business), S (Seasonal/Academic). It helps brands instantly identify the right tone, format, and audience for each marketing date.
Which festivals drive the most sales for Indian e-commerce?
The top sales-driving festivals are Diwali (including Dhanteras), Navratri/Dussehra, Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, and Christmas/New Year. Black Friday has also become significant for Indian e-commerce in recent years.
How do I create a festival campaign without heavy discounting?
Use bundle deals, early bird pricing, gift-with-purchase, loyalty multipliers, flash sales, and festive combos. These create perceived value and urgency without eroding margins. Focus on premium packaging and experience over flat discounts.
What content formats work best for Indian festival marketing?
Reels dominate for reach and engagement. Carousels work for educational content. Stories create urgency. Live sessions build community. UGC contests drive social proof. The best approach combines all formats strategically across the campaign timeline.
Can small businesses benefit from a social media calendar?
Absolutely. Small businesses benefit the most because they have limited resources. A calendar helps them plan ahead, batch-create content, and compete with larger brands during festival seasons when consumer attention peaks.
How can Debate Marketers help with my 2026 festival strategy?
Debate Marketers is a full-service marketing and branding agency specializing in strategic content planning, social media management, and brand building. Visit debatemarketers.com or contact our team for a customised 2026 festival marketing strategy tailored to your industry, audience, and goals.
Best Months for Each Industry in 2026 (India)
Industry | Peak Months | Key Festivals / Moments |
Education | Jan–Apr, Jul–Aug | Admissions, exams, results, new sessions, National Youth Day |
Corporate Gifting | Feb, Aug, Oct–Dec | Valentine’s corporate, Raksha Bandhan, Dussehra–Diwali, Christmas |
Electronics Retail | Jan, Aug, Oct–Nov | New Year deals, Independence Day, Dussehra, Dhanteras, Diwali, Black Friday |
Fashion & Ethnic | Mar, Aug, Oct–Feb | Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Navratri–Diwali, Wedding season |
E-Commerce & D2C | Jan, Mar, Aug, Oct–Dec | Republic Day, Holi, Independence Day, Navratri–Diwali, Black Friday, Christmas |
Restaurants & Cafes | Feb, Oct–Dec, Monsoon | Valentine’s, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, NYE, Monsoon specials |
Beauty & Wellness | Feb–Mar, Jun, Oct–Feb | Valentine’s, Holi, Yoga Day, Navratri–Diwali, Wedding season |
Real Estate | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | Gudi Padwa, FY closing, Navratri, Dhanteras, Diwali |
Travel & Hotels | Dec–Jan, Apr–May, Oct | Winter travel, summer vacations, Dussehra long weekend, Diwali getaways |
Fitness & Gym | Jan, Jun, Aug | New Year resolutions, Yoga Day, National Sports Day |
Local Services | Jan, Mar–Apr, Jun–Jul, Oct–Nov | New Year, summer prep, monsoon, Diwali home prep |
FMCG & Consumer | Year-round (peaks Oct–Nov) | All major festivals; Diwali–Dhanteras is the peak |
Final Thoughts: From Calendar to Competitive Advantage
A calendar is only as powerful as the strategy behind it. The 2026 Social Media Calendar tells you when to show up. The D.A.T.E.S. framework tells you how. And the campaign playbook, hook banks, and templates tell you exactly what to create.
At Debate Marketers, we don’t just follow trends — we challenge assumptions and build brands that endure. If you’re ready to transform your social media from reactive posting to strategic brand building, we’re here to help.
Visit debatemarketers.com or reach out to our team to get a customised 2026 festival marketing strategy crafted specifically for your brand, your industry, and your goals.
Download this calendar, bookmark this page, and make 2026 the year your brand becomes impossible to ignore.
Internal Linking Suggestions: Link to social media marketing services page, Instagram marketing tips blog, SEO services page, branding case studies, contact/consultation page, and downloadable resources or lead magnets.
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