Topicals are social media content pieces that brands publish to stay on top of people’s minds during selective times of the year:
- Festivals, National Holidays, traditional days
- Fun days (Chocolate Day, Pizza Day)
- Birthdays of Celebrities & Noteworthy persons
- Landmark events for the community
In case you’re scratching your head about what to post for your brand or client accounts in the upcoming season, here’s a master list of references containing the best topical posts all year round.
Hope it sparks some ideas to help you create your posts.
Makar Sankranti/Pongal
In January, people across India celebrate the new harvest season, referring to it by many names like “Pongal” in the South, “Makar Sankranti” in the West/Maharashtra, and “Lohri” in Punjab.
Brands deck up their posts with local festive traditions such as kite flying or boiling milk rice in clay pots under the Sun.
Republic Day
Republic Day is a public holiday in India where the country marks and celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950.
This replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation into a republic separate from British Raj.
Brands celebrate the occasion by talking about national pride, unity, democracy, and our constitutional rights.
Cancer Day
Every year on 4th March, the world comes together in solidarity for our fight against one of the most crippling diseases known to human kind – cancer.
Brands post inspiring messages that honor cancer victims, spread awareness of early detection methods, and wish for a world free from cancer.
This is a highly sensitive day so we suggest not using it as an opportunity to promote your product or brand in any way, even indirectly. Just respect the seriousness & urge people to stay safe & find the cure.
Valentine’s Day
This day was historically based on honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. It evolved into a tradition for showing people love & affection.
Every 14th February, brands come together to celebrate romance, love, relationships, and all the other sweet things in life.
Everyone’s feed is blessed with adorable messages and warm wishes.
Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement.
Brands celebrate by honoring the female spirit, also sometimes bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is usually celebrated by Hindus in September. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is one of the divine Avatars of the Almighty God Vishnu – the Creator of the Universe.
Krishna spent his childhood in Gokulnagar, where tales of him stealing makkhan (butter) and fighting demons abound.
Brands welcome the “natkhat nandkishor” (naughty son) in their hearts & homes with funny or quirky creatives.
Independence Day
On 15th August 1947, India gained independence from British rulers. Every year, we celebrate the day to recognize our struggle as a free and democratic nation.
Brands usually stick to patriotic themes celebrating the pride in being Indian.
Ganesh Chaturthi
During August-September, people bring home idols of Lord Ganesha (the Elephant-headed God in Hinduism) to pray for prosperity, peace, and protection for their families.
Brands celebrate the festive mood by illustrating everyone’s beloved Ganpati in unique ways, often referencing his love for modaks, ladoos, and other sweet items.
Onam
Onam is a South Indian festival celebrated primarily by Hindu Keralites to welcome the harvest season.
Activities and events are conducted in remembrance of the good governance under the rule of daitya king Mahabali, a mythical king who once ruled Kerala.
Brands usually post colorful creatives referencing Kerala’s backwaters and their boats, along with Onam Sandhya i.e. the traditional feast served on banana leaves in homes on.
Gandhi Jayanti
Every year on October 02, India has a National Holiday to commemorate the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, lovingly known as the “Mahatma” (great soul) who was instrumental in our nation’s freedom struggle.
Brands honor his teachings of peace, unity, harmony, and ahimsa i.e. non-violence.
Dussehra
Dussehra marks the defeat of the Demon Raavan by Lord Ram in Hindu mythology. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
It is celebrated a few weeks before Diwali.
Brands usually create illustrations that convey their product or service defeating different types of “evils.” The 10-headed Raavan concept is also utilized in this regard.
Diwali
Diwali is usually celebrated in India around October-November every year, marking the return of Lord Rama, a Hindu deity, to his hometown Ayodhya after defeating the demon Ravana from Sri Lanka.
Brands celebrate the moment with festive posts, featuring lights, lanterns, diyas, rangolis, mandalas, desi sweets and savories, along other traditional elements.
Children’s Day
Children’s Day in India is celebrated on 14 November every year on the birthday of the First Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was known to have been fond of children.
On this occasion, brands usually post nostalgic content reminiscing of our Wonder Years as kids.
Men’s Day
International Men’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on November 19 to raise awareness about men’s mental health, male abuse victims, and other issues concerning men.
It also celebrates all the sacrifices the brothers, fathers, and boyfriends make for us. Brand usually urge their fans to thank the boys in their life and normalize men crying, feeling weak, or hurting.
Christmas
Xmas is celebrated on 25th December every year.
Brands usually go for posts featuring Santa Claus and his reindeer, snowman, cookies, candies, Christmas tree decorations and similar festive elements to bring in the winter/New Year cheer.
New Year
31st December is a time when everybody gets excited to leave behind the year and have a fresh start.
Creatives done by brands around this time usually talk about sticking to New Year Resolutions (eg. traveling or losing weight), having fun together, and being open to fresh changes or ideas in life.
Conclusion
So that was my inspiration list of great topical posts throughout the year.
Which ones did you find the most relevant and well integrated?
Which brand(s) do you think does consistently well with topicals on social media all year round?
Are there any noteworthy occasions I have missed?
Let me know your thoughts & ideas in the comments below!