The Ultimate PR Calendar 2021 for India

This PR calendar will tell you about all important dates, themes, and opportunities in 2021 for PR (Public Relations).

Failing to plan is planning to fail and especially so in the fast-changing world of Public Relations. That is why, having a PR calendar that helps you plan, schedule and execute your PR activities is critical to the success of your PR strategy.

We, at Wizikey, have created the most comprehensive 3000+ words detailed Public Relations calendar every PR professional can use. In addition, it will help them to quickly schedule their client’s annual plan.

Importance of a PR calendar

1. Why a PR calendar is a MUST HAVE for every brand/client

2. What you are MISSING by not having a PR calendar in 2021

3. Key days of every month from Jan – Dec 2021 when you can make the most news

4. How in-house PR teams and their agencies can plan every month of their PR and avoid time-crunch issues

Why is the PR calendar for India in 2021 a MUST HAVE for every brand/client?

1. Prepare of launches

You can generate the maximum buzz for your product/service launches by planning ahead. In fact, many publications, especially magazines work three months in advance and longer. Thus, you can make use of the time to work on your PR campaigns

2. Use awareness days and causes

Today’s businesses need to stand for a cause. Hence, it becomes critical to keep a track of the scheduled awareness days and weeks. By doing so, you can the opportunity for getting your business the attention it needs. And, once you have found the relevant awareness weeks and days it’s much easier to plan. Further, you can leverage the first mover’s advantage by being the first person to contact a journalist for a  story idea and maximize your chances of getting coverage.

3. Coordinate with other marketing activities

By planning ahead, you can coordinate your PR with other marketing activities. For instance, you could do a blog post on a topic related to a featured article and align your social media activities accordingly.

4. Maintain a consistent flow of PR activities

You can build a consistent momentum of PR activities instead of just relying on one-off peaks. The consistent coverage will help you stay visible over a prolonged period of time and enhance your credibility.

What are you MISSING by not having the PR Calendar for India in 2021?

If you don’t have a calendar, then you are being reactive instead of proactive. That is, doing things in a random disorganized manner. Finally, this leads to wastage of time, effort, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

Since you don’t have a plan, there is no structure for your PR activities and you have to work extra hard to maintain relations with the media. Eventually, you will run the risk of running around in circles without really achieving anything.

By now, you must have realized the importance of a PR calendar so let’s dive right in.

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January 2021

New Year Day (1 January 2021)
The first day of the year can be extremely useful for setting the right tone for the rest of the year.  This could be an ideal time for coming up with a fresh communication strategy. After all, this is the time when brands revisit plans, map upcoming trends and get into a lot of discussions.

World Book Fair (4 January 2021)
India’s oldest book fair is a great PR opportunity for all publishing houses. Don’t forget, you can also establish thought leadership by leveraging this event to launch works authored by C-level executives.

Consumer Electronics Show (11-14 January 2021)
The Consumer Electronics Show is one of the biggest events in the consumer tech space. The 2019 event saw 1,82,000+ total attendants with over 4.4K+ companies exhibiting their offerings. The event is a fantastic opportunity for showcasing your client’s innovations.

National Tourism Day (25 January 2021)
The Ministry of Tourism designated National Tourism Day for the promotion and development of tourism in India. The news coverage centers around the cultural uniqueness of different parts of India. It is a great opportunity for brands in the travel space to do campaigns, share consumer reports etc.

Republic Day of India (26 January 2021)
The anniversary of the Indian constitution is one of the biggest days in the country. This is one opportunity that no brand in the country misses as they jump on the brandwagon with their creative campaigns.

Data Privacy Day (28 January 2021)
The purpose of Data Privacy Day is to raise awareness, promote privacy and data protection practices. The day is especially relevant for all internet startups, FinTech businesses to associate with the cause of data privacy.

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February 2021

Union Budget (3 February 2021)

This is the day when the entire media is buzzing with the updates as the ruling govt announces the budget for the next financial year. It is a great time to do reaction stories for your clients

World Cancer Day (4 February 2021)

This is a day dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and its prevention.  The day is particularly relevant for business in the health and pharma space.

Kala Ghoda Arts Fest (06-14 February 2021)
The  Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) is one of the most popular cultural fests that draws art lovers from all over the country to Mumbai. It is a great opportunity for brands to associate with causes and also a great photo-op.

Valentine’s Day (14February 2021)

Valentine’s Day is a globally recognized day marking its significance in cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love. Brands show their creative powers by doing innovative campaigns and getting media mileage.

Nasscom Technology & Leadership Forum (17-19 February 2021)

This event is known as Asia’s biggest leadership conference, where the who’s who of different industries from across the globe show up. News coverage around participation in the event.
Jaipur Literature Festival (19-28 February 2021)

JLF is one of the biggest literary festivals in India, bringing together writers, poets, thinkers, politicians and business leaders from diverse backgrounds. They engage in debates, conversations, and performances. The event is covered by all prominent media houses and is a great opportunity for brands to gain visibility and for their leadership to become the voice for the brands.

Mobile World Congress (24-27February 2021)

Mobile World Congress is the biggest mobile event of the year, seeing the launch of many of the year’s top smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, etc.
It also sees the emergence of the hottest new trends in mobile. It has the opportunity for tech and mobile brands to participate and gain visibility.

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March 2021

International Women’s Day (8 March 2021)

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the women achievers across domains. The day also marks a call to action for gender equality. Campaigns usually center around the causes of women empowerment. It is a great opportunity for women-centric brands to stand for the cause.

International Happiness Day (20 March 2021)

Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. This is the best time for feel-good campaigns.

World Water Day (22 March 2021)

This day focuses attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for its sustainable management. Sustainability is a big issue for all businesses to associate within their narratives.

World TB Day (24 March 2021)

Marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day raises awareness about the consequences of TB and increases efforts to end the global TB epidemic. News ranges from health awareness campaigns to reports about the state of TB in the country.

Emtech Digital (23-25 March 2021)

Emtech India organized by Mint and MIT Technology is an iconic platform where technology, business and culture come together. This is an unmissable opportunity for startups and businesses to get photo-ops, event participation, and coverage.

FinTech India Expo (24 March 2021)

The FinTech sector has the potential to change the ways businesses function and make the dream of digital India materialize. The expo makes it possible for FinTech leaders and startups to come together. This paves the way forward towards sustainable growth. Moreover, it helps in facilitating collaboration among FinTech companies in India.

Earth Hour Day (28 March 2021)

(8:30pm – 9:30 pm)
Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature. The event is held annually encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights, for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Brands across the globe leverage the occasion to come up with innovative campaigns.

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April 2021

April Fool’s Day (1 April 2021)

As the name suggests, this is the day when people poke fun at each other through pranks. Brands too can join in the fun by playing pranks on their consumers.

World Autism Day (2 April 2021)

This is an international day recognized by United Nations encouraging member States to take measures to raise awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout the world. 

World Health Day (7 April 2021)

The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization. Health is a universal concern for the target audience of almost every brand. Thus, this is a great opportunity for campaigns based on the theme of health and earn media mileage. 

National Public Relations Day (21 April 2021)

The objective behind designating April 21 as National Public Relations Day is to focus attention on public relations function and public relations professionals in India who have an increasingly important role in the development of the country. This day is important for all PR firms and professionals.

Earth Day (22 April 2021)

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. News in the media centers around themes of environmental protection.

India Internet Day (25 April 2021)

This is a leadership conference hosted by TiE that looks at hosting conversations around the vision for the industry. It attracts startups, unicorns, industry leaders, and domain experts from across the country.

FICCI Frames (29-30 April 2021)

FRAMES is Asia’s largest convention on the business of entertainment. The three days convention covers the entire gamut of Media & Entertainment including Films, Broadcast (TV & Radio), Print Media, and so forth.

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May 2021

World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2021)

The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness about the importance of freedom of the press and uphold the right to their freedom of expression. Media houses, publications, and content creators should leverage this opportunity to do their own PR.

Mother’s Day (10 May 2021)

Mother’s Day celebrates the unmatchable and vital role of a mother. Brands across the globe channelize their creative powers and come out with amazing campaigns. The media is abuzz with campaigns celebrating motherhood.

National Technology Day (11 May 2021)

National Technology Day celebrates the anniversary of the Pokhran Test which was held on 11th May 1998. The day highlights the important role of science and technology in our lives. This a great PR opportunity for tech startups.

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June 2021

World Environment Day (5 June 2021)

This day is marked by the United Nations (UN) to create awareness about protecting the environment. A number of brands launch campaigns and initiatives championing the cause of the environment.

World Clean Air Day (20 June 2021)

Clean Air Day brings together communities to improve public understanding of air pollution. With declining air quality in Indian cities, pollution is a very important cause for brands to associate with. News usually centers around awareness campaigns.

Father’s Day (21 June 2021)

This is a day celebrating fathers and their contributions. Brands whose target audience comprises of fathers can do campaigns that celebrate fatherhood.

International Yoga Day (21 June 2021)

International Yoga Day celebrates yoga, the importance of fitness and the numerous health benefits that arise from it.  News revolves around expert tips on fitness and health-focused campaigns by brands.

Social Media Day (30 June 2021)

This is a day to celebrate social media platforms, that help brands interact with their brands.

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July 2021

GST Day (1 July 2021)

GST day is a celebration of the government of India canceling many small taxes and introducing a common national tax for businesses. Brands show their appreciation to the government and the country’s taxpayers on this day.

World Population Day (11 July 2020)

To bring focus on the rapidly rising population in the world, the UN introduced World Population Day.  It is a great time for brands to show their concern through posts and pictures.

Kargil Victory Day (26 July 2021)

Kargil Victory Day remembers the Kargil Conflict held in 1999 between India and Pakistan. The day draws on praise for the bravery of Indian soldiers and their families.

International Friendship Day (30 July 2021)

A day that celebrates the golden relationship of friends throughout the world. Brands launch many challenges, polls, competitions, etc in which people can participate with their friends.

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August 2021

International Beer Day (7 August 2021)

International Beer Day appreciates all forms of beer produced around the world. Companies that sell beer or items accompanied by beer usually become active on this day.

International Youth Day (12 August 2021)

This day celebrates around 2 million youth present in today’s world. Each year the UN outlines a new issue concerning the welfare of youth. 

Independence Day (15 August 2021)

This day will mark 73 years of freedom from the British for India.  Brand campaigns focus on celebrating the country and arousing patriotism in their customers through PR. 

World Humanitarian Day (19 August 2021) 

Humanitarian personnel who lost their lives serving humanitarian causes are remembered on this day. Brands also show their appreciation and encourage people to participate in humanitarian acts.

Raksha Bandhan (3 August 2021)

Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. Brands start promoting their products as ideal gifts a few weeks before Raksha Bandhan begins. 

National Sports Day (29 August 2021)

Dedicated to Major Dhyan Chand, an excellent hockey player, India celebrates its national sports day. Sports events sponsored by companies take place on this day.

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September 2021

Teacher’s Day (5 September 2021)

Teacher’s day is an honor to all the teachers, celebrated in the memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Brands launch many campaigns that celebrate the role of teachers in the student’s lives.

International Literacy Day (8 September 2021) 

The importance of literacy is underlined on this day. Brands focus on showing the power and need for literacy and the role it can play in the growth of a developing country like India.

Ganesh Chaturthi (10 September 2021)

The birth of Ganesha, the Hindu God associated with abundance and wisdom is celebrated on this day. News around the celebration of this festival (especially in Maharashtra) spreads during this time.

National Engineer’s Day (15 September 2021)Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayyaer was one of the greatest engineers of India and his birthday is now celebrated as the engineer’s day of India. Brands use this day to target students and professionals working as engineers.

International Day for the Preservation of Ozone Layer (16September 2021)

This day is a reminder that the depletion of the Ozone Layer is one of the biggest environmental concerns faced by the world today. Brands do stories that focus on how pollution can be reduced in the world. 

World Tourism Day (27 September 2021)

This day highlights the importance of tourism for countries’ economies and humans too. Hotels, airlines, and other companies that profit from tourism are in the spotlight on this day.

Daughters’ Day (27 September 2021) 

This day is a celebration of the bond between parents and their daughters. Brands come out with many campaigns focusing on women on this day.

World Heart Day (29 September 2021) 

World Heart Day raises awareness about heart problems and encourages people to get an early diagnosis through periodic testing.

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October 2021

Gandhi Jayanti (2 October 2021)

The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated in India by remembering his sayings and acknowledging his efforts towards the freedom of this country. Media engages people on this day by getting them to participate in discussions about his teachings and contribution to the nation. Brands come with PR campaigns building on his values and message.

World Smile Day (2 October 2021)

Since 1999, this day is used to spread positivity. Many funny posts and questions regarding what makes you smile are shared by brands on this day. 

World Mental Health Day (10 October 2021) 

This day raises awareness on mental health issues, thus encouraging people to remove the taboo surrounding it. Brands celebrate people who have been through mental health issues to raise awareness. 

International Day of the Girl Child  (11 October 2021)

Girl Child is put into focus on this day as issues regarding equal rights are put forward. Companies often share their support for the increasing opportunities for girls on this day.

Durga Puja (11-14 October 2021)

Durga Puja is celebrated by paying homage to Hindu Goddess Durga. It is celebrated with much zeal in Eastern parts of India. This is a relevant time to do PR campaigns around the issues of women empowerment.

Dussehra (15 October 2021)

Inspired by the Hindu mythology Ramayana, this day is celebrated in India at the end of Navratri. Many brands use the message victory of good over evil as part of their marketing strategy.
World Food Day (16 October 2021)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was established on this day. Food companies leverage this and conduct several activities surrounding the day.

Boss Day (16 October 2021)

This day is celebrated to appreciate bosses for their support to employees. It is a wonderful opportunity for brands to do humorous campaigns and PR stunts celebrating bosses. This is also an opportunity to do internal PR in organizations.

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November 2021

Diwali (04 November 2021)

Diwali is considered as one of the biggest Hindu festivals and is celebrated by lighting lamps, eating delicacies and bursting crackers across the country. Brands spread festivity by doing festive campaigns and even spreading awareness about the harmful effects of bursting crackers. 
World Diabetes Day (14 November 2021)

This day raises awareness about diabetes. Many events are held on this day to encourage the detection and prevention of diabetes.

Children’s Day (14 November 2021)

Celebrated on the birthday of India’s First Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, this day focuses on children’s rights and their future.
National Press Day (16 November 2021)

National Press Day is celebrated to mark the importance of the good press in the country. 

International Men’s Day (19 November 2021)

This day is celebrated to appreciate, honor and celebrate the men and the roles they play in the family and society.  Brands often come up with campaigns celebrating soldiers and fathers.

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December 2021

World’s AIDS Day (1 December 2021)

This day raises awareness on AIDS and remembers those who lost their lives due to the condition. Many health-based companies share articles on prevention, detection, and control of HIV. Campaigns also focus on breaking the stigma against the victims and survivors.

National Pollution Control Day (2 December 2021)

This day focuses on the importance of adopting environment-friendly habits drawing lessons from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. News centers around innovative products that reduce emissions.

International Day of the Disabled (3 December 2021)

This day promotes inclusiveness for the needs of disabled people and to increase awareness about their situation. 

Human Rights Day (10 December 2021)

Human Rights Day is celebrated to show unity for the protection of basic human rights and freedoms. Brands use this day to promote human rights.

World Energy Conservation Day (14 December 2021)

World Energy Conservation Day reminds the world of the importance of saving energy. This creates awareness before they deplete completely.

National Consumer Day (24 December 2021)

This day champions the cause of consumer rights. The news focuses on new laws and practices that have a direct impact on consumer rights.

Christmas (25 December 2021)

Christmas is the biggest festival for Christians as it marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Many deals and discounts are offered by brands on this day.  Articles and blogs on buying the perfect Christmas gift are shared on digital news and social media.