In India, the Calendar (Panchang) is a comprehensive, ancient, and scientific system of timekeeping based on the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. This research paper studies the Kumbh Mela held in India and its journey from ancient times to the modern era. In Indian culture, a “mela” is a gathering of people that serves as a medium for the propagation of spiritual, social, cultural, political, and commercial institutions and organisations, fulfilling religious, cultural, customary, and traditional needs, as well as providing opportunities for trade, sacrifice, entertainment, and countless other aspirations and requirements. In the Indian psyche, fairs evoke a unique enthusiasm, often manifested as large crowds during cultural, religious, and social celebrations. People of all ages and religions participate. The timing is determined, in part, by Panchangs, which are readily available for 2-20 rupees. The Kumbh Mela, often considered among the largest fairs, holds the distinction of being the largest fair in the world.

            This paper refere the journey of calendar-based communication from tradition to technological transformation from the perspective of the Kumbh Mela. It explores how astronomical principles, religious legitimacy, and modern mass media combine to expand the dates, times, and liveliness of the Kumbh Mela, the Magh Mela, and other fairs. It also analyses the challenges and potential of digital communication systems, particularly in terms of the authenticity and credibility of the event, and in bridging the gap between traditional astrologers and government authorities. This paper identifies the interplay between Kumbh Mela tradition and technology, where ancient calendar principles remain in place, yet communication processes are modernising and evolving in the digital age.

Keywords- Communication, calendar, Panchang, Kumbh, Fair, Technology, Heritage, Media, almanacks, Panchang

Mohit Kumar Jaiswal, Research Scholar, Journalism and Mass Communication, Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University, UP

Dr Sadhana Srivastava, Assistant Professor, Journalism and Mass Communication, Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University, UP

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