Swiss Attractions
Dehradun September 2026 Vol.
XIX Issue No. 225
Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their
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publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this
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Summer
Camps in Israel
Editorial….
Dear
Reader,
Hearty congratulations to all winners at the recent international stamp exhibitions.Now, it is the time for India to host a National and an International Stamp Exhibition. It has been a long wait, and philatelists across the country are eagerly looking forward to these two major events. Such exhibitions inspire budding philatelists and young collectors.
If proper promotion is done well in advance, the
hobby can be effectively promoted among the youth. It is time to preserve the
heritage of this hobby, which was once called the "King of Hobbies and the
Hobby of Kings". Today, the youth is drawn to the digital world and such
hobbies are losing their charm. Yet, the hobby can still be promoted and
preserved by organizing stamp shows from time to time.
For promotional shows, the venue is very
important. Instead of faraway, deserted venues, small exhibitions should be
organized in schools and at public places like malls, where more people get a
chance to see them. Malls are places where people from all walks of life and
all age groups visit — such venues can bring philately closer to the public.
This is all for this month… Happy Collecting!
Contents
. Editorial
· From the Desk of
Naresh Agrawal
· Recent Indian Issues
· In the News
. From the Pen of
Dipok Dey
. Specialized Section
· Beginners’ Section
. Thematics
. Stories Behind
Stamps
. Remarkable Stamp of
India
. New Issues from
Other Countries
. Stamp of the Month
· Philatelic Clubs and
Society
· Blogs and Websites
on Philately
· Current Philatelic
Magazines and Newsletters
Negative effects of private and unapproved
philatelic exhibitions
In the recent past few years there has been a sudden surge of digital philatelic exhibitions globally with a few physical also. Though such shows enjoy wide spread acceptance by the global stamp lovers who got huge opportunity to participate in these exhibitions easily. But it has been seen that not all are validated by global governing bodies of philately. We all know that organizations like Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP),FIAP etc. have fully integrated virtual exhibitions into official competitive hierarchies but the digital exhibitions being organized by various philatelic societies in different countries which are officially invalid, unsanctioned and unapproved, have no such specific system. or they don’t follow it strictly. These shows do give good opportunities to participants to not only participate but win higher awards also and so give pleasure and satisfaction to them. But winning such awards don’t make such winners legally eligible for participation in exhibitions organized by FIP or FIAP or their affiliated governing bodies. It has been seen that such societies are frequently organizing philatelic exhibitions stating the level of the show to be National or International or National Level with International Participation. The matter of concern is whether such shows are good for development of competitive philately or are held with some specific motives. Let’s think about it.
I feel the rise of such private, unapproved and independent digital and physical philatelic exhibitions globally is creating significant challenges to organized and competitive philately. These unofficial events often aim to liberalize, make accessible, affordable and equalize stamp collecting by avoiding and ignoring the rigid hierarchies and the strict regulatory frameworks established by FIP, WADP and UPU. The primary negative impacts of these exhibitions can be looked upon into two core areas discussed hereunder such as the challenging quality and development of competitive philately and secondly the macroeconomic effects on international currency earnings.
1. DEGRADATION
OF COMPETITIVE PHILATELY
Competitive philately relies on strict, established structured rules, highly monitored standardized evaluation by an accredited jury following an accredited progression path to maintain its status as an intellectually rigorous standard and discipline. Unapproved exhibitions systematically erode these pillars: They give ignore the discipline set by the philatelic governing bodies and give easy excess by giving huge relaxation.
Subversion of Judging Quality and Rules: Official FIP exhibitions follow highly refined Special Regulations (SREVs) tailored to specific classes (e.g., Traditional, Thematic, Postal History). Private exhibitions often use ad-hoc judging panels without accredited international jurors. This leads to inconsistent marking, praising flawed presentations, and reinforcing poor exhibiting techniques. Thereby higher awards in comparison to FIP are given. I myself have experienced this on my exhibits.
Loss of Legitimate Qualification Paths: In standard competitive philately, an exhibitor must earn a specific point threshold (e.g., 75 points or even 85 for certain shows) at a National exhibition to qualify for international and world-level FIP events. Unapproved exhibitions grant private, unrecognized awards that hold no official standing and validity within the official global framework. This misleads collectors regarding the actual value and rank of their work. Which do give them temporary pleasure but they fail to achieve that when it comes to official competitive exhibiting.
Proliferation of Unverifiable Materials: Digital unapproved exhibitions are highly vulnerable to digital manipulation. Without rigorous, physical, multi-juror scrutiny, these platforms risk showcasing and legitimizing expert alterations, color-manipulated digital scans, or even illegal philatelic issues (fake stamps printed by private entities under the guise of real nations). Even poor-quality materials are given higher appreciation. This truly is detrimental for development of competitive philately.
Dilution of Academic and Research Standards: Legitimate philately rewards personal research, postal rate studies, and rarity verification all give true quality to the exhibiting and also give joy of collecting. And getting any award for the hard work done gives true pleasure and the right path for further development. Private exhibitions, especially informal online ones, prioritize aesthetic presentation or simple topical accumulation over original philatelic scholarship. Such exhibits do give pleasure but they lack qualitatively and in one way restricts the path of development also. It has also promoted AI assisted literature displays ignoring and overlooking the true and personal research and write ups.
2. IMPACT
ON INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY EARNINGS
For decades, philately has been a vital generator of foreign currency, particularly for developing nations or smaller states that run robust philatelic bureaus. Unapproved physical and digital exhibitions disrupt these revenue streams. Such digital exhibitions validate illegal / Cinderella issues which diverts capital from official Bureaus sales. This facilitates peer-to-peer trades which bypasses official bourses & local / state taxes. These exhibitions also shift focus to virtual assets which in turn decreases physical imports & so affect customs revenue.
Legitimization of
"Cinderella" and Illegal Stamps: According to the Universal Postal Union (UPU), illegal stamps
issued under the names of non-existent or politically unstable territories
represent a big threat to the postal economy. Unapproved exhibitions allow
display of these unrecognized materials or have no stringent checks, which
appears official, trustworthy, or valid on the surface, but lacks the actual
substance, legality, or merit to back it up. This directly diverts collector
capital away from purchasing genuine stamp issues from legitimate national
postal administrations.
Tax Evasion and Unregulated Bourses: Official world exhibitions feature heavily taxed trade where
international stamp dealers buy and sell high-value philatelic assets. Private
physical or digital exhibitions often function outside international financial
oversight, catering informal peer-to-peer market places that bypass cross-border
customs duties, currency reporting requirements, and local sales
taxes.
Diminished Tourism and Host-Country Revenue: FIP World Stamp Exhibitions act as massive economic engines for host cities, drawing thousands of international tourists, collectors, and corporate postal delegations who spend hard currency on hospitality, transport, and event registrations. Dispersing the community into small, fragmented, private digital expos drastically dilutes the physical audience, minimizing the international tourism spending that traditionally supports host-country economies.
· Speculative Risk from Volatile Digital Philatelic Assets: Many unapproved digital exhibitions actively endorse speculative digital-only "crypto stamps" and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that operate on private block chains. When these systems lack coordination with the WADP World Numbering System (WNS), they invite highly volatile capital speculation. If these private networks fail or crash, they wipe out collector wealth, ultimately cooling overall long-term investment into the physical, cross-border stamp trade.
These are my personal opinions and observations which may not be right in totality but certainly to a big extent such exhibitions have a great impact on competitive philately and on International currency earnings.
After having
discussed the above major negative aspects of such exhibitions, I must also
admit that such exhibitions certainly have attracted stamp lovers and helped to
promote stamp collecting and philately in one way. But yes., these are
certainly detrimental for the development of established standardized
competitive philately. It is a matter of concern to see how the governing
bodies of philately treat such challenges. I think FIP or the International or
National philatelic governing bodies need to have strict vigil on such
exhibitions and take note of these to take appropriate action not to disallow
organizing such exhibitions but to control such shows and inform the philatelic
community about the status of such exhibitions. Likewise other checks and
actions may be taken. In nut shell, it is the time for approved governing
bodies to formulate new rules, regulations and guide lines for holding,
participating, judging and awarding systems in such shows. For example, the
awards won in such shows, if accepted, may be lowered by at least 2 grades for
making eligibility in participation in approved shows. I think before it is too
late, there is an urgent need to think and act.
Naresh Agrawal, Bilaspur (C.G.) email nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in Mob / WhatsApp: 09425530514
Recent Indian Issues
3
August 2026 : Centenary of Satish Gujral
7
August 2026: Handlooms of India - 4 x Rs 5 + MS
23
August 2026: Ramphal Mandal-Rs 5
New Rakhi
Envelopes
New Special
Cancellations
Special slogan cancellation issued on 27.08.2026 at Berhampur HPO to be
affixed on all incoming mails till completion of BRAHMAPEX-2026
New Special Covers
27 August 2026: Bandung 2026 Asian International Stamp
Exhibition
29 August 2026 : National Sports Day
In The News
BANDUNG 2026
Asian International Stamp Exhibition
27-31 August 2026
Bandung
2026 is an Asian International Stamp Exhibition under patronage of the
Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP). Bandung 2026 was held from 27th –
31st August 2026 at Graha Pos Indonesia Bandung.
Result: Indian Participants
Congratulations!
2026
Queensland Stamp & Coin Show, Brisbane, Australia
13-16 August 2026
Congratulations!
Result: Indian participants
1. Sushil Mehra 2.Capt.Vijay Wadhwa 3. Mahalinga Ramachandran 4. Lallan Singh
5.
N.Sridevi 6. Kumesh Kr. Jain 7. Shashi Pal Batra
PHILATAIPEI 2026
PHILATAIPEI
2026 World Stamp Championship Exhibition. (FIP)
The
exhibition is scheduled to be held from November 20 to 25, 2026, at Taipei
World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1, Areas B and C. It will be organized under
the Patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP)
National
Commissioner for India,
Pratisad
Neurgaonkar, 884, Bhandarkar Road, 14
Patil Terraces, Pune 411004
Email pratisadn@gmail.com.com / WhatsApp
+91-9766310553
the Apprentice National
Commissioner for India : Sunil Joshi Phone: 9822026422
AUSVIPEX
2026
Deadlines
Entries Open: 30 March
2026
Entries Close: 30
September 2026
Title Pages to Judges:
Wednesday 07 October 2026
Scans of Exhibits
required by: 14 October 2026
Exhibits available
online for Judges: From Sunday 01 November 2026
Judging concluded:
Sunday 22 November 2026
Results available:
Monday 30 November 2026
Feedback to
Exhibitors: Week commencing Mon 7 December 2026.
On Line until 28
February 2027
Frames Available: 500
Exhibition Website : https://apfvirtual.com
Organisation
The Australian Virtual Philatelic Exhibition 2026 is an online National
Philatelic Exhibition organised by the Australian Philatelic Federation (APF).
These regulations are based on the APF Regulations for Australian Philatelic
Exhibitions.
For all enquiries
email: apfvirtual@gmail.com
AMSIPEX-27
3rd
International Virtual Aero- & Astrophilatelic Exhibition
14-21
February 2027
For details Visit : www.amsipex.com
SLOVPHILEX 2027
SLOVPHILEX 2027, a specialised World Philatelic Exhibition to be held at Bratislava,
Slovakia from June 30th to July 4th 3027.
The Classes of Exhibits are: Traditional Philately, Postal History, Revenues, Thematic Philately,
Picture postcards, Open Philately, Non-Standard Frames (1-3 Frames)
exhibit and
Philatelic Literature.
The last date for acceptance of application forms is October 15th 2026.
-G. Anil kumar Reddy, Commissioner Ph.98410 22884: email: anilreddy.stamps@gmail.com
YEHUDI MENUHIN TROPHY 2026
Most
Popular Music Stamp 2025
Stamp issues marking
significant anniversaries of famous figures from the worlds of culture,
science, and politics have long been highly popular among postal authorities
and collectors alike. Against this backdrop, it comes as no surprise that the
stamp commemorating the 200th anniversary of the “Waltz King” Johann Strauss,
was voted the most popular music-themed stamp of 2025 by collectors worldwide,
garnering 6.07% of the vote. Issued by Austrian Post on January 18, 2025, the
stamp combines the figure from the Johann Strauss monument in Vienna’s
Stadtpark with a detail from the title page of the first edition of the piano
score for the waltz “The Blue Danube” (“An der schönen blauen Donau”),
published by C.A. Spina in Vienna in 1867. The stamp was designed by Viennese
artist Kirsten Lubach, who is being honored with the Yehudi Menuhin Trophy 2026
for her work.
Born in Troisdorf (Germany) in 1973, Kirsten Lubach trained as an engraver at the Zeichenakademie in Hanau. She subsequently pursued further studies in Lahti, Finland, on a scholarship and qualified as a master engraver there in 1999. After working for a specialised firm for several years, she moved to the Austrian State Printing Office in 2003, where she was initially responsible for correcting and retouching printing plates. The first stamp she engraved — part of the “Wildlife of Austria” series — was released in 2006. In 2012, Lubach became self-employed, opening her own copperplate engraving and printing studio in Vienna. Over the years, she has designed numerous stamps for various postal authorities and already received the Yehudi Menuhin Trophy in 2023 for the “Trombone” stamp — part of the “Musical Austria” series — which was voted the most popular music-themed stamp of 2022.
With 4.59% of the vote, the
“The Pixies’ Christmas” stamp from the Faroe Islands, issued on October 20,
2025, took second place. The stamp was designed by Janus á Húsagarði, a Faroese
photographer and visual artist based in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.
Taking third place with
4.43% of the vote was the German stamp “Semper Opera House”. For the design,
graphic artist Jan-Niklas Kröger utilized the AI image generator DALL·E.
It is fascinating to
observe the diverse graphic approaches taken with these three stamps: ranging
from collage and poetic, fairy-tale-style illustration to the use of artificial
intelligence — though one hopes that postal authorities will not succumb to the
temptation of replacing the craftsmanship of graphic artists with AI.
Yehudi-Menuhin-Trophy
While
the stamps delight collectors and postal customers around the world, the
creators of these small works of art remain largely unknown. By awarding the
Yehudi-Menuhin-Trophy to the designer of the year's most popular music stamp,
Motivgruppe Musik, the international Philatelic Music Study Group, gives a face
to one of the artists, representing the many unnamed.
The vote
for the most popular music stamp has been held by music stamp collectors around
the world since 1980. The trophy is awarded in memory of the great violinist
and conductor Lord Yehudi Menuhin, who was patron of the Philatelic Music
Circle for 30 years, from 1969 until his death in 1999.
Motivgruppe
Musik
Motivgruppe
Musik, the international Philatelic Music Study Group, was founded in 1959 as
philatelic study group "Music, Theater, Literature". With about
200 music stamp collectors from 36 countries, Motivgruppe Musik is one of the
biggest thematic study groups within the Association of German Philatelists
(BDPh) and, as an internationally active study group, it is a member of the
American Topical Association (ATA).
News from Philatelists and Philatelic Societies
AMSI
Piyush Khaitan elected Vice President of FédérationInternationale des Sociétés Aéro- et Astrophilatéliques (FISA)
Special Picture Post card on Elephant from Shivpuri, Madhya
Pradesh
On August 12, 2026, marking World Elephant Day, the Department of Posts, M.P Postal circle unveiled a special pictorial cancellation and a picture postcard in Shivpuri, featuring theme related to elephant conservation and their habitats in presence of postal staffs & eminent philatelist.
-Ranjeet Kumar Jha, Bhopal
Android App for Philately: Indian Philately Digest
Android App for philately, Indian Philately Digest, is now available on the Google Play Store.
The app has been developed as a useful resource for Indian
philatelists, collectors, clubs, and enthusiasts. It brings together a wide
range of information related to Indian stamps, philatelic organisations,
events, and the collecting community.
Key Features
- Registered philatelists’ directory, including
collecting interests and contact details
- Information on Indian commemorative and
definitive stamps
- Directory of philatelic clubs and organisations
across India
- Details of philatelic bureaus and stamp dealers
- Philatelic news, postal developments, and
important announcements
- Information about exhibitions and upcoming
philatelic events
- Buying and selling offers posted by registered
members
- Articles on philately, collecting themes, and
related subjects
- Timeless Stamps, Timeless Quotes — a collection of classic stamps and inspiring
quotations celebrating philatelic heritage
- Filters to help users quickly find relevant
information
The App can be downloaded using the link below:
Download Indian Philately Digest from Google Play
- Prashant Pandya
Understanding
the “gum” (adhesive) on Postage Stamps.
There is a
beautiful song by Purna Das Baul that feels specially written for stamp lovers:
‘Golemale
golemale, don’t fall in love,
For love is
like the gum of a jackfruit —
Once it
touches you,You can never break free.’
The charm of
stamps is just the same.
Once this
gentle obsession touches your heart, it stays forever — just like a postage stamp’s
glue that, once placed on an envelope, clings faithfully and never lets go.
Why the Gum on a Stamp Matters More Than We Think.
When
collectors admire a postage stamp, attention naturally goes to the design,
engraving, colour, or perforation. Yet one essential component often remains
unnoticed—the gum on the back. At most, we check whether it is intact, but few
realise how crucial this adhesive layer truly is to the life, quality, and
preservation of a stamp.
A stamp
produced in Europe may be perfectly stable in its home country but deteriorate
rapidly in India due to humidity. Early Indian postal issues had to use gum
that could survive the subcontinent’s monsoon conditions—often softer, more
flexible, and more resistant to fungal attack.
A STORY OF EVOLUTION
How Early
Victorian Gum Evolved After the Penny Black
The thin
dextrin gum used on the PENNY- BLACK- IN
1840 was simple and unstable, often dissolving in damp climates. As stamp
production expanded, gum quality improved:
1850s–1860s
(Queen Victoria period):
Printers
adopted thicker, more uniform dextrin gum, applied by rollers instead of
hand-brushing. This reduced curling and improved adhesion.
1870s–1890s
(Late Victorian period):
Gum became more
consistent and glossier, and experimentation began with arabic gum blends to
make stamps more durable for export to tropical colonies. As Tropical colonies
required stronger, more durable gum. Glossier surfaces appeared on some issues.
These
developments laid the foundation for the more reliable adhesives seen in the
20th century.
From natural
gums like gum arabic and dextrin to modern synthetic adhesives, the evolution
of stamp gum reflects the changing needs of postal departments worldwide.
During wartime shortages, many countries experimented with makeshift adhesives,
some of which aged poorly. In tropical regions, manufacturers had to constantly
improve gum quality to reduce toning and keep stamps flat.
MORE THAN JUST A GLUE
Stamp gum is
not a random adhesive applied at the end of printing. It is a carefully
formulated substance that must:
Anchor
firmly to the paper I I I Dry without cracking I I I Resist humidity, fungus,
and insects I I I Remain flexible for years.
Not all
adhesives are suitable for every type of paper. And equally important—the
climate of the country plays a decisive role in how well the gum survives.
Stamps printed in Germany, France, or America are suitable for their cool, dry
climates, but when the same type of gum reaches tropical countries like India,
it often deteriorates rapidly.
CLIMATE - A SILENT FACTOR
The
performance of stamp gum is deeply influenced by weather. Cold and dry climates
allow the use of hard, shiny gums that remain stable for decades. Hot and humid
regions require softer, more flexible adhesives, otherwise the stamp begins to
curl, tone, or stick.
This is why
European stamps often show cracking or toning when stored in India, while
Indian stamps were specially engineered to survive monsoon conditions.
TYPES OF STAMP GUM
From Natural to Synthetic
Over the
decades, postal administrations worldwide experimented with various gums to
adapt to paper quality, printing technology, and climate.
1. DEXTRIN GUM (Traditional Natural Gum)
One of the
earliest and most widely used stamp adhesives.
What is
Dextrin Gum?
Dextrin gum is a type of adhesive
derived from the partial hydrolysis of starch (usually from potato, corn, or
wheat). When starch is heated with small amounts of acid, it breaks down into
dextrin – a light, water-soluble powder.
In postage
stamps, dextrin gum is used because:
It dissolves
easily with moisture, allowing the stamp to stick when licked.
It is
inexpensive and easy to apply on paper.
It dries to
a smooth, glossy or semi-glossy layer.
Features:
Yellowish or
off-white tone I I I Often glossy but can crack with age I I I Sensitive to
humidity.
Common
Issues: Toning in tropical climates,
humidity,Curling of thin paper
Used by: Early
Indian issues, British Commonwealth, and many European countries
1a. SWEDISH DEXTRIN-BASED DRY GUM
Sweden is
one of the few countries in the world that used a special dry,
climate-resistant gum—an adhesive that remained completely stable across all
climates.
Sometimes
referred to simply as "Swedish Dry Gum" in philatelic literature.
Sweden
traditionally used “dry gum” (also called dry adhesive or non-tacky gum), which
becomes sticky only when slightly moistened.
WHY IS SWEDISH DRY GUM SPECIAL?
Not
hygroscopic — it does not absorb moisture from the air, so it does not become
sticky in humid climates. It remains absolutely dry to the touch.
Stable in
all climates — it performs well in both cold Scandinavian weather and warm
tropical climates.
Resistant to
curling — stamps remain flat even in extreme humidity where many other
countries’ stamps curl or stick together.
Long
shelf-life — the gum does not crack, yellow, or stain the stamp with age.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDIAN DEXTRIN GUM AND SWEDISH “Dry
Dextrin”
Although
both are based on dextrin, the method of application and final characteristics
are different.
a). INDIAN
DEXTRIN GUM (Traditional Gumming)
APPLICATION METHOD:
India used
wet-applied dextrin gum. The gum was prepared as a liquid solution and brushed
or rolled onto the sheet of stamp paper. The sheet was then dried.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Slightly
yellowish tint (especially in older issues).
Smooth to
glossy surface.
Sensitive to
humidity – it can crack, craze, or become patchy in tropical climates.
Often uneven
thickness due to the liquid application.
Many Indian stamps (British India
and early post-Independence) show gum toning, cracking, and brown spots because
dextrin absorbs moisture easily in India’s climate.
b). Swedish
“Dry Dextrin Gum” (Sweden’s 1930s–1950s innovation)
Sweden
pioneered a different technique known as dry-applied dextrin or dry gum
printing.
Application method:
Instead of
using a liquid solution, Sweden applied dextrin in dry powder form using
electrostatic or mechanical methods.
The gum was
then heat-activated to bond with the paper.
This
produced a very thin, extremely even gum layers.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Very smooth,
matte and uniform gum.
Much more
resistant to humidity.
Does not
crack or become blotchy as easily.
Often
appears almost invisible or very light in colour.
Allows
better preservation in cold Nordic climate.
Collectors
often describe Swedish dry dextrin as “hard gum” because it feels dry and
solid, unlike the softer Indian liquid-applied gum.
KEY DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE
Feature
& Application
Indian
Dextrin Gum: Liquid gum brushed/rolled when wet
Sweden Dry Dextrin:
Dry powder heat-activated
Surface Look:
Glossy or semi-glossy (Indian); Matte and very smooth (Swedish)
Colour: Often
yellowish or brownish (Indian); Very light or almost invisible (Swedish)
Thickness:
Uneven (Indian);Very thin & uniform( Swedish)
Climate
Resistance: Poor in humidity, prone to cracking ( Indian); Excellent stability,
long-lasting (Swedish)
IN SIMPLE TERMS
Indian
dextrin gum = liquid gum applied wet, more affected by climate.
Swedish dry
dextrin = refined dry application, thinner and more stable.
2. GUM ARABIC (Acacia Gum)
A natural
gum made from the sap of acacia trees.
Features: Smooth,
shiny appearance ; Ages well in dry climates ;Less likely to crack
Common Issues:
Absorbs
moisture quickly in humid regions. Can become sticky.
Used by: Early
stamps of Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
3. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) Synthetic Gum
Introduced
in the mid-20th century, PVA became a modern standard.
Features: Perfectly
smooth, almost invisible; Very stable over time; Resistant to fungus and
humidity.
COMMON ISSUES:
Difficult to
identify visually. Sometimes causes slight paper translucence
Used by: Modern
Indian issues, US stamps from late 1960s onward, and most contemporary world
issues.
4. TROPICAL GUM (withstand humidity)
Specially
designed for countries with very high humidity.
Features: Soft,
flexible, and slightly dull
Designed to
prevent cracking and toning. Helps the stamp stay flat
Common
Issues: Can look patchy or uneven (normal for this type)
Used by:
India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and many Caribbean countries. and many
tropical nations.
5. PRESSURE - SENSITIVE GUM
SYNTHETIC POLYMER (Self-Adhesive) Gum No water needed
Comes with a
peel-off backing
Used in
modern commemorative stamps.
Traditional
stamps used water-activated gum.
e.g. natural
gums like Gum Arabic (from acacia) or starch-based adhesives such as Dextrin.
But modern
self-adhesive stamps (peel & stick) use a pressure-sensitive adhesive: a
synthetic polymer, often acrylic-based.
This
pressure-sensitive adhesive is pre-applied beneath a release-liner (backing
paper) so you can peel the stamp and press it onto an envelope — no moistening
needed.
Collector notes
Self-adhesive
stamps behave differently for soaking/removal and long-term storage compared
with gummed stamps (they can be harder to soak off and may require careful
mechanical removal or solvents).
Acrylic PSA.
(pressure-sensitive adhesive) is chosen for durability, archival stability and
good adhesion to envelopes.
HOW DIFFERENT GUMS WERE USED IN INDIAN ISSUES
India’s
climate forced continuous innovation in stamp gum. This makes Indian philately
especially fascinating.
1. Early Issues (1854–1900): Dextrin
Classic
issues (½ anna blue, 1 anna red) used dextrin gum, which often toned and
cracked due to humidity.
2. Edward VII & Early George V (1902–1920): Improved
Dextrin
Better
quality but still prone to ageing in tropical climates.
3. Late George V & George VI (1920s–1947): Tropical Gum
Introduced
More
flexible, less cracking, and more suited for Indian weather.
4. Early Republic (1947–1970): Tropical + Gum Arabic Mix
Used on
early definitives and commemoratives; smoother and more stable.
5. Modern India (1970s–1990s): PVA Gum
Shift
towards synthetic adhesives that resisted fungus and humidity.
6. Contemporary India (1990s–Present): PVA &
Self-Adhesives
Highly
durable, climate-resistant gum used in today’s issues.
GUM PROBLEMS IN STAMPS — AND HOW COLLECTORS CAN PREVENT
THEM
Because
stamp gum is sensitive to climate, temperature, and storage conditions,
collectors often encounter problems—especially in tropical countries like
India. Understanding these issues helps us preserve stamps better and identify
genuine condition.
COMMON PROBLEMS SEEN IN STAMP GUM
1. Toning or Browning
One of the
most widespread issues in humid regions.
Causes: High
moisture I I I Acidic paper I I Fungal activity
Effects: Yellow
or brown patches on the back; Reduction in value and eye appeal
2. Topicalization
A term used
in philately for stamps that deteriorate in hot, humid climates.
Signs: Brown
spots I I I Gum patches turning brittle
Paper
becoming slightly translucent
Topicalization
is common in older Indian, Malayan, Ceylon, and Caribbean stamps.
3. Gum Cracking
Mostly seen
in stamps with hard European-style gum.
Causes: of Hard
gum applied to thin paper; Drying too fast; Climate incompatible with the
adhesive
When these
stamps are stored in India, the gum often cracks into a “crocodile skin”
pattern.
4. Curling or Warping
Occurs when
the gum contracts but the paper does not.
Especially
common in:
EARLY INDIAN
ISSUES; Stamps printed on thin paper; Issues exposed to high humidity
This makes
the stamp curve inward, sometimes severely.
5. Sticking to Album Pages
A common
disaster for mint collectors.
Causes:
Humid weather; Using cheap album sheets; Plastic sleeves without ventilation; Once
stuck, removing the stamp usually damages the gum.
HOW COLLECTORS CAN PROTECT STAMP GUM
Preserving
gum is essential for maintaining the value of mint stamps, especially OG
(original gum) and MNH (mint never hinged) examples.
1. Store Stamps in a Cool, Dry Place
Ideal
humidity: 40–50%; Ideal temperature: 18–25°C
Avoid
storing stamps in attics, cupboards near bathrooms, or metal boxes that trap
moisture.
2. Use Archival-Quality Stock Books or Hingeless Albums
Choose:
Acid-free paper ;Glassine interleaving ; PVC-free materials
Cheap albums
accelerate toning and underline gum problems.
3. Avoid Handling Stamps with Bare Fingers
Natural oils
from skin can damage gum.
Always use
stamp tongs.
4. Use Silica Gel in Stamp Storage Areas
Small silica
gel packets help maintain dryness.
Replace them
every few months.
5. Never Keep Stamps in Sealed Plastic Bags
Plastic
traps moisture, especially during monsoon season. Always allow airflow.
6. Keep Gummed Stamps Away from Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can
harden gum and cause cracking. Store albums horizontally in a shaded place.
7. Beware of Fungus During Monsoon Season
Check albums
once a month during rainy months.
If a stamp
shows early signs of fungus, isolate it immediately.
Conclusion
The gum on
the back of a postage stamp may seem insignificant, yet it carries within it
the story of printing technology, climate challenges, and postal evolution.
From early dextrin gums to modern synthetic adhesives, every formulation
reflects the needs of its time. For collectors, understanding gum is not just
about preserving mint condition—it is about appreciating an often-ignored but
essential part of philately. The beauty of a stamp lies not only on its face,
but also quietly on its back, where history, science, and craftsmanship come
together.
-Dipok Dey: email: dipokdey38@gmail.com
The Divine Aviator
Hanuman’s Aerial Prowess Depicted on British India Bazaar Cards
1.Introduction: Mythological Aviation in Philately
In the realm of thematic philately, the subject of 'Aviation and Aviators' typically conjures images of the Wright Brothers, early biplanes, Zeppelins, and the dawn of commercial jet travel. However, a comprehensive exploration of humanity's fascination with flight must acknowledge the earliest aviators: those born from mythology and cultural epics. In Indian mythology, no figure embodies the mechanics, purpose, and majesty of flight quite like Hanuman from Maharshi Valmiki's epic, the Ramayana. As the supreme devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman represents boundless faith, courage, and humility. But beyond his spiritual attributes, he is celebrated for his unparalleled aerial prowess, bridging the human and divine realms through action and surrender.
This monograph serves as a
curated textual and visual journey. By examining a specific subset of postal
history—Bazaar Cards of the late 19th and early 20th centuries—we can witness
how Hanuman's legendary flights were visualized, printed, and mailed across
British India, serving as both religious iconography and functional postal
stationery.
2.The Phenomenon of British India Bazaar Cards
To understand the canvas
upon which these mythological flights were painted, one must first understand
the medium. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a unique category of
postcards emerged in British India known as 'Bazar Cards' (with 'Bazaar' and
'Bazar' used synonymously). Unlike the standardized, official postal cards
issued by the British colonial government, Bazaar cards were privately printed
and distributed by local businesses, merchants, and regional presses.
These privately minted cards became a massive phenomenon across the subcontinent. Their success rested on several pillars: affordability, aesthetic and cultural appeal, and total creative freedom. Local presses utilized various sizes and paper thicknesses to cater to regional demands. The most significant driver of their popularity, however, was the printing of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. These cards democratized divine imagery, allowing the common populace to send sacred narratives through the postal system. For the thematic aviation collector, these cards offer the earliest and most vibrant depictions of mythological flight ever to pass through a cancellation machine.
3. Hanuman: The Aviator of the Epic
Hanuman's identity as an
aviator is deeply rooted in his lineage. As the spiritual son of Vayu, the Wind
God, aerodynamics, speed, and navigation are his birthright. Throughout the
Ramayana, Hanuman undertakes several critical flights that parallel modern
aviation missions: reconnaissance, messaging, and heavy cargo transport.
His most famous flight is the crossing of the ocean to Lanka, a feat of sheer endurance and navigation. Later, during the great war, he performs an incredible 'heavy payload' flight, lifting the entire Sanjivini Mountain to transport a life-saving herb to Lakshmana. These aerial exploits were highly favoured by the local presses producing Bazaar cards, as they provided dynamic, visually striking tableaus that appealed to the devotion of the senders.
4. Philatelic Evidence: Hanuman in Flight
The integration of Hanuman's aviation with the British India postal system is best demonstrated through the surviving Bazaar cards of the era
Fig. 1: Hanuman flying with Rama's message. Mailed from Fatehpuri Bazar, Delhi to Marwar, Oct 1905.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, we see Hanuman in an aerodynamic, forward-stretching posture, flying swiftly through the sky. The momentum of his flight is captured by the trailing of his garments and tail. In his hand, he carries a letter bearing Rama's message, symbolizing his role as an airborne diplomat. This specific card was printed by Mohamed Ismail, Fazal Ellahi. Merchants and Com. Agents' in Fatehpuri Bazar, Delhi. The card is franked with a King Edward VII Half Anna stamp bearing a 1/4 overprint, cancelled in October 1905 as it made its way to Marwar.
The sheer popularity of
this specific aviation motif is evidenced by its repetition across different
regional printers. Look closely at Fig. 2; the visual composition of the flight
is nearly identical to Fig.2 , yet this card originates from the 'Gujarat Agent
Chunilal Mayachand Mehta,' an English medicine seller based in Three Doors,
Ahmedabad. It was mailed to Poona in May 1905, also franked with the King
Edward VII Half Anna stamp with a 1/4 overprint. The widespread distribution of
this specific airborne image highlights its cultural resonance.
4.1 Heavy Cargo Transport: The Sanjivini Flight
While the messenger flights
show speed and horizontal trajectory, Hanuman's transport of the Sanjivini
mountain demonstrates vertical lift and immense carrying capacity. The Bazar
cards depicting this event are among the most dramatic.
Fig. 3: Hanuman
transporting the mountain. Mailed from Lalitpur to Allahabad, Jul 1904.
Notice the muscular form
and determined expression in Fig. 3. Hanuman is shown striding powerfully
through the air, carrying the entire Sanjivini mountain aloft in one hand. This
card, printed by Hariprasad Bhagirathji (a bookseller in Kalkadevi, Mumbai),
showcases an earlier postal era. It is franked with a Queen Victoria Three Pies
stamp, proving that these aviation-themed Bazar cards were in circulation
before the Edwardian stamp era fully took over. The clear cancellation marks a
journey from Lalitpur to Allahabad in July 1904.
A striking variant of the heavy transport flight can be seen in Fig. 4. Printed by the Shri Venkateshwar Steam Press in Bombay, this card features a finely detailed lithograph of the mountain flight. Mailed to Fatehpur in September 1905, it bears the standard King Edward VII Three Pies stamp. The artistic design on this card is notable for its intricate depiction of the terrain far below the flying deity, emphasizing the altitude of his journey.
5. Conclusion
As demonstrated by the
cross-referenced Bazaar cards (Fig. 1 through Fig. 4), the mythological flights
of Hanuman were not merely abstract stories; they were tangible, visual
commodities that moved through the British India postal network.
These privately printed postcards—franked with the monarchs of the British Empire yet adorned with the ultimate airborne devotee of Indian epic history—represent a beautiful intersection of philately, printing history, and the eternal human dream of taking to the skies.
-Gauresh Mehra : email: gaureshmehra@gmail.com
Lokmanya
Bal Gangadhar Tilak: A Concise Philatelic Journey
1. Introduction: The Beloved of the People
Bal Gangadhar Tilak (July 23, 1856 – August 1, 1920) was a prominent Indian nationalist given the title 'Lokmanya' by his followers—meaning 'accepted by the people'—he was a staunch advocate for Swaraj This monograph explores his life exclusively through the lens of some key philatelic materials.
2. Early Life
Born in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Tilak's early life
laid the groundwork for his future activism
The philatelic tribute to his birth is significant.
The Tilak Centenary Issue 1956 FDC (Fig. 1) features a cancellation at Ratnagiri
This was the first Indian stamp issue where a first-day cancellation was issued
at the birthplace of the person depicted, and the 2 Anna stamp was the last
Indian stamp prior to decimalisation
3. The Swadeshi Movement and Swaraj
Early in his youth, Tilak embraced Swadeshi, and his
active promotion of the movement—which advocated the use of indigenous
goods—began around 1905
A remarkable artifact is a Bazaar Card (Fig. 2)
published by a stationery dealer in Bombay featuring the caption
'Swadeshi' Postally used in 1906 and franked with an Edward VII 3 Pies
stamp, this rare item is the oldest known postally used collectible promoting
Swadeshi goods Tilak's declaration in 1916, 'Swaraj is my birthright and I
shall have it,' became the rallying cry for the independence movement
Fig. 3
The enduring power of the word 'Swaraj' is seen in a
postally used postcard from 1947 (Fig. 3), sent by a publisher aptly named
'Swarajya' based in Delhi
4. Cultural Symbols
This symbol has been recognized in philately via a
special postmark issued by the Maharashtra Postal circle in 2015 (Fig. 4),
featuring a postmark that mirrors the headgear
5. Postal Eponyms and Enduring Legacy
Tilak's immense popularity led to numerous postal
institutions being named in his honor
Geographic eponyms are evident in items like the cover
posted from the Lokmanya Nagar Post Office in Pune to Bangalore in 2021 (Fig.
5), franked with Tilak Rs 1x5 definitive stamps
During his imprisonments, he penned 'Geeta Rahasya,' highlighted on a Tilak Centenary private FDC (Fig. 6) where the cancellation design explicitly features the book
Fig. 7: Collotype picture
postcard of Tilak's funeral procession. Posted to Denmark in 1929.
Finally, a rare postally used artifact: a collotype picture postcard showing Tilak's funeral procession (Fig. 7) Due to sedition charges, postcards related to Tilak were subject to interception under the Indian Post Office Act of 1898 Consequently, this rare example was posted outside British India (from Pondicherry to Denmark in 1929) to evade postal censorship
-Sushil Mehra: email : gaureshmehra@gmail.com
Beginners’ Section
Birth of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire and now the capital of North Macedonia. Decades later, the teacher-turned-missionary would build a religious order devoted to caring for people facing poverty, illness, abandonment, and death.
Agnes was raised in an Albanian Catholic family. By her teens, she had decided to become a missionary. At 18, she left home and travelled to Ireland to join the Sisters of Loreto, a religious community that operated schools in India. There she learned English, the language used by the Loreto sisters in India. Within months, she continued on to India.
Mother Teresa later said
that a train trip changed the direction of her life. On September 10, 1946,
while traveling from Calcutta to Darjeeling for a retreat, she experienced what
she called a “call within a call.” She believed she should leave the convent
school and work directly among people living in extreme poverty.
100th birthday anniversary sheet featuring images of Mother Teresa with Pope John Paul II
Leaving Loreto required
church approval, which she received in 1948. She then spent several months
receiving basic medical training with the Medical Mission Sisters in Patna.
Returning to Calcutta, she wore a simple white sari with a blue border and began
visiting families in the Motijhil slums. She helped the sick, gathered children
for lessons, and opened a small school and dispensary. She had little money at
first and depended on donations and volunteers.
Other women soon joined
her. On October 7, 1950, the Archdiocese of Calcutta formally established her
new congregation, the Missionaries of Charity. Its members took the traditional
vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, along with an additional vow of
“wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.”
100th birth anniversary stamp sheet with the
quote “the fruit of faith is love and the fruit of love is service.”
In 1952, Mother Teresa opened Nirmal Hriday, often translated as “Pure Heart,” near the Kali temple at Kalighat. The home took in destitute people who were seriously ill or dying. The Missionaries of Charity later expanded their work to children, people with leprosy, the homeless, and others without regular care or support.
Mother Teresa with President Reagan, Princess
Diana, Pope John Paul II, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The organization continued to grow. Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity Brothers in 1963. In 1965, Pope Paul VI granted the congregation pontifical status, allowing it to expand more easily outside India. Its first foreign house opened in Venezuela. Houses later followed in Rome, Tanzania, and many other countries. By the time Mother Teresa died, the congregation had nearly 4,000 sisters working in hundreds of houses around the world.
Her work brought
international recognition, along with criticism of some of her views and the
medical standards in facilities associated with her order. In 1979, she
received the Nobel Peace Prize “for her work for bringing help to suffering
humanity.” She accepted the award on behalf of the poor and used her Nobel
lecture to emphasize service, family, prayer, and what she described as love
put into action.
Thematics
Mount Kailash: An Eternal Manifestation of Faith
Resting in the Gangdise Shan range
of the Transhimalaya, Mount Kailash—known in Tibet as Kangrinboqe Peak—towers
at an elevation of 22,028 feet near the western trijunction of China, India,
and Nepal. Located in Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture near Lakes Manasarovar and
Rakshastal,
this singular region gives rise to four
of Asia's major rivers: the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Ghaghara. Revered
for centuries across multiple faiths, Mount Kailash stands as a timeless symbol
of spiritual devotion and a cosmic axis uniting diverse traditions.
While it is the highest summit of the Gangdese Mountains, its global renown stems not from physical height, but from sacred stature. Though lower than Qomolangma (Mount Everest), physical altitude carries little weight in the realm of the divine. Across Asia's major spiritual traditions, the peak is known by several venerated names:
.Gang Rinpoche (or Kang Rinpoche): The most common Tibetan name, translating to "Precious Jewel of Snow." Tibetans also refer to it simply as Kangri, or "treasure of the snowy mountains."
· Gang Tise (or Tise): An ancient local Tibetan and Bon name meaning "mountain of ice" or "cool mountain."
· Kailāsa: The Sanskrit name used in Hinduism, likely derived from kelāsa, meaning "crystal."
· Ashtapada: The traditional name used in Jainism.
· Yungdrung Gutseg: The name used in Bon scripture, meaning "Nine Stacked Swastikas Mountain."
Mysteries of Kailash Parvat
Beyond its profound religious history, Mount Kailash
is shrouded in intriguing mysteries. Often called the "Center of the
Universe," it has long fascinated researchers, explorers, and pilgrims
alike. Satellite imagery and aerial observations reveal a strikingly
symmetrical structure whose four distinct faces align remarkably well with the
cardinal directions.
This uncanny symmetry has fuelled extraordinary
claims. Some researchers, including Russian alternative theorists, argue that
the peak is not a natural formation, but rather a colossal, man-made pyramid
surrounded by over 100 smaller structures ranging from 100 to 1,800 meters in
height. Proponents point to its steep, sheer faces and cathedral-like contours
as evidence of intentional ancient engineering. Coupled with reports of strange
phenomena—such as rapid hair and nail growth among visitors—and the fact that
its summit remains famously unclimbed, Mount Kailash maintains an aura of
insurmountable wonder.
Among its most enigmatic features is its perpetually
snow-capped crown. Despite extreme weather fluctuations in the surrounding
region, the peak remains eternally covered in pristine white snow. Whether
attributed to unique microclimatic factors or revered as a manifestation of the
divine, this enduring snow cap serves as a timeless symbol of purity and
spiritual resonance in the heart of the Himalayas.
According to traditional belief, the mountain's four
faces reflect sacred geometry, each composed of divine materials: gold in the
north, lapis lazuli in the south, crystal in the east, and ruby in the west.
Each direction is said to embody a different aspect of power, wisdom,
mystery, and compassion. Pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
witness these celestial faces as they complete the parikrama
(circumambulation) around the peak and take a holy dip in the icy waters of
Lake Manasarovar, deepening their connection to this sacred sanctuary.
A Journey through Mount Kailash’s Intriguing History
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is far more than a
physical journey; it is a lifelong dream for millions of devotees seeking a
personal connection with the divine. Whether drawn by spiritual devotion or a
passion for ancient history, travelers throughout the ages have been captivated
by the fascinating legacy of this sacred peak.The story of Kailash Parvat is
woven throughout ancient Hindu texts, including the Puranas and the Vedas.
According to Hindu tradition, the region surrounding Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
is inhabited by divine beings, yogis, and sages. The Skanda Purana
describes Kailash as the supreme mountain and the earthly throne of Lord Shiva.
Classical texts also depict Kailash as the "pillar of the world,"
situated at the center of six mountain ranges that resemble a lotus. Adding to
its geographic wonder, four major Asian rivers originate nearby: the Sutlej,
the Brahmaputra, the Karnali (Ghaghara), and the Indus.
Rising to an elevation of 22028 feet, Mount Kailash is
celebrated not only for its distinct pyramid shape but also as a global
spiritual center. A central ritual for visiting pilgrims is the Kailash Kora
(or Parikrama)—a 32-mile trek around the foot of the mountain that
typically takes two to three days. Devotees believe that completing this
circumambulation cleanses past sins and brings spiritual renewal. Out of
respect for its sacred status across multiple religions, climbing Mount Kailash
is strictly forbidden. The mountain's cultural influence extends far across
India. For instance, the famous rock-cut Ellora Caves in Maharashtra feature
intricate carvings depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on Kailash, including
the famous legend of Ravana attempting to lift the sacred peak.
The Legend of Mansarovar Lake
Near the base of the peak lies Lake Mansarovar (Manasa
Sarovaram), meaning "Lake of the Mind." According to Hindu
tradition, the lake was first conceived in the mind of Lord Brahma before
manifesting on Earth. Mansarovar holds immense spiritual importance as one of
the 51 Shakti Peethas. Sacred texts state that the hands of Goddess Sati
fell near these waters. During the summer months, as ice melts along the shore,
locals and visitors often report hearing a rhythmic, echoing sound reminiscent
of Lord Shiva’s damaru (drum). Drinking or bathing in the holy waters
during the Yatra is believed to cleanse past transgressions and bestow
divine blessings. In the Ramayana, it is noted as a resting place for
ancient sages, while in Jain tradition, it is associated with Rishabhanatha,
the first Tirthankara. Historical records also highlight the lake's
enduring reverence. The Chinese monk Xuanzang, who visited India in the 7th
century, described Mansarovar as a body of water with unmatched beauty and
spiritual resonance. His travelogues recorded the deep reverence locals and
monks held for this sanctuary centuries before it became a formal pilgrimage
route.
The Power of Chanting Aum at Kailash
In Vedic philosophy, the primeval sound Aum
represents the foundational vibration of the universe. At Kailash, light and
sound seem to converge. Pilgrims traveling through the rugged landscape often
chant Aum or Aum Namah Shivaya, finding that the practice deepens
their meditative experience and leaves them with a lasting sense of peace long
after their journey ends.
Popular Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Routes
1. Kerung
Route via Nepal (Active road route)
2. Simikot–Hilsa
Route via Nepal (Helicopter and trekking route)
3. Lipulekh
Pass Route via Uttarakhand, India (Government-organized)
4. Nathu
La Pass Route via Sikkim, India (Government-organized)
5. Lhasa
Route via Tibet (Flight and overland road route)
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Pilgrimage
Guidelines
The Ministry of External Affairs organises the Kailash
Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) annually between June and September through two official
routes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).Renowned for its
deep religious value and cultural significance, the Yatra is undertaken by
hundreds of pilgrims every year. Revered by Hindus as the celestial abode of
Lord Shiva, the region also holds immense spiritual importance for Jains and
Buddhists. The official KMY program is open exclusively to eligible Indian
citizens holding valid Indian passports who wish to undertake the pilgrimage
for religious purposes. The Ministry of External Affairs does not provide any
subsidy or financial assistance to participants.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens holding a valid Indian passport with at least six months of remaining validity as of September 1 of the current year. Foreign nationals and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are not eligible.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Lipulekh Pass Route via Uttarakhand, India Nathu La Pass Route via Sikkim,
India (Government organized)
Source:www.pmfias.com/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/
Age Limit:
Applicants must be between 18 and 70 years of age as of January 1 of the
current year.
Physical Fitness: Applicants must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less and be
physically and medically fit to undertake the rigorous high-altitude
pilgrimage.
India Post Special Issues: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
India Post has a rich tradition of commemorating the
sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by issuing special philatelic items dispatched
from high-altitude frontier locations along the traditional Lipulekh Pass route
in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and also issued special cover from
Nathula pass Sikkim. alternative route.
2005 Carried Special Cover
India
Post released a limited run of 200 special philatelic covers at Gunji (the last
post office on Indian soil on the route) on August 5, 2005 to mark the Kailash
Mansarovar Yatra. These collectible covers were carried physically to Mount
Kailash by the pilgrimage team led by then-Chief Postmaster General Suneeta
Trivedi. Key Details of the 2005 Special Cover, Release Date: August 5, 2005,
Release Location: Gunji, Uttaranchal (now Uttarakhand)
Significance: Carried and
cachet-stamped "Carried to Kailash Mansarovar" during the official
Yatra expedition. Issuing Authority: India Post (Uttaranchal Circle), the cover
depicts the cachet of Mount Kailash.
India Post (Uttaranchal Circle), 2005 Special cover Carried and cachet-stamped "Carried to Kailash Mansarovar with image of Mount Kailash " the cover depicts the cachet of Mount Kailash.
2015 Special Cover
India Post released a special philatelic item first Kailash Manasarovar yatra via Nathula special cover by India Post Gangtok, Sikkim on 18.6.2015 on the front side of cover depicting catched of Mount Kailash and Lord Siva Trishul with Damaru (drum), prayer flag s poles, incredible India and unending knot of Buddhist sacred symbol with pictorial postal cancellation. Written “Sikkim where nature meets” and First Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathulla pass 2015. Significance: Commemorates the opening of the alternative pilgrimage route through Sikkim.
India Post Gangtok Special Cover 2015 depicting catches of Mount Kailash and Lord Siva Trishul with Damaru (drum), prayer flags, poles, incredible India and unending knot of Buddhist sacred symbol with pictorial postal cancellation.
2025 Carried Special Cover
India
Post released a special philatelic item for the region: the Kailash Mansarovar
Yatra Carried Special Cover, transported from Dharchula to Gunji on August 10,
2025. These collectible covers typically feature regional pictorial postmarks
alongside standard commemorative stamps.
The
front side of the special cover depicts the snow-clad peak of Mount Kailash. It
features a pictorial postal cancellation illustrating a India Post 2025
Special Cover (Uttarakhand Circle), (Front and reverse side of the cover) Front
side depicts the snow-clad peak of Mount
Kailash. pictorial postal cancellation illustrating a Shiva Linga with a Tripundra, Trishula, snake, and the Om symbol. displays an official note confirming that the cover was carried from the Postmaster at Dharchula) to the Postmaster at Gunji, complete with the carrier’s signature. The reverse side bears dual transit and arrival postal cancellations
Shiva
Linga with a Tripundra (three horizontal lines), a Trishula, a snake, and the
Om symbol. The postmark includes the inscription "Kailash Mansarovar
Yatra", dated August 10, 2025, from Gunji (PIN 262547). Additionally,
it displays an official note confirming that the cover was carried from the
Postmaster at Dharchula (PIN 262545) to the Postmaster at Gunji (PIN 262547),
complete with the carrier’s signature.The reverse side bears dual
transit and arrival postal cancellations from both Dharchula (262545) and Gunji
(262547), both dated August 10, 2025.
2026 Carried
Cards
On the occasion of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the Uttarakhand Postal Circle issued a Carried Card on July 08, 2026, at Nabhidhang (near Gunji), Tehsil Dharchula, at an altitude of approximately 14,000 feet above sea level.
The Uttarakhand Postal Circle of India Post released special "carried cards" picture postcard sets to mark the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra along the high-altitude Lipulekh Pass route. These special postal items are dispatched from high-altitude frontier post locations like Nabhidhang and Gunji.
Release of carried card Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the Uttarakhand Postal Circle issued a Carried Card on July 08, 2026, at Nabhidhang (near Gunji), Tehsil Dharchula, at an altitude of approximately 14,000 feet above sea level
Photo source: www.instagram.com/reel/DanMgErh43o/
Cover of Carried Cards
Features of the Postcards Design Views: Five distinct card designs feature:
Mount Kailash, Lake
Mansarovar, local pilgrims, yaks, and traditional prayer flags. Carried Mail
Status:
These collectibles are classified as "carried cards" because they physically travel with the pilgrimage batches through high-altitude border terrain. Issuing Authority: Produced and stamped via the Uttarakhand Postal Circle philatelic network.
India Post 2026 (Uttarakhand Circle) depicts Mount
Kailash, trekking map and trekking route
Route Significance Location: Issued in remote
high-altitude camps (approx. 14,000 feet) in the Pithoragarh district near
Gunji and Nabhidhang. Connection: Marks the traditional alignment through
Dharchula and Lipulekh Pass utilized by devotees heading toward Tibet.
Total
five carried cards were issued by (Uttarakhand Circle) The first
postcard depicts Mount Kailash, trekking map and trekking Lipulekh route
The
second post card depicts the image of Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Buddhist monastery, and prayer flags.
India
Post 2026 (Uttarakhand Circle) depicts Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Buddhist monastery, and
prayer flags.
The third postcard illustrates Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Buddhist monastery, prayer flag strings and poles, with yaks and pilgrims walking along the trekking trail.
India Post 2026 (Uttarakhand Circle) illustrates Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Trishul with Damaru (drum), Om symbol, Buddhist monastery, prayer flag strings and poles, with yaks and pilgrims walking along the trekking trail.
The fourth postcard depicts Mount Kailash, yaks, and pilgrims.
The fifth card shows Mount Kailash.
India
Post 2026 (Uttarakhand Circle) depicts
Mount Kailash,
On the backside of the postcard is stamped:
"This postcard completed a rare transnational pilgrimage from Gunji across the India-Tibet border to Kailash Manasarovar and back to Dehradun, transforming a simple postcard into a tangible record of faith and travel."
Stamps were affixed on the backside of the postcard
with a pictorial postal cancellation of Kailash Mountain, dated 08.07.2026,
place Gunji. It was posted by the Postmaster at Gunji (PIN 262547) to the CPMG
in Dehradun,
Uttarakhand (PIN248001), bearing a delivery seal from
the Dehradun GPO dated 22.07.2026 and signed by carrier Pankaj Gairola.
There are five postcards, each featuring a distinct
pictorial postal cancellation:
"This postcard completed a rare transnational pilgrimage from Gunji across the India-Tibet border to Kailash Manasarovar and back to Dehradun, transforming a simple postcard into a tangible record of faith and travel."
Stamps were affixed on the backside of the postcard
with a pictorial postal cancellation of Kailash Mountain, dated 08.07.2026,
place Gunji. It was posted by the Postmaster at Gunji (PIN 262547) to the CPMG
in Dehradun,
Uttarakhand (PIN248001), bearing a delivery seal from
the Dehradun GPO dated 22.07.2026 and signed by carrier Pankaj Gairola.
There are five postcards,
each featuring a distinct pictorial postal cancellation
Cancellation 1: Illustrates Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Trishul with Damaru
(drum), Om symbol, Buddhist monastery, and prayer flags.
Cancellation 2: shows Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Trishul with Damaru
(drum), Om symbol, and crescent moon.
Cancellation 3: IllustratesMount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Trishul with Damaru (drum), Om symbol, yaks, and pilgrims.
Cancellation 4: Depicts Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Trishul with Damaru
(drum), Om symbol, Buddhist monastery, prayer flags, and trekking Lipulekh route.
Cancellation 5: Illustrates Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Trishul with Damaru (drum), Om symbol, Buddhist monastery, prayer flag strings and poles, with yaks and pilgrims walking along the trekking trail.
Macao 2007 Souvenir Sheet Stamp.depicting the Mountain Monte Kangrinboqe, (Mount Kailash) Tibet and on the border of souvenir sheets shows the Buddhist Monasteries and prayer flag strings
Macao on 10.9.2007 issued Souvenir Sheet Stamp.
Depicting the Mountain Monte Kangrinboqe, (Mount Kailash) Tibet and on
the border of souvenir sheets shows the Buddhist Monasteries and prayer flag
strings
Bibliography
www.triptotemples.com/blogs/kailash-mansarovar/history-of-kailash-mansarovar
www.supertrekkers.com/trip/kailash-mansarovar-yatra-from-nepal/
www.pmfias.com/kailash-mansarovar-yatra
www.en.chinaculture.org/focus/focus/60PLT/2011-04/29/content_412936.
www.instagram.com/reel/DanMgErh43o/
ukpostalcircle_dop
Stories Behind Stamps
United Kingdom - 2d Tyranian Plum 1910
Stamps are a component of the archive. Here, a stamp comes into contact with "events, dear boy, events."
When King Edward VII passed away on May 6, 1910, this fairly clever stamp was ready to use.
The machinery of state functions slowly most of the time, and coins and stamps created with a single head of state in mind are retained in circulation for as long as feasible. However, this time the plug was pulled, and up to 24 million stamps were thrown out.
However...
A few made it through.
George V, the "stamp collecting king" who ascended to the throne after his father, is holding one of them.
One more, from the storied Chartwell Collection, brought $159,000 at auction in 2011.
The
British Postal Museum has the largest collection, with a full page of
unperforated stamps and almost a full sheet of perforated ones. It is
impossible to determine their worth.
Nisarg Sutaria : email : nisargsutaria78@gmail.com
Remarkable Stamps of India
Remarkable Stamps of India — thoughtfully
curated posters that celebrate India’s philatelic heritage through meaningful
quotes and striking visuals.
𝐴 𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑙, 𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ — 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑗𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑐e
Kishore
Kumar was an Indian playback singer, musician and actor. He is widely regarded
as one of the greatest singers in the history of Indian music. India Post has issued two commemorative postage stamps honouring
the legendary playback singer and actor Kishore Kumar, both with a face value
of ₹5.00. The first was released on May 15, 2003, as part of the
"Golden Voices of Yesteryears" series, and the second was issued on
December 30, 2016, as part of the "Legendary Singers of India"
collection.
𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑛‑𝐸𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒; 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑠ℎ; 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑣𝑎‑𝐵ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖; 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑎 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑒𝑡; 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒.
Rabindranath Tagore was
a Bengali poet, author, playwright, musician, composer, philosopher,
social reformer, painter, and one of the foremost figures of the Bengal
Renaissance. In 1913, Tagore became the first Indian and non-European to
win a Nobel Prize in any category, and the first lyricist to win the Nobel
Prize in Literature.
India Post honoured Rabindranath Tagore through several commemorative and definitive postage stamps, starting with his first appearance on an independent India stamp in October 1952 as part of the Saints and Poets series.
(21 March 1916 – 21 August 2006)
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑘 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠—ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑒ℎ𝑛𝑎𝑖 𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑦𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑎 𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑡 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑛𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠.
Ustad Bismillah Khan, often referred to by the
title Ustad, was an Indian musician credited with popularizing the shehnai, a
reeded woodwind instrument. His virtuosity made him a leading Hindustani
classical music artist. India Post issued a 5-rupee commemorative postage stamp
honouring the legendary shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan on August 21,
2008.
-Prashant Pandya : email : edesk@prashantpandya.com
New Issues from other countries
Alderney
1 September 2026: Man posted to... Alderney
/ Guernsey Se-tenant Pair
31 August 2026: Rheumatism
Rheumatism
A neutral white sheet of paper featuring the
rheuma.be logo and the sentence "1 in 5 Belgians has rheumatic complaints.
France
28 August 2026: 170 Years of Diplomatic
Relations Between France and Thailand – The Eiffel Tower and Wat Arun
On August 31, 2026,
France and Thailand issued two joint stamps celebrating 170 years of diplomatic
relations between the two countries, featuring the iconic symbols of the Eiffel
Tower in Paris and the Wat Arun Buddhist temple in Bangkok.
What could be more
symbolic to celebrate 170 years of official diplomatic relations between
Thailand and France than a joint stamp issue? The silhouette of the Wat Arun
Buddhist temple, an emblem of Bangkok, and that of the Eiffel Tower, forever
associated with Paris, seem to watch over the Franco-Thai friendship that has
endured through the centuries. Indeed, the first exchanges between the kingdoms
of Siam and France date back to the late 17th century, during the reigns of
King Narai and Louis XIV. It was on August 15, 1856, that the Treaty of Amity,
Commerce, and Navigation was signed, establishing formal diplomatic relations
between Siam and France. With the issuance of these stamps, the two countries
commemorate the depth of a bond that is manifested today through active
political, economic, tourism, and cultural cooperation. And while they cherish
the memory of their historical relationship, Thailand and France are above all
celebrating a modern, dynamic, and forward-looking partnership.
Switzerland
3 September 2026 : 175
Years Lehrmittelverlag Zurich
175 Years
Lehrmittelverlag Zurich
San Marino
28 August 2026 : 1. UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Japan 2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Norway
UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Japan
The series dedicated
to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the celebration of the Republic's diplomatic
relations continues into its second year and, in 2026, pays tribute to Japan
and Norway with two souvenir sheets, each consisting of four stamps with a face
value of €1.35.
The issue dedicated to
Japan depicts the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), the only structure
remaining in the area hit by the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, and today a
universal symbol of peace and hope for a world free of nuclear weapons. The issue
also commemorates the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 65th
anniversary of official relations between San Marino and Japan.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Norway
The series
dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the celebration of the Republic's
diplomatic relations continues into its second year and, in 2026, pays tribute
to Japan and Norway with two souvenir sheets, each consisting of four stamps
with a face value of €1.35.
The
Norwegian issue celebrates the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between
the two countries and depicts the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, among the
longest, deepest, and most spectacular fjords in the world, recognized as
UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their extraordinary natural beauty,
characterized by sheer rock faces and evocative waterfalls.
Kyrgyzstan
28 August 2026 : Birds of Kyrgyzstan
Birds of Kyrgyzstan
On 28 August 2026, the Kyrgyz Express Post
postage stamp series "Birds of Kyrgyzstan" is being put into
circulation by the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies
of the Kyrgyz Republic pursuant to Order No. 77 dated 12 August 2026.
From 28 to 30 August 2026, the 10th
International Specialized Philatelic Exhibition BIRDPEX 10 is being held in the
city of La Louvière (Belgium). As its name suggests, the exhibition is
dedicated to one of the most popular themes in philately – birds. The new KEP
issue is dedicated to this important event in the world of philately.
The KEP stamp series comprises two miniature
sheets dedicated to two bird species of Kyrgyzstan – the Indian golden oriole
and the Common kingfisher.
The Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) is a bird species belonging to the oriole family. It
is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, including
Kyrgyzstan. The Indian golden oriole (adult birds) differs from the Eurasian
golden oriole by the black stripe running through the eye, as well as by
several other characteristics.
In Kyrgyzstan, the Indian golden oriole mainly inhabits river valleys and floodplains where there are trees and other woody vegetation. It avoids high-altitude areas and does not ascend above 2,800 metres above sea level. In Kyrgyzstan, the Indian golden oriole prefers to nest in gardens, deciduous forests and nut-bearing forests. Its diet consists of berries and fruits, as well as invertebrates.
The Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small bird comparable in size to a sparrow or starling. It has a compact, rounded body, a short tail and a long, pointed bill. Its bright plumage and graceful flight make this bird an object of admiration.
The main habitats of
the common kingfisher in Kyrgyzstan are ponds, reservoir shores, slow-flowing
rivers and small bodies of water. They prefer not to settle in areas exceeding
2,000 metres above sea level. They build their nests in burrows in steep riverbanks.
Small fish make up the main part of the common kingfisher's diet. In addition
to fish, kingfishers also feed on dragonfly larvae and insects found near
bodies of water.
The Indian golden
oriole and the common kingfisher are wonderful representatives of the avian
kingdom of Kyrgyzstan. Although they are relatively widespread, preserving
their populations is the responsibility of all of us, as these birds are not
only remarkable creations of nature but also important components of ecosystems
that require our protection and care.
Stamp of the Month
World’s First Triangle
Stamps
On
September 1, 1853, the Cape of Good Hope, a British colony at the southern tip
of Africa, issued the world’s first triangle stamps. These were also the first
adhesive postage stamps issued in Africa.
Cape of Good Hope
#5b – Color Variety printed in Grayish Lilac on Bluish Paper
Hope was a powerful symbol for the colony,
representing optimism for the future, resilience,
The Cape’s new triangular stamps were printed in 1 penny red and 4 pence blue values. Their form was an isosceles triangle, with two equal sides and a base, giving them a balanced and symmetrical appearance. These stamps became famous not only for their unusual shape but also for their graceful design, which depicted the allegorical figure of Hope seated on a rock, gazing across the sea.
Cape of Good Hope
#6a – Dark Green Color Variety
and the
importance of maritime trade to the Cape’s prosperity. The choice of a triangle
had a practical reason too: officials wanted the stamps to be immediately
recognizable, even from a distance, so they would not be confused with the
rectangular stamps of other colonies. The shape also made it easy for clerks to
cut them apart from the printed sheets, which were arranged in rows without
perforations.
Cape of Good Hope
#9 – Scarce Four Pence Wood Block Stamp printed in Cape of Good Hope
The stamps were produced in England and shipped
to the Cape of Good Hope. In 1860, the stamp supply was running low, and the
local postmaster general knew it would take a while to get the stamps to him,
so he placed an order. That June, the stamps arrived, but the bill of lading
(similar to a receipt) was missing, so the stamps were placed in a warehouse
and forgotten.
Early
the next year, the stamp supply was so low, the postmaster decided to have some
printed locally. The new stamps featured the same designs as the previous
issues, but were engraved on steel affixed to wooden bases (from which their
nickname “wood block” was derived). Sixty-four clichés (designs) were
individually engraved for each denomination and glued to wood blocks for
printing, resulting in several slight variations.
Cape of Good Hope #13 was printed by De La Rue & Co. in 1863-64.
Newfoundland #11A features the same design as the country’s first triangle stamp issued 3 years earlier – showing a rose, thistle, and shamrock.
By 1863, the Cape of Good Hope had issued 12 triangle stamps. Just a few years later, the colony of Newfoundland issued its first triangle stamps in 1857. These stamps, like the Cape issues, were imperforate and arranged in sheets designed to be cut apart with scissors. Their triangular shape, like the Cape issues, was designed to set them apart from the rectangular stamps used elsewhere and to prevent confusion in the mails. The design carried deeper meaning as well: a grouping of the rose, thistle, and shamrock, representing England, Scotland, and Ireland. Since much of Newfoundland’s population traced its roots to those three nations, the choice of imagery emphasized the colony’s cultural heritage and ties to the British Isles.
All the early triangle stamps were issued imperforate. The world’s first perforated triangle stamps came from Ecuador in 1908. The set of seven bi-color stamps commemorated the opening of the Guayaquil-Quito Railway.
Nyassa #J1-9 – First Postage Due Triangle Stamps
Some other interesting
triangular stamp firsts over the years include:
- In 1916, Austria issued the first
triangular stamps with the apex (point) at the bottom.
- Estonia issued the first triangular airmail
stamps in 1920. Several countries soon followed suit, using the different
shape to easily set the airmail stamps apart from standard postage.
- In 1924, Nyassa (part of present-day
Mozambique) issued the first triangular postage due stamps.
- Czechoslovakia issued the first personal delivery triangular stamps in 1937, guaranteeing letters would be delivered personally to the addressee and no one else.
US #3130-31 – The first US triangle stamps were issued for the Pacific ’97 stamp show.
The United States didn’t issue its first triangle stamps until the Pacific 97 International Stamp Show issues of 1997. According to the postmaster general, “These innovative stamps represent our commitment to provide the philatelic community and the American public with exciting new designs and formats… Since 1847, when the first US postage stamps were issued, stamps have been rectangular in shape. We want the American public to know stamps aren’t square.” The two stamps honored the settlers who opened the American West by land and sea. They picture a mid-19th-century clipper ship and a US mail stagecoach – both of which are historically associated with mail delivery in California.
US #4136 – 2007 Stamp commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Settlement of Jamestown
A decade later, the USPS produced its second
triangle issue, honoring the settlement of Jamestown. That stamp pictured
the three ships, Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery,
that brought English colonists to America in 1607. Calling their settlement
Jamestown, after England’s King James I, the colonists founded the first
permanent settlement in the new world. The stamp commemorated Jamestown’s 400th
anniversary and honors the colony’s first triangular-shaped fort.
Today, collectors prize these interesting pieces of stamp history, collecting them in a variety of shapes, including right angles, isosceles, equilateral, obtuse, acute, and scalene triangles. So far, countries around the world have issued more 1,600 triangle stamps.
Philatelic
Clubs and Societies
Air Mail
Society India Foundation - https://www.airmailsocietyindia.org/
Karnataka
Philatelic Society - https://www.karphil.in/index.html
Prayag Philatelic Society
- http://www.prayagphilatelicsociety.org
Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - https://eipa.in/home
The Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society
India Study Circle -
http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic
& Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort
Philatelic Congress of India - http://www.philateliccongressofindia.com/
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Philatelic Society of India , Mumbai : http://www.psi1897.com/
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-: orissaphilatelic@gmail.com
Rainbow Stamp Club -http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.net.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com
Durgapur
Philatelic & Numismatic Society – https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3TasUbyR/
Philatelic Society of Bhopal
Madurai
Philatelist & Numismatist Association (MAPNA)
- https://madurai-mapna.blogspot.com/
Blogs & Websites
Jusqu’a
Markings and other Route Indicators
RAINBOW
STAMP CLUB
This is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com The idea of
this blog is to extend the philatelic fraternity to all corners of the world.
Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share
new ideas with other philatelists. New
Posts on recent issues, news on stamp activities, and Contributions by members
are published every day on this blog. Readers may also express their views on
any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp
Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. Readers
may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic
activities in their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
-The Fila Capsule issued by
Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Editor - Dr
Bibhudutta Mishra
- Philatelic Society of Delhi Newsletter edited by Tarun Jain
Gibbons Stamp Monthly edited by Dean Shepherd –
Stanley Gibbons
Acknowledgment
-Air Mail Society India
Foundation : Newsletter
-Fila Capsule July 2026
issue : e- magazine of Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneshwar
Odisha; Chief Editor: Dr Bibhudutta Mishra-email :bhanubibhu68@gmail.com
-Anathapuri
Stamp Bulletin September 2026 : Editor : Mohanachandran Nair : Anathapuri Philatelic
Association : email apa.tvpm@gmail.com
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, 509, Design Arcade, Chandrabani, Wildlife
Institute Road, Dehradun-248001. India .
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– j.jyoti9@gmail.com
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Happy Collecting ……….
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and
published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun (Uttarakhand) India for free
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