Gold Replica of Taj Mahal stamp from Pride of India Collection recently launched by India Post & Hallmark Group

Shimla October 2009 Issue No. 22

Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin edited by Jeevan Jyoti for free circulation among philatelists

Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about their journals, societies, publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this bulletin to j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com and by post to –

Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Distt. Kullu. PIN 175126. (H.P.) India

Note- This bulletin is only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city/country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW

Dear Readers,

Once again this is the festive month in India. The last month was also full of fun and celebration all over the country. So I was away from Kullu to my home town for a week. During my one week stay in Lucknow & Kanpur I also visited Philatelic Bureaues of these cities to purchase some philatelic items and was disappointed to know that current philatelic items were out of Stock. It is quite miserable to write that FDCs are not available for open sale because these are supplied in a very limited stock which is not even enough for the Account Holders. As I recall my School and College time in 80s when we used to get FDCs on the same day of the issue. The issues were fixed and never postponed. I remember there used to be a notice board at the door of Philatelic Bureau where date of the forthcoming issue was notified and the date of issue was never changed. Today we see the stamps & FDCs appear in Philatelic Bureau after one or two months of the issue of postage stamp. Miniature Sheets take more time to reach Phil. Bureau. It seems that India Post is not able to manage the large number of issues of stamps and Miniature sheets. The number of issues per year should be limited and subjects of issue need to be selective. I felt bad to read on one blog by a European that Europeans do not like Indian stamps because most of the stamps depict personalities. Famous personalities must be honoured on stamps but only the prominent one and political consideration should not be there..

This is all for this month…Enjoy a new section of Interview in this issue and more news and articles from the world of philately….Wishing you all a very Happy Deepavali…This is also festive month in Israel…I wish a very happy festive month to all my readers in Israel…… May all of you have a Wonderful Time!...Till next month….Happy Collecting !!...

….Jeevan Jyoti

Contents

• Recent Indian Issues
• In The News
• Interview
• Beginners’ Section
• Specialized Section
• New Issues from Other Countries
• The Lighter Side
• Blogs & Websites on Philately
• Promotional Section
• Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
• Editor’s Mail Box

Recent Indian Issues

1 August St Joseph College, Bangalore

4 August Maharshi Patanjali

12 August Pingali Venkaiah – Rs 5

Aug 16: Indian Railway Stations, 4 Stamps

3 Sep Uttam Kumar – Rs 5

9 Sep Sacred Heart Matriculation Senior Higher Secondary School, Chennai

14 Sep Sep Holy Cross Church – Rs 5

27 Sep Dushyant Kumar – Rs 5

01 Oct Rare Fauna of the North East - Red Panda, Marbled Cat, Phayre’s Leaf Monkey - - 3 Stamps of Rs 5 each + MS

06 Oct 2009 Bishop Cotton School, Shimla – Rs 5

New Definitive Stamp

2 Oct 2009 Mahatna Gandhi & Non Violence – Rs 25

Special Cover – Postmark

Aug 15 2009 63^rd Ind Day Sp Cover, Vadodara

Aug 15: Kolkata, 155 Years of Railways in Eastern India
Aug 21-22: Bilaspur, Dak Tikat Milaan, 3 covers

5 Sep Northern Railway – The Bharat Scouts & Guides Lucknow district

11 sep 75 Years of Magen Abraham Synagogue, Ahmedabad

13 Sep Rotary Foundation Seminar, Mumbai

Oct 2: Vadodara, Int'l Day of Non Violence -- Mahatma Gandhi 140th Birth Anniv
Oct 2: Chennai, Int'l Day of Non Violence -- Mahatma Gandhi 140th Birth Anniv

New Postal Stationery

May 30: Consumer Awareness, English, ISP, M

Inland Letter with Message
Sep 00: Philately King of Hobbies, SPP

New Stamp Booklet

Stamp Booklet on Gandhi

issued on 2 Oct by Baroda Philatelic Society.For details of Special Cover & Booklet contact : Prashant Pandya email - edesk@prashantpandya.com

Stamp Booklet on Uttam Kumar

released by West Bengal Circle, available at GPO Kolkata

New Max Cards

2 Max cards designed by Mr Dipok Dey on films of Uttam Kumar

In The News

UN issues a stamp to honour Mahatma Gandhi

The United Nations Postal Administration has released a Mahatma Gandhi stamp on the occasion of his 140th birth anniversary. The stamp shows the Father of the Nation in red, blue and gold. It is illustrating the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, made by Ferdie Pacheco.

AEROPEX 2009

AEROPEX 2009 is a special airmail exhibition to promote aerophilately in the world. The show will be held at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum at Beijing, China. Show dates are November 12-16, 2009. AEROPEX 2009 is organized by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the China Post Group, the Chinese Air Mail Society and relevant departments. This airmail-only show will present about 300 frames of worldwide aerophilately. Further information of the show are available online at http://www.ezep.de/aeropex2009/aeropex2009.html

BEIJING 2009 AEROPEX has released the revised prospectus for exhibitors with the “Special Regulations for BEIJING 2009 AEROPEX”, the document Beijing-2009-Aeropex-regulations-REVISED.pdf can be viewed and downloaded here.
The most important change of the revised version of the “Special Regulations for BEIJING 2009 AEROPEX” is that now ALL airmail collectors from all over the world are invited and eligible for submitting an application for BEIJING 2009 AEROPEX. A membership in a club or society affiliated with FISA is no longer required.

If your aerophilatelic exhibit has received a Vermeil medal on a national level exhibition and if you are member of an airmail society, then you are eligible to submit an application for exhibiting at BEIJING 2009 AEROPEX. If you want to exhibit at BEIJING 2009 AEROPEX, you have to submit an application form. You can do this online – this link http://www.ezep.de/aeropex2009/apply.html brings you to the exhibitors page where you can submit your application online!

- Dieter Leder, Seepromenade 6, 88709 Meersburg, Germany. E-Mail zpj@arcor.de website www.eZEP.de

JOBURG 2010 INTERNATIONAL STAMP SHOW

The 26th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, 'JOBURG 2010 International Stamp Show' will be held on October 27 to 31, 2010 at Johannesburg, South Africa.Mr. Madhukar Jhingan mj@stampsofindia.com is the National Commissioner for India. The regulations for JOBURG 2010 and the Exhibit Application form are available online at http://www.joburg2010stampshow.co.za/irex.pdf and http://www.joburg2010stampshow.co.za/joburg2010exhibitapplicationform.pdf respectively.

JOBURG 2010 will have all exhibit classes -- Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Maximaphily, Revenue, and Thematic Philately subdivided as: A) Nature, B) Culture, C) Technology, and Youth Philately class subdivided by age as of January 01, 2010:

1) Collectors aged 13 to 15 years,
2) Collectors aged 16 -- 18 years,
3) Collectors aged 19 -- 21 years, and

Literature class subdivided into:

1) Philatelic books, pamphlets and studies (issued after January 01, 2005), 2) Philatelic journals, periodicals (issued after January 01, 2008), 3) Stamp catalogues (issued after January 01, 2008), and

One-Frame Exhibit Class subdivided into: A) Traditional, B) Postal History, C) Postal Stationery, D) Aerophilately, E) Astrophilately, F) Thematic, G) Maximaphily, H) Revenue.

JOBURG 2010 will also have 'Open Class' as an Experimental Class. Exhibits in this Class can include material from any other competition class plus non-philatelic material. The exhibit must contain at least 50% philatelic material. The non-philatelic material should not overwhelm the philatelic material. Awards will be made as per One-Frame Exhibits.

There is no participation fee for Youth Philately Class. The participation fee for other Competitive Classes (except Literature, and One-Frame Exhibit Classes) will be US$35 per frame. The fee for participation in Literature is US$35 per exhibit. The fee for participation in One-Frame Exhibit is US$70 per exhibit.

Those desirous of participating in JOBURG 2010 please go through the Regulations for JOBURG 2010 and send the duly filled Exhibit Application Form along with a copy of the introductory page describing the exhibit to the National Commissioner for India, Mr. Madhukar Jhingan, 49-D, BG-5, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi 110063 by November 14, 2009. For any assistance in this regard please email or call 0 9350537037.

Stamp Mania 2009

The First National One Frame Philatelic Exhibition ”Stampmania 2009" is going to be organized by Baroda Philatelic Society from 18th to 20th December 2009 at Vadodara. It will be held at Shree Saurashtra Leuva Patel Seva Samaj, Alembic Road, Vadodara. Approximately 450 frames will be displayed in the exhibition. The official website of the exhibition is www.stampmania2009.com . Collectors can get detailed information at the website or may write to Mr. Prashant Pandya or Mr. Timir R. Shah. E -Mail Prashant Pandya: info@vadophil.org Timir R. Shah: admin@vadophil.org Detailed allotment information is now available at www.stampmania2009.com Allotment letters with inventory sheet and exhibit envelopes will be mailed to all exhibitors shortly.

Recent Stamp Fairs & Exhibitions

Oct 30-31 & Nov 1: Pune, Stampex - National Stamps Fair
Organizer: International Collectors Society of Rare Items
Venue: Sonal Hall, Karve Road,
Contact: Pratisad Neurgaonkar pratisad@hotmail.com mobile 09766310553

Nov 20-22: Palakkad, Annual Stamp & Coin Exhibition
Venue: Town Hall Annex
Contact: 9847660217, 9446791629

New Zealand Post introduces stamps without face value

New Zealand Post is launching the Kiwi Stamp, which for the first time does not carry a face value. The stamp series features imagery reflecting the New Zealand lifestyle, Postal Services chief executive Peter Fenton said."The Kiwi Stamp holds its value even if postage increases," he said. "It works in exactly the same way as a postage included envelope. Even if postage increases, customers can use the Kiwi Stamp without having to buy additional stamps."

The new stamps feature 10 images including a State Highway 1 sign, a kiwifruit, summer holidays in a caravan, beach cricket and a number 8 wire fence. Existing stamps would remain valid at their face value and commemorative stamps celebrating New Zealand, its people and culture would still be issued, Mr Fenton said. One Kiwi Stamp would cover the postage of a Standard Post medium letter domestically and two would be needed to send the same letter Fast Post.

Bletchley Park puts its stamp on Vulcan.

The code breakers of World War Two are helping preserve a cold war guardian. In association with Bletchley Park Post Office a limited edition sheet of stamps is being issued. The income will help the Vulcan to the Sky Trust keep XH 558, the only flying Vulcan bomber, airborne. The sheet celebrates the return of XH 558 to display flying after the most extensive restoration in aviation history. Each of the 10 stamps features the aircraft during the 2009 display season. The stamp sheet can be viewed on the Vulcan to the Sky website and at www.bletchleycovers.com

Churchill and "Ike" at Bletchley Park

For the Churchill weekend at Bletchley Park on October 3rd and 4th Bletchley Park Post Office has prepared a special commemorative coin "cover". The coin on the face is a 1965 Churchill Crown. A limited edition stamp featuring the "Station X" mansion will be postmarked "Bletchley Park". The background design is the Union Flag and Stars and Stripes in a wartime setting. Churchill and Eisenhower complete the design to represent the beginning of the "special relationship" fostered by the code breaking operations of Bletchley Park. The cover can be viewed on the web site at www.bletchleycovers.com. It is only available direct from Bletchley Park Post Office, The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB. Call 01604 272690/631797 For more details contact: Terry Mitchell, 01604 781440. terry@ltmp.co.uk

Interview

I am going to start a series of Interviews with philatelists and Stamp Lovers. This is the first email interview with Dr Hemant V. Kulkarni of Milwaukee, USA. One may think what is the major difference between a philatelist and a Stamp Lover. Well, a philatelist is a person who collects and studies the stamps and bothers more about its technical points and makes a deep study about the items he/she collects. But a Stamp Lover is a person who admires the beauty of the stamps irrespective of its value. He collects whatever he likes away from the serious part of philately. The name of Dr. Hemant V. Kulkarni is well known among those who read e – newsletters as we often come across his crisp & candid views with a sense of humour on modern stamps in the most popular Indian e newsletter “Stamps of India Collectors’ Companion”. Dr Kulkarni is not a traditional philatelist but a true Stamp Lover. He has collected a number of beautiful stamps on a variety of subjects and loves to exchange & gift stamps with open heart to the Stamp Lovers!! Here is the interview with Dr Hemant Kulakarni based on the questions sent to him by email. Hope the Readers would like this new series of Interviews…..- Editor

Hemant V. Kulkarni, Milwaukee – USA

Born and educated in Mumbai India (Ph.D. from Institute Of Chemical Technology, formerly UDCT), I have settled in USA since 1971. Being born to a distinguished Professor and a Literary writer of his time in Mumbai, I've been influenced to contribute few articles of my own -one being the 'first prize' winning short story in a competition by US/Canada trimonthly (Ekataa). One fine morning with 12 inches of snow continuously falling in Milwaukee, I was inspired to write 'thirty six' consecutive short articles in same number of days -all based on the theme of US Commemorative Stamps I've been collecting in 'mint full-panes' (sheetlets) and shared them with my internet friends, relatives and neighbors, some of whom I've never met in person. Few of these have been still in circulation across the world with a surprise request from a stranger for a permission to translate it ('Ballerina Girl' -a US Ballet Dancer stamp) in his own native language. I'm a great lover of arts and take pride in decorating my home with a variety of pieces of works. No wonder then, I have no particular preference for 'Stamp Collecting' as a theme. If it's wonderful to my eye and taste, I purchase it in numbers and often donate or gift some to others for their joy And I constantly sing to myself, "...what a wonderful world..." -an essay I wrote based on this famous song with an appropriate US mint stamp attachment to go along.

Q1 What are your personal views about stamp collecting ? Tell me what stamp Collecting means to you ?

Stamp collecting is a very nice hobby if one is patient enough to witness its ripened fruits. It takes time to build your treasure, especially when you begin from scratch and the younger you are at the time, the better your fruits would taste. But then, it sure involves some out of pocket expenditure as you become more knowledgeable and hungry for building a portfolio of choice -more so when you limit yourself to a 'Thematic' preference. At this point your hobby suddenly applies its brakes because 'new Stamps or FDCs' in your restricted preferred category are to be found almost once in a blue moon (in your own country). Nevertheless it stimulates your creativity in the area of communicating with those living in foreign countries who may be tugging different boats of a common mother ship. And 'Bingo' -you're suddenly a pro in this game of exchanging what you can spare from your treasure of duplicates or other Philatelic items you really can sacrifice with newly found strangers. Internet sure catalyzes this process and having your own blog not only becomes 'sugar on the cake', it reduces your monetary expenditure in this otherwise expensive hobby. As a bonus, you develop great reliable friendships too.

Q2 What are the themes depicted on stamps that attract you most?

I've no particular 'Thematic' preference as long as a Stamp or a FDC appeals to my other interests & I have many. For example, I'm an avid fan of sports and have actively participated in many at a high level (have played Cricket under Ramakant Achrekar -'Guru' of Sachin Tendulkar, represented my College in Chess, Table Tennis and Badminton). Thus, nearly 20% of my philatelic hoard relates to this single theme -a natural given. I'm blessed with a wonderful backyard of my own where colorful birds mingle with each other on three hanging bird-feeders as they include Finches, Hummingbirds, Orioles, Blue Jays -to name a few. Add to that a Puppy in the house for my Grandchildren's delight. No wonder then I've a collection of related Philatelic items and those alone would require five-six albums to fit in. However, I'm also a freelance writer and at one time wrote 36 essays in 36 consecutive days -all themed on some of the finest 'US Mint Stamp Panes' (Sheets/Sheetlets) I have purchased at their face values over equal number of years that I've been living in the USA. Now that's one good reason I sure do not belong to pros in the game of Philately which has a definition I simply can't accept. When someone tells me, "Us philatelists take our hobby seriously", I can't help but pity them.

Q3 At what age you started collecting stamps & How you got attracted to the world of stamps ?:

I vividly remember obtaining my first commemorative stamps for FREE when I responded to an offer in an ad in 'Illustrated Weekly Of India' where a vendor enticed readers to receive 'postage paid' mint stamps of other nations with a hope to bring in new paid-customers. I was a tenth grader in a school in Mumbai and jumped on the opportunity but need not elaborate what happened in the end to this generous vendor as I did not have a single Paisa to spend at that age (Bye-Bye!). However, my Dad was an elite writer in Marathi (Professor of English) and had postal correspondence with his friends in foreign countries too. As a result, by the time I enrolled in college, I had built a decent collection of stamps -some in mint conditions from my Dad's purchases I used to handle for him from the local post office, obviously snatching several 'single frames' without his knowledge (was I getting habitual?).

Q4 Why do you collect stamps ? - For Pleasure or Investment ?

I collect stamps only for Pleasure and Not as an Investment. Since I can afford to purchase Stamps and FDCs I like the most, many a times I purchase them in duplicates or triplicates -strictly for Gifting Purposes or Offering them at 'Face Value' to those who may be interested in them but are unable to obtain or afford.

Q5 What is in "stamp collecting" that strikes you most and and inspired you to collect these tiny pieces of paper ?

In one single sentence I would describe, "These colorful tiny pieces of paper appear like A Rainbow To My Eyes". A wonderful gift of nature during those dreary days of monsoon when suddenly the Sun peaks out from behind the dark clouds & displays vivid colors from the Heaven! I bet all Philatelists must feel this way!

Q6 Would you ever like to display you collection in a stamp exhibition?

Unbelievable as it may seem, I haven't attended a single Philatelic Exhibition in my life. But don't get me wrong, I've gathered so much knowledge in this field that I can hold my OWN EXHIBITION with the collection I've built over so many years, including items I brought along with me from India (1971) that I had purchased while bunking my college classes to travel to the Bombay GPO and get hand cancelled new FDCs of commemoratives from the window clerk, spending nearly half a day in the process through crowded local trains I had to switch. It was great fun and satisfaction though!

Q 7 What appeals you most in a stamp - Design, Theme or its Value?

By now I need not emphasize that it's got to be the 'DESIGN' and to a lesser extent 'THEME'. 'VALUE' of a stamp at the time of its acquisition is unimportant to me because it comes automatically over the life span of your collection. I would give a nice related example for you. Being a lover of every kind of art, I have a pane of a US stamp honoring one of America's greatest Illustrator-Painter Norman Rockwell who has had decorated covers of over 300 issues of equally famous weekly 'The Saturday Evening Post'. In this stamp, Rockwell is shown working on his own portrait by peaking in the mirror with an expression of a surprise on his face that would make you laugh from the bottom of your belly. Being a fan of this periodical until it ultimately closed, I had purchased a set of four China Plates for just One Dollar that had four different Rockwell original paintings on them. Today, after 15-20 years these plates have been appraised by experts at $ 1,000+ and only if you can find someone like me to sacrifice them. Would I ever do that? Same should apply to your precious stamp collection. There is unforgetful history written behind every one of your stamps. Don't you agree?

Beginners’ Section

The story of cancellations…

- Jyothi Priya, Mandya (Karnataka)

Madhur Srimad Anantheshwara Vinayaka Temple Cancellation

Madhur Temple , is 6.5 km from Kasaragod. On the banks of serene Madhuvahini river, stands the imposing structure of Madhur Ananteshwara Vinayaka Temple, with its turrets and gables and the copper plate roofing, standing tall in front of paddy fields and gardens. It is a Shiva temple with Srimad Anantheshwara as its presiding deity. The sivalingam of the temple is said to be founded by a harijan woman, Madharu. Main festival is Moodappaseva, which involves a huge figure of Ganapathy being covered with appam. It requires lakhs of rupees for its conduct thus making it a periodic festival. The architecture is unique. This temple is said to have been attacked by Tippu Sultan, but not harmed out of devotion. The mark of his sword is still found in the Temple.

Introduction to the Madhur Srimad Anantheshwara Vinayaka Temple Annual Festival

The Madhur Srimad Anantheshwara Vinayaka Temple is located at Kasargod District and the Annual festival here is a colorful experience and is visited by people from across the country. This brings gusto a fresh air to the lives of ordinary men and ensures health and happiness to their lives. The Madhur Srimad Anantheshwara Vinayaka Temple celebrates its Annual festival for five days. During the festival the presiding deity of the Madhur Srimad Anantheshwara Vinayaka Temple is taken out in a long procession. Display of folk dances and folk music in the procession makes it all the more pleasant.

Specialized Section

Bayon Temple: The "Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia"

© Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

Yet I was trying to come out of the magical world of Apsaras and Bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat (Rainbow Stamps News September 2009) while visiting Cambodia, I fell down in another magical world of massive stone faces all around me, pointing in every direction with a curious smile like “Mona Lisa”. I stand before them stunned. It is like nothing else in the land. It was Bayon temple.

Near by Angkor Wat is the skeleton of a great square township, the Angkor Thom – the last capital of the vast and powerful Khamer Empire. It was grander than any city in Europe at that time and must have supported a considerable population- which may have been as high as one million.

Angkor Wat fell to the Cham army from northern Cambodia in 1177, after which the complex proper began to fall into ruin. It was then reclaimed, though not inhabited, by Khmer King Jayavarman VII when he defeated the Chams soon after the beginning of his reign in 1181. He aimed to rebuild the capital and to bring to the kingdom a new vibrancy, signifying a bright future for the Khamers. To accomplish this, he erected the Bayon, and created a structure somewhat like temple-mountain in its grandiose plan and scale.

Over 200 massive faces carved on the 54 towers give this temple its majestic character. The faces with slightly curving lips, eyes placed in shadow by the lowered lids utter not a word and yet force you to guess much. It is these faces that have such appeal to any one and reflects the famous “smile of Angkor” and has been dubbed by some the "Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia." This temple is also called locally as the “Temple of a Thousand Faces”.

The temple is organized on three levels. The first and second levels contain gallows featuring the bas-reliefs which are very impressive and present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes.

While the bas-reliefs of the Hindu temples often deal with the gods and their epic adventures, those in the outer gallery of the Bayon deal more with historical events and everyday life. Part of the reason for this change in focus may be the differing views of the Hindu and Buddhist religions. The Hindu religion puts much emphasis on matters of cosmic importance like the battle of gods to maintain good and evil. The Buddhist religion emphasizes that enlightenment is achievable by the actions of the individual. For an example of a Buddhist bas-relief, take a look at the bas-reliefs of the southern gallery. Some of its highlights are the bas-relief that details battles with the rival Cham Empire as well as scenes depicting everyday life of the common people - market scenes, fisherman, and even a cockfight.

Below is a scene depicting a crowd prepares for a cockfight. The people standing appear to be placing bets. One of the bettors is identified as being Chinese by his beard and topknot. Medieval Angkor had a significant minority of Chinese expatriates.

The inner galleries primarily depict Hindu mythology again. These were added by Jayavarman VIII, a successor who restored Hinduism as the state religion of the Hindu Khmer Empire. He converted the Bayon to a Hindu temple, and these bas-reliefs were added later to reflect this change.

The decorations on the pillars are also characteristics of the Bayon style and are exceptionally beautiful. A unique motif comprising on these pillars are two or three apsaras dancing gracefully on a lotus. Pillars are also decorated with apsaras framed by an intricate and intertwined leaf pattern.

The mythological apsaras were dancers and entertainers in the court of the god Indra; their presence in the Khmer temples signaled that the temples, too, should be regarded as the abode of divine beings.

The real draw of the Bayon, however, is the top level. As in the other temples, the stairs lead up from each of the four cardinal points to the top level, where over four dozen towers hold giant faces nearly 2 meters in height. With so many four-faced towers at different heights, you always have someone looking over your shoulder. It really is interesting to view the towers from different angles to see how the faces line up. The shifting light as the sun moves about the faces also produces new shadows and highlights with endless fascinations.

The first civilizations in Cambodia were of Indian origin that flourished between the 1st and 15th centuries. The last of these was Khmer kingdom, whose king Jayavarman VII espoused Buddhism. Classical Khmer kings promoted the idea (known as “devaraja”) that there was an intersection of the ruling king and a validating god. Usually the Hindu god chosen for this personal identification was Shiva, but sometimes it was Vishnu, or, for some, a godly image of Buddhist origins. Khmer temples thus often portray the ruling king incarnated as the god, whose shrines are within a monument on earth that models the design of the cosmos and heavens. Face towers of the Bayon represent the king as the Bodhisattva Lokesvara.The multiplication of these faces to the four cardinal points symbolizes the idea that the Royal power is blessing the four quarters of the Kingdom. Fifty four towers corresponded to 54 provinces of the Kingdom or at least to religious or administrative centers of the province.

Although a Buddhist temple, Angkor Thom was modeled after the great Hindu temple complex of Angkor Wat and its primary deity is Avalokitshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. It was built as a square, the sides of which run exactly north to south and east to west. Standing in the exact center of the walled city, Bayon Temple represents the intersection of heaven and earth and makes the entire capital a temple complex, with the walls of the city and the moat representing the outer mountain ranges and oceans of the mythical Hindu universe.

In various ways the relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism is seen here. Just as the Victory Gate was part of a three-dimensional representation of the Churning of the Sea of Milk, with Phinemeakas as the central churning stick, the Bayon is a similar representation with the gates at the four cardinal points of Angkor Thom flanked with statues of 54 gods on the left and 54 demons on the right. The nag balustrade of one side of a gate that symbolically extends to the Bayon, wraps around the temple, and then continues to the opposite gate, where the opposing force holds the other side of the snake. The Bayon sits in the center as another metaphorical Mt. Meru.

It might be interesting to know that the east gate was used for a scene in the “Tomb Raider” movie, in which the bad guys broke into the "tomb" by pulling down a giant apsara (actually made of polystyrene).

Following Jayavarman's death, it was modified and augmented by later Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance with their own religious preferences.

The Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The 350m-long Terrace of Elephants was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army, as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king's grand audience hall. It has five outworks extending towards the Central Square-three in the centre and one at each end. The middle section of the retaining wall is decorated with life size garuda and lions.

To Jayavarman VII, Garuda's domination of the Nagas was a symbol of his own military power and victories over the invasionary forces of Champa.

Towards either end are the two parts of the famous parade of elephants complete with their Khmer mahouts.

The French explorer, Henri Mouhot also brought this temple to the western world’s notice in the 19th century.

Ta Prohm and Ta Som are two other temples built by Jayavarman VII and have a special place in Byon style of architectures with faces ornamenting the towers.

Unlike other temples at Angkor, these two were left untouched by archaeologist, except for clearing of a path for visitors and structural strengthening to stave off further deterioration. Shrouded in jungle, trunks of trees twist amongst stone pillars. Fig, banyan and kapok trees spread their gigantic roots over, under and in between the stones, probing walls and terraces apart, as their branches and leaves intertwine to form a roof above the structures.

Everywhere around you, you see nature in its dual role of destroyer and consoler; strangling on the one hand, and healing on the other; no sooner splitting the carved stones as under than she dresses their wounds with cool, velvety mosses, and binds them with her most delicate tendrils.

But for me, the union of tree roots with stone faces was like a dreamland of pure love and romance, where these faces with Monalisian smiles are resting in the arms of nature from centuries.

Bayon is not an architectural ‘miracle’ it is in reality the world of gods springing up from the heart of ancient Cambodia.

Collecting First Day Covers in a unique way…..

The First Day Covers are collected by many philatelists. But very few know how to present the collection in a novel way with different kinds of varieties. Here is an article by Mr Praful Thakkar who has created a new idea to collect FDCs of ‘Set of Stamps’ issued on the same day’ . He has given the name to this new group as - Predecessors of ‘Se-tenant stamps’. Mr Thakkar needs no introduction to the Readers. I have already published news about him when he entered Limca Book of Records. At 70, he is full of life and enthusiastic about his collections. Here is an article on his newly introduced section - Predecessors of ‘Se-tenant stamps. Earlier Mr Shrikant Parikh of Ahmedabad has collected a number of varieties of FDCs of se-tenant stamps which can be seen on his Blog. I personally congratulate & thank these two senior philatelists of Ahmedabad who have given a new direction to the collection of First Day Covers. - Editor

First Day Covers of ‘Set of Stamps’ issued on the same day

- Predecessors of ‘Se-tenant stamps’

-Praful Thakkar, Ahmedabad

Indian Philately is now getting a global attention and attraction with introduction of more Miniature Sheets, Sheetlets and Se-tenant Stamps. Recent trend indicates that majority of collectors show keen interest in Indian stamps of modern era.

All the above mentioned themes have caught the fancy of collectors as they are artistic and attractive. Various new themes presenting India’s rich and resourceful heritage are presented by the Indian Postal Department. No doubt popular among them is Se-tenant stamps and FDCs which were issued in year 1974 for the first time in India with Mathura Museum.

But one very good theme is also worth noting and collecting as this theme could be considered as predecessor of Se-tenant stamps. It is collecting ‘Set of Stamps’.

Between 1947 and 1974, on various occasions, more than one stamp has been issued on the same day. Such stamps were issued in ‘Set’ depicting a specific theme or subject. Issue of such ‘Set’ continued even after 1974 i.e. after the introduction of Se-tenant stamps. Such ‘Set of Stamps’ depicting a specific subject and issued on the same day can be a very good collectible on FDCs. In Se-tenant stamps two or more stamps of a particular subject are joined together and issued either in the form of Miniature Sheet, regular sheet or sheetlet. While in ‘Set of Stamps’ such subject is presented in two or more separate stamps which are issued on the same day in separate sheets.

All the stamps issued on the same day form a ‘Set’ and if they are put on the one First Day Cover, such covers will be as colourful, attractive and interesting as Se-tenant FDCs. Moreover, a ‘Set of Stamps’ on First Day cover has its own philatelic worth as the FDC has some design on the cover along with the First Day Cancellation. During the pursuit of such collection, one may also find some Private covers or Special covers having some thematic and artistic design over and above the ‘Set of Stamps’ with first day cancellation on them.

As such, ‘Set of Stamps’ series started with 2 stamps of Independence issued on 15^th December, 1947. And then it was followed by Mahatma Gandhi mourning issue of 4 stamps issued in 1948, UPU 4 stamps issued in 1949, Republic of India 4 stamps issued in 1950, Asian Games 2 stamps issued in 1951, Poet series of 6 stamps issued in 1952 and so on. It is true that one may experience difficulties in collecting FDCs of ‘Set of Stamps’ from 1947 to 1956. They are little scarce. However, Gandhi mourning FDC with all 4 stamps including Rs.10 stamp will be very rare as in 1948 Rs.10 was really a very high amount for the people to spend. In due course, I shall make an effort to put FDCs of 1947 to 1956 for advanced collectors.

However, at present, FDCs of ‘Set of Stamps’ from 1957 onwards are easily available at affordable price and one can build a wonderful thematic collection of such FDCs. These FDCs contain variety of themes and are beautiful. They have all the charisma to attract collector’s and connoisseur’s eye as they are made with exquisite art and creative colour combination. For the benefit of collectors scans of few such FDCs from 1957 are presented here.

First Day Covers containing ‘Set of Stamps’ of Wild life Preservation (7/10/1963), Indian Birds (31/12/1968), Indian Miniature Paintings (5/05/1973), Indian Masks (15/04/1974), Indian Classical Dances (20/10/1975), Indian Wild Life (1/10/1976), Indian Flowers (1/07/1977), Modern Indian Paintings (23/03/1973), Museums of India (27/07/1978), Brides (30/12/1980), Tribes (30/05/1980), Butterflies (01/09/1981), Himalayan Flowers (29/05/1982), Forts of India (03/08/1984), Indian Trees (19/11/1987), Himalayan Peaks (19/05/1988), Historic Cities of India (24/12/1990), Tribal Dancers (30/04/1991), Orchids of India (12/10/1991), Yogasana (30/12/1991), Adventure Sports (29/04/1992), Birds of Prey (30/12/1992), Mountain Locomotives (16/04/1993), Indian Cricketers (13/03/1996), Indian Musical Instruments (29/12/1998), Sea Shells of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (30/12/1998), Indigenous Breeds of Cattle (23/04/2000), Corals of India (22/08/2001), Golden Voices of Yesteryears (15/05/2003), Waterfalls of India (3/10/2003), Snakes (12/11/2003) and many more ‘Set of Stamps’ on FDCs are real masterpiece of creative design prepared by our India Post.

Over and above these ‘Set of Stamps’, we do have colourful and creative combination of Olympic Sport stamps and Personality stamps of writers, poets, social reformers and Freedom Fighters. All these series present ever shining Indian History and Heritage which give us a feel of proud and privileged Indians.

During my pursuit of collecting FDCs of ‘Set of Stamps’, some very interesting and exceptional aspects came to my notice.

(1) In some cases, two official FDCs with two or more ‘Set of Stamps’ are issued. They are as under:

(A) For Republic of India (2a, 3 ½a, 4a & 12a-Dt.02/10/1969), three official covers of different sizes (110mmx168mm, 128mmx158mm and 102mmx228mm) have been issued. However design on all the three covers is the same.

(B) For Kalidasa (15nP & Re.1.03- Dt.22/06/1960), two types of official covers have been issued by Indian Postal Department. One is a longer one (23 cms x 10.2 cms.) and other is a smaller one (15.4 cms x 9 cms.) of regular size of that time.

(C) For 67^th Anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose (15nP & 55 nP-Dt.23/01/1964), two types of small official covers have been issued. One is with a design of Indian National Army & I.N.A. inscribed Logo showing map of India and the other one is depicting I.N.A. Martyrs’ Memorial, Singapore.

(D) For Birth Centenary of Mahatma Gandhi (20p, 75p, 1Re & 5 Rs-Dt.02/10/1969) again two official covers have been issued. In one cover on the left Gandhiji is shown in a standing position and in other Gandhiji is shown in a sitting position.

(2) I have also noted that in some two or three cases along with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant stamps are also issued on the same day. The examples are (1) India’s Struggle for Freedom (9/08/1983- Two Se-tenant Stamps and one single stamp), (2) India’s Space Programme (29/09/2000-Two Se-tenant Stamps & two Set of Stamps) and (3) Madhubani: Mithila Paintings (15/10/2000- Two Se-tenant Stamps & three Set of Stamps). Such FDCs can form the part in both collections viz. Se-tenant Stamps and Set of Stamps.

(3) One unusual cancellation is noticed on the FDC cover of Indian Mutiny Centenary (15nP & 90nP- Dt. 15/08/1997. Here there are two covers seen with two official cancellations dated 15/08/1957 & 16/08/1957.

Till now about 162 First Day Covers are issued where more than one stamp (issued on the same day) is affixed. I will be giving scans of such FDCs which are really a delight to collector’s eye. In due course, Complete Check List of ‘Set of Stamps’ and some more scans also will be presented for the benefit of the collectors on Rainbow Stamp Club Blog. The first part can be viewed at :

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-09-30T09%3A19%3A00%2B05%3A30&max-results=4

The complete check list of FDCs of ‘Set of Stamps’ can be viewed at following link -

http://www.stampsofindia.com/readroom/setfdc.htm

This is a very interesting thematic subject of collection. I have collected them all.

About The Author – Mr Praful Thakkar is a retired IAS Officer from Govt of Gujarat and retired as Secretary to the Government. Besides holding an important post during his service time, he always had a passion for stamps, coins and autographs which made him eminent in the field of Philately, Numismatics and Autograph collection too. Today Mr Thakkar is an Internationally renowned, Numismatist & Autograph Collector, recently has entered Limca Book or Records' 2009 for having the largest number of metallic canteen tokens and autographs. Praful Thakkar now at 70, has travelled to far-flung areas of India to collect more than 600 metallic canteen tokens, used at various government and private set-ups since 1939. Read full news published in Times of India. Mr Thakkar may be contacted at Email: pkthakkar@yahoo.com He hosts following Websites on autographs and coins.

http://www.indianautographs.com - Thematic Gallery of Indian Autographs

http://www.indiannumismatics.com - Classic Gallery of Indian Numismatics

New Issues from other countries

Australia

9 Sep Song Birds – 4v

25 Sep Classic Toys – 5 x 55c

The five Classic Toys featured on the stamps are: 1. Cyclops Pedal Car 2. Test Match Board Game 3.Barbie 4.Malvern Star Dragstar 5. Cabbage Patch Kids

Canada

14 Sep Mental health – Fundraising stamp

Korea

8 Sep Extreme Sports – 4 V

Finland

8 Sep 2009 – Floral Arrangements – 6v

Finland issued philately stamp of Finnish art depicting flower arrangements from the first decades of 2000th century. The paintings represent different art styles and are typical examples of each artist’s production.

9 Sep 2009 Northern Lights - Nature Fireworks - Aurora

Nature’s fireworks – Aurora

Nature’s fireworks! Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights, is a fascinating phenomenon, which has nourished man’s imagination for ever. In Finnish Aurora Borealis has many nicknames, as is the common name “revontulet ” which has its ground on the old Finnish tale whereby the Northern Lights appear when a Firefox waves its tale and the touch arouses the lights.

Great Britain

1 Sep Fire and Rescue Service - 6v

15 Sep Royal Uniform – 6 v

Malaysia

9 Sep Energy Efficient Buildings – 3v

Spain

14 Sep Traditional Folk Dances – 2 V

UNPA

25 Sep "UN Millennium Development Goals"

These stamps are in a set of 24 commemorative stamps in a mini-sheet format of eight stamps each on the theme "UN Millennium Development Goals".

2 Oct Int. Day of Non Violence - $ 1

8 Oct 2009 Indigenous People - 18 commemorative stamps in a mini-sheet format of six stamps each on the theme "Indigenous People".

Reader’s Right

Editor’s note- The aim of this stamp newsletter is to provide instant information and facts on philately to the readers and not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Readers may express their views, anguish and resentment through this column on philately. The platform is not used for any vested interest to cause derogatory to philately. When writing your views be sure that it should be related to philately only. It should not be used to express personal feelings between persons or groups in any manner.

AN APPEAL TO THE PHILATELIC COMMUNITY

- Anil Dhir, Bhubaneshwar

Please read this short piece and help serve a philatelic cause.

I have lost track of a cover which was in the collection of the Late Jadunath Kanungo of Cuttack. It was a damaged cover posted from Jammu around the turn of the century (circa 1898-1905) and addressed to “ The Rich Merchant of Cuttack”. It was an ordinary cover with a common stamp. I had seen the cover in Jadunath babu’s collection a few years back and he had promised to give it to me. However, in philatelic eccentricity, he took his own sweet time to do so. My repeated requests would yield the reply that he had lost track of it in him huge collection.

I had got a colour scan of the cover, and it had intrigued me. The address was just mentioned as “ The Rich Old Merchant of Cuttack”, the letter had been delivered. I had done a lot of follow up and found out who the rich merchant to whom it was addressed to was. I had also followed up the story till Jammu and traced the descendents of the person who had sent the cover. The letter had been sent by a coconut wholesaler, who used to import coconuts all the way from Orissa. The coconuts for the Vaishno Devi temple used to be sent all the way from Orissa, in a journey that entailed transportation by bullock carts, train, boats and finally ponies. My efforts also yielded a lot other aspects, which made a very good study in Postal history. My desire was to write a short monograph on the cover.

I had last met Mr. Jadunath Kanungo during EIPEX held at Bhubaneswar in October 2008 where he was felicitated with the lifetime achievement award for philately by Eastern India Philatelic Association and was given honour by the Governor of Orissa. After the ceremony, I had once again asked him about the cover, and to help him search for it I gave him the colour scan (the only one I had). He promised to go thru his collection and give me the cover. I insisted on paying him a price there and then, and he very reluctantly accepted Rs 250/- for it. I kept on reminding him of it for the next two months until one day on the 7^th December he rang me up and said that he had got the cover and I could come over and collect it. As I was away from Bhubaneswar, I told him that I would collect it the next week.

Unfortunately on the 9^th December Jadu babu passed away. His death was swift and sudden and we lost a great philatelist. I attended the funeral at Cuttack, the thought of the cover was still in my mind.

I did not broach the subject of the cover to Mrs. Kanungo for some time, but did enquire about what she would do with the collection. She did not have any immediate plans to dispose off the collection. However after a couple of months, when I approached her she told me that she has sold off the entire collection to dealers in Kolkata. The collection was taken by her brother who sold it to different dealers in Kolkata. I have been desperately trying to locate the cover, but to no avail.

I will pay a very good price for the cover as it has a lot of value for me as I have put up a lot of efforts for my research. To any other collector it is just a non descript cover, of not much value. My appeal to anyone who has the cover is to at least let me have a colour scan of it. Please email me at anildhir2k5@hotmail.com or ring me up at 09861020747. It will serve a philatelic cause.

Blogs & Websites on Philately

www.stampsofindia.com – This is the website of India with complete information on Indian stamps.

http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com – This is a new blog on se-tenants stamps of India by Mr. Shrikant Parikh of Ahmedabad.

http://prashantpandya.blogspot.com - A Blog in Hindi by Mr. Prashant Pandya of Vadodara. It is the only blog for philately in Hindi and created to have awareness about philately amongst philatelists as well as non philatelists.

http://letstalkstamps.blogspot.com – A Blog created by our member Commodore Vijay Kapre of New Delhi.

www.fishstamplover.blogspot.com This is a blog on Fishes created by our member Dr. Bibhudatta Mishra of Bhubaneshwar.

http://ganesh-worldheritage.blogspot.com/ This is a blog on World Heritage Sites by our member Mr. Ganesh Potphode.

http://stampcollectingroundup.blogspot.com - Interesting news, resources and links about stamps, stamp collecting and postal operations.

http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/ - Amazing true stories from the life of casual collector….. A nice blog by Mr. Keijo of Romania

www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com – This is the e – Stamp Club Blog to bring philatelists together on blogosphere and share views with each other.

http://www.myfavouritestamps.blogspot.com - A blog on my favorite stamps.

http://mbstamps.blogspot.com/ – A Blog by Mr Mansoor B. of Mangalore.

http://fdc4all.blogspot.com/ – A Blog by Mr SS Rath of Bhubaneshwar

New Blogs

http://mypicturepostcards.blogspot.com/ - A new Blog “ My Picture Post Cards” created by Comm. Vijay Kapre of New Delhi

http://pradipphila.blogspot.com. – A new Blog 'Pradipphila Art Gallery'- created by Pradeep Kumar Agrawal of Patna

On Line Exhibit

Exhibit #1 - Voyages of Discovery - http://www.myphilately.com/blg_view.php?blog_id=1595

Exhibit #2 - Fairy tales and Folklore - http://www.myphilately.com/blg_view.php?blog_id=1597

Kasinath R. email kasinath80@gmail.com My Watercraft Philately - http://shipthemegallery.blogspot.com/

The Lighter Side

It is the Festive Time in India. After Dussehra people are waiting eagerly for the great Festival of Deepavali all over the country. This is the festive month in Israel too. Greetings to all for this festive month. Here are some mouth watering stamps on Gastronomy issued by Singapore on 17^th July 2009. Our Reader Mr Raj Paul Oswal of Ludhiana has sent the scan from his collection for this festive season. Mr Oswal has prepared a comprehensive collection on Gastronomy and has participated in various philatelic exhibitions.

Promotional section

STANLEY GIBBONS INDIA CATALOGUE 2010

Stanley Gibbons will release the 3rd edition of its India catalog in September 2009. The 240 page catalog is priced at £22.50 equivalent approximately to Indian Rupees 1800. As the first edition of the title since 2004, there has been considerable revision of pricing and content, including a greater number of colour illustrations, particularly in the Feudatory States.

The catalogue lists and prices the stamps of India from the earliest issues of Sind Province (1852) and the East India Company (1854-64) up to the end of 2008, to the level of detail familiar to users of the Part 1 British Commonwealth listings. In addition to price revisions, there have been numerous additions to the content, including helpful notes and new varieties, including several watermark varieties which are listed for the first time.

Contents:

India 1852-2008: Booklets, Official Stamps

India used Abroad: Detailed notes for: Aden, French Indian Settlements, Kuwait, Muscat, Nepal, Portuguese India, Somaliland, Tibet, Trucial States.

Fully Priced listings for: Bahrain, British East Africa, Iran, Iraq, Malaya (Straits Settlements) and Zanzibar

Indian Expeditionary and Custodian Forces issues

India Convention States (including Official stamps):Chamba, Faridkot, Gwalior, Jind, Nabha and Patiala

India Feudatory States (including, where issued, Official stamps and Booklets): Alwar, Bamra, Barwani, Bhopal, Bhor, Bijawar, Bundi, Bussahir, Charkhari,

Cochin, Dhar, Dungarpur, Duttia, Faridkot, Hyderabad, Idar, Indore (Holkar), Jaipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Jasdan, Jhalawar, Jind, Kishangarh, Las Bela, Morvi,

Nandgaon, Nawanagar, Orchha, Poonch, Rajasthan, Rajpipla, Shahpura, Sirmoor, Soruth, Travancore, Travancore-Cochin and Wadhwan

For details of Stanley Gibbons India Catalogue 2010 please visit http://www.stampsofindia.com/SG-IN-CAT-2010.htm

OR Overseas Readers may also contact to customer services team on 0800 611622 (free phone UK only) or +44 (0)1425 472 363, quoting reference IND0809

SG product code: R2873-09; ISBN 10: 0-08529-728-8 ; ISBN 13: 978-0-85259-728-6

Stanley Gibbons Ltd,Unit 7 Parkside,Christchurch Road,Ringwood,Hampshire,BH24 3SH

United Kingdom Visit : www.stanleygibbons.com

ITS Stamp News Edited by Suraj Jaitly – The stamp journal dedicated to Thematic Philately

For more details Contact: surajjaitly@hotmail.com or indianthematicsociety@gmail.com

INDIAN THEMATIC SOCIETY
MIG # 3464, PHASE TWO, DUGRI ROAD, LUDHIANA - 141 013. INDIA
Mobile: +91 98728 51244 Telfax: + 91 - 161 - 2521244

Mobile Philately………What it is?

Mobile Philately is mobile technology based philatelic community with short messaging service (SMS) that allows the community members to get latest updates related to Indian Philately directly into mobile message box.Type your Name, Mobile Number, City, Pin Code, Email ID & Collecting interest and send a SMS to 09890373344 or you can also email this information to modi.philatelist@gmail.com For More Details Contact: Deepak Narendraji Modi , 1-09-123, Dr.Rajendra Prasad Road, Badi Sadak, JALNA – 431203 (M.S.) OR Log on to www.mobilephilately.webs.com

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

-Stamp of India Collectors’ Companion - India’s first and most updated weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi.

E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: www.stampsofindia.com
ITS STAMP NEWS, Whole #47, Vol.12 #3, Jul Sep 2009, Quarterly
Editor: Suraj Jaitly surajjaitly@yahoomail.com Publisher: Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana

Karphila News –Vol 1 Issue # 2 Edited by Akshay Borad email karphila@gmail.com It is a bimonthly e -newsletter of Karnataka Philatelic Society, Banbalore

Editor’s Mail Box

Ajai Srivastava, Shimla
Excellent issue. I could not resist my temptation to read it in one go! Congrats! The piece on Angkor Wat is marvelous. In fact, you have rejunevated my interest in philately..

Dr Eli Moallem, Israel

Thanks for nice new magazine. I enjoyed reading the article about Angkor Wat by Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal and learned a lot from it. Please, convey my thanks to the author.

RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists. Those who are interested may send following details for publication on blog. If they wish they may also send their photo for publication. New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published everyday on this blog.

Name…………………………………………

City/Country………………………………..

E-Mail………………………………………..

Postal Address…………………………….

Collecting Interests……………………….

Brief write up about yourself……………

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. News about new issues of India and abroad and other information related with Philately are regularly posted on this blog. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor

Courtesy- News and Image Resource to this issue - Stamps of India, International Stamp News, Shrikant Parikh- Ahmadabad, Prashant Pandya-Vadodara, Mobile Philately – Deepak Modi, Pradip Jain – Patna; Terry Mtchelle - UK ; Dieter Leder, Germany

Address for communication:

Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Kullu (H.P.) PIN 175126 India E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com

Last date for receiving write ups – 25th of every month. Kindly send images in jpg compressed format & text in MS Word only.

If you liked this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting philately.

A Request to Readers & Contributors-

Please do not send the text in scan form. Send your write ups in MS Word only.

Please do not send forwarded messages for promotional section if you want to give any information for promotion please write personally with brief write up. As this newsletter is not used for any commercial purpose in any manner.

Attention -
Please send limited number of images in compressed jpg format only with your article. Please send text and images separately. Please do not send text or image for publication in PDF.

"What should I do? I think the best thing is to order a stamp with my face on it." - Charles, Emperor of Austria 1882-1922 on learning of his accession to the throne

Till Next Month …..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………

Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) India.