Print’s Enduring Premium in Digital Era: Poll season lifts Sivakasi calendar output by 5%

MADURAI: Calendar manufacturers in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu’s print industry hub, have reported a five per cent increase in production this year, primarily driven by early orders for 2026 calendars ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Political parties and leaders have begun placing bulk orders, creating fresh demand, said K Jeyasankar, president of the Tamil Nadu Calendar Manufacturers Association, on Thursday. Though the growth is modest, manufacturers are satisfied with the uptick, he said.

Sivakasi, in Virudhunagar district, has around 100 calendar production units, with an average annual output of nearly 4.5 crore daily and monthly calendars. Despite the rise of digital platforms, calendar production continues to grow marginally each year due to steady demand from households, offices, and workplaces.

Daily-sheet calendars, in particular, remain popular as they are closely associated with spirituality and the marking of auspicious timings, ensuring their continued presence in homes and institutions

Consumers largely prefer calendars featuring images of gods and goddesses, while commercial establishments continue to use them as year-long advertising tools. Manufacturers are introducing new designs annually, including embossed, glitter-finish and acrylic-coated calendars.

Jeyasankar also called for a uniform GST on paper to further support the industry.

This year's rise in drive is also attributed to polls this year. Political parties are ordering calendars to increase their visibility at homes, places of potential voters, during this election season.