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Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin edited and published by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Rainbow November 2019



Christmas Festivities - A Children's Nativity Play 

Date of Issue : 20 November 2019

Dehradun November 2019  Vol. XII  Issue No. 143

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 the editor: j.jyoti9@gmail.com
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 Reader,

I am pleased to release November 2019 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. Now the season of exhibition is coming. National Stamp Show  INPEX 2019 is scheduled just after one month  and it will be  biggest national philatelic event. Philatelists from all parts of India will gather at a common platform in Mumbai and involve in many philatelic activities from discussion to exchange and purchase of different philatelic items. Those who are participating in the exhibition will soon be busy in preparing their exhibits….So the Indian philatelic community is going  to be extremely active…... Best wishes to all the participants, organizers, dealers and volunteers for the wonderful National Philatelic Show ! Let’s each and everyone from the philatelic community be the part of this grand event ! All the best to everyone. ! Let it be an excellent show  with exquisite exhibits from different parts of the country !

This is all for this month ! More in next issue.

Happy Collecting !





Contents

§  From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
§  Recent Indian Issues
§  In The News

§  Doon Philatelic Diary
§  Beginners’ Section
§  Specialized Section
§   Rose Philately
§  New Issues from Other Countries
§  Editor’s Mail Box
§  Philatelic Clubs and Society
§  Blogs & Websites on Philately
§  Current Philatelic Magazines & Newsletters








AWARDS ARE  JUST METAL OR PAPER PIECES : LET’S ENJOY STAMPS

Some of the stamp lovers and exhibitors are seen disappointed with the results in the completion class in stamp exhibitions. They are also seen disappointed with the organizers  and the jury. The reasons are obvious.. their over or wrong expectation or dissatisfaction. Everyone cannot be satisfied. Recently, I could view an e-mail from a veteran philatelist, senior citizen and of course a hard core stamp lover. Her email was carefully read and the contents were noted. While I appreciate her feelings, but her  concern was the same which normally a hardcore stamp lover has such as improper judgment of the exhibits, favouritism, spending money on  hospitality, higher awards to those exhibits which practically belonged to someone else or had been bought by the heavy pocketed exhibitor. This is the voice of every disheartened stamp lover. Her letter expresses her disappointment in the ongoing practices in philatelic exhibiting and judgment. This is not for the first time we are hearing. In fact, this has become a part of exhibiting and  award giving practices.

Well, the points raised by her are genuine to some extent. But my view in this context is that we have to be open minded in our approach, assessment and should not totally condemn the practice. Display of bought over exhibits, relations with jury and organizers do help some of the exhibitors to some extent who have medal  lust. But to a very limited extent. And I understand a true and  genuine stamp lover  can easily overlook this aspect because his /her first concern is only joy and not medal.

I have already written too much in the past on this matter and have placed my suggestions from time to time. But we must not forget that these practices cannot be checked fully and so easily. These are bound to happen. One must not forget even the best of the judgments are subject to  be condemned. These cannot satisfy everyone. Exhibitor always views his exhibit from his point of view and the work he has done on the exhibit  but jury views exhibit in different ways. That conflict actually causes dissatisfaction.

We must also understand, organizers or jury cannot be blamed for this all the times. Borrowed or bought exhibits are the concern of philatelists. We have shaped the hobby of love for stamps in to love and lust for medals. We, the philatelists need to have check and control over this. There are norms for display of such exhibits. Any good exhibit needs to be displayed and cannot be stopped displaying unless there is some wrong or/and unethical reason. It is also not easy for jury to find out the ownership of the exhibit unless it is brought in to its notice well in time with proper evidence. This is not the job of jury. Yes, a declaration in this respect can be obtained along with application of participation. But will it help? However, I understand it is written in every prospectus. He who claims such malpractice can complain it to jury or organizers well in time with proper and sufficient evidence.

At first place, I thank the person who shared her disappointment and serious concern on her feelings and findings. Further for her views, concern and worry for the future of philately. But I would request all such stamp lovers not to worry at all. First of all, we need to understand, who we are...stamp lover or medal lover? Primarily we are stamp lovers, philately is our hobby and so we need to enjoy this ...enjoy the company of stamps and stamp lovers. That’s it. Medals and awards are just virtual reflection or  token of appreciation of your collection. Nothing else. And appreciation is done through hearts and not medals. In other words appreciation is received from and through heart and not awards. Let heavy pockets accumulate the awards. Their happiness is momentary and artificial but displaying without any expectation is joy. Personally, I thank every organizer for giving  platform to the participants to  display their collections in form of exhibits and for those to be viewed and  appreciated by the viewers. Jury may not be perfect al the times and can never be perfect for judging every exhibit. In some cases it may be slightly prejudice..but not in every case. Most of the medals are prepared before the exhibition. Hence, sometimes some of the medals ,awards are planned accordingly also. Marginal cases are either downgraded or upgraded. We must see that in general our exhibits are  assessed right. We should not bother about others. Sometimes jury is right but we are wrong in evaluating an exhibit. Jury is of course far  better than us in this field.

All in all, we need to be positive. We can harp but it’s better to enjoy. Believe me medals and awards are just metal or paper pieces. The true joy is the company of stamps...viewing the exhibits...discussing exhibits..sharing the knowledge.

So, all we need to enjoy. Should not have lust for medal. We must not forget, we are stamp lovers. What others do....is not our concern. Let’s look in to our  joy..let's enjoy our company of stamps..beautiful thoughts of stamps. Let’s not bother about what others do. Yes, we should try to improve the malpractices but not at the cost of our joy.

Indian philatelists are going to view yet another exhibition in December, where around 1000 frame are going to be on display. My appeal to all the participants and prospective visitors is to plan the visits before hand, utilize your time in the best possible ways there, look at the positive aspects, learn from the exhibits to improve your exhibit, collection and knowledge, enjoy the company of stamps and stamp lovers, enjoy whatever award is given. Do ask jury, if possible why you have been given particular award  and how to improve.

Please note, every exhibit is different…and the quality is different. Exhibits cannot be compared. So enjoy the stuffs served… Healthy criticism is always appreciated but  must keep in my that changes cannot be brought in so quickly. No need to get disappointed. Philately is done for pleasure , so enjoy……

: Naresh  Agrawal, email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in  Ph. 09425530514



Recent Indian Issues

 

2 October 2019 : Mahatma Gandhi, 150th Birth Anniversary – 6 stamps + MS
6 October 2019 : The Samaja – Rs 5
9 October 2019 : Arjan Singh DFC Marshal of The Indian Air Force
15 October 2019 : Indian Perfumes: 4 stamps + 2 MS
19 October 2019 : Historical Gates of Indian Forts and Monuments – 8 stamps + MS







 Recent Special Covers



3 October 2019 Marblepex 2019  

4 October 2019 : Wisdom Public School

12 October 2019 : Karnapex 2019 Day 1:  Our Heroes Day – Three covers  1.Girish Karnad 2. George Fernandese 3. Anant Pai

13 October 2019 : Karnapex 2019 Day 2 : Environment Day – Three Covers 1. Shankarapura Mallige (Jasmine) 2. Mattu Gulla (Green Brinjal), Katapady, Udupi 3. Euphlyctis aloysii (Frog)

14 October 2019 : Karnapex -2019 Day 3 : 4 Special covers - Culture  Day 1. Commemorating Tulu Cinema.2.
Shreemanthi Bai Memorial Government Museum 3. Siddis of Karnataka.4. National Flag - Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Sangh
30 October 2019 : 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi - Kendrapara











In The News

National Stamp Show

Philatelic Congress of India, with active support of INDIA POST and Philatelic Societies is Organising National Stamp Show with a Specialized Section on Mahatma Gandhi's 150 years from 18-22 December 2019  at Mumbai.    The Se-tenant Logo Represents National Show and Special Gandhi Section. 
The exhibition will be held at World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai during 18 to 22 December 2019. Dettails at the website of INPEX 2019 at www.inpex2019.com 


Dhai Akhar Letter writing Competition  2019-20

Australia Post releases marriage equality stamps

Australia Post has unveiled two commemorative stamps to mark the passage of marriage equality nearly two years ago.

The majority “yes” vote for same-sex was announced on November 15, 2017. The same-sex marriage bill finally passed through the Australian parliament that December. The two stamps, released by Australia Post on October 1, both celebrate the reform, with one depicting a rainbow with the phrase “Love is love”.
The other features two couples – Bec and Paula from Melbourne; and David and Nick from Sydney – as they celebrated the “yes” vote announcement that day. Lobby group Australian Marriage Equality celebrated the stamps’ release on Tuesday.“Like so many people across the country, [the couples] who are pictured on the stamp contributed to the marriage equality victory through their own activism and by generously sharing their stories,” the group said.
Forthcoming Stamp Exhibitions

CANBERRA STAMPSHOW 2020


Canberra Stamp show 2020 (21st National Philatelic Convention) will be held at the Hellenic Club of Canberra, Matilda Street, Phillip, (Woden), ACT 2606, Australia from 13-15 March 2020.

The participation fee for Competitive Classes (except Youth Philately) will be Australian $ 45 per frame. The fee for participation in Literature Class is $ 45 per exhibit. There is no participation fee for Youth Class.

Mr.Madhukar Jhingan is coordinating the participation from India to Canberra Stampshow 2020 and will personally carry all exhibits to Canberra and back after obtaining all necessary Government permissions in India.


The Exhibit Application forms and the detailed rules of exhibition (Prospectus) are available for download at https://canberrastamps.org/ The exhibitors in India should submit duly filled Forms along with a copy of the first page of the exhibit as well as the fees to Madhukar Jhingan mj@stampsofindia.com  +91 98111 60965 by November 23, 2019.Top of Form


Commissioner for NEW ZEALAND 2020 Philatelic Exhibition (FIAP)




Mr. Ajay Kumar Mittal has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the NEW ZEALAND 2020, FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from 19 to 22 March, 2020.
NZ2020 37th Asian International Stamp Exhibition is organized by NZ2020 Stamp Exhibition Incorporated under the auspices of the New Zealand Philatelic Federation Incorporated.
NZ2020 will be held at the Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland, New Zealand and will open on 19 March 2020 and close on 22 March 2020, a total of 4 days.
NZ2020 is a General Asian International Stamp Exhibition. Participation in the Competitive Classes is open to all collectors who are members of the societies affiliated to member federations of FIAP.
For details contact : Mr. Ajay Kumar Mittal Email: ajaymittal1957@gmail.com
Phone: (M) +91 9811032311






Commissioner for LONDON 2020 Specialized World Stamp
Exhibition (FIP)
Mr. Surendra Kotadia has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the LONDON 2020, FIP Specialised World Stamp Exhibition to be held in London from 02 to 09 May 2020. The exhibition will be held in two parts from 02 to 05 and 06 to 09 May 2020, by changing over the exhibits on the evening of May 05.
Eligibility: The minimum eligibility for participation in a FIP exhibition for Senior Class & Youth Class (Groups B & C) is a Vermeil Medal and for Youth Class (Group A) a Large Silver Medal secured at a National Exhibition.

For details contact : Mr. Surendra A. Kotadia
Email: 
surendrakotadia@gmail.com
Phone: + 91 22 2202 4130 / 2202 4131/ 2284 3244
Fax : + 91 22 2284 3275 Mob : + 91 98199 03789





AEROPEX 2019 is a Specialised National Philatelic Exhibition to be held at Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground, Victoria Drive, Adelaide 5000, Australia from Dec 6 to 8, 2019 to commemorate the Centenary of the epic England to Australia flight of Sir Ross & Keith Smith in 1919.

AEROPEX 2019 is jointly organised by Australian Airmail Society Inc. and the South Australian Philatelic Council Inc. under the Auspices of Australian Philatelic Federation Ltd., and under the Patronage of Fédération Internationale des SociétésAérophilatéliques (FISA).






Mr. Madhukar Jhingan is coordinating the participation from India.

Email : mj@stampsofindia.com Ph.  +91 98111 60965 .


CHICAGOPEX 2019
CHICAGOPEX 2019 will be held from Nov. 22-24th at the Westin Chicago Northwest USA.This year in CHICAGOPEX 2019 American National Stamp Exhibiton, five societies are participating, Polonus Philatelic Society, the Rossia Society of Russian Philately, the Lithuania Philatelic Society, the Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society and the India Study Circle.
CHICAGOPEX is one of the largest and one of the most prestigious philatelic exhibition of USA. Limited Exhibits will be accepted from Indian Participants who are members of India Study Circle for Philately. I will represent India Study Circle in CHICAGOPEX 2019 for Indian Participants.




Email: ajaymittal1957@gmail.com  Ph. / Whatsapp No.: +91 98110 32311
-       Ajay Kumar Mittal, Membership Secretary, ISC

EXPHIMO ’20

1 Frame Team Competition 30 May- 1 June 2020
Theme – Technology




IBRA 2021




International Stamp exhibition and stamp Fair IBRA 2021  will be held in Essen, Germany from 6-9 May 2021.
For details visit :  www.Ibra2021.de 


Ek La Chalo Re.. 

For more details contact 033-2212-0456 / 033-2212-0845

Recent Stamps on Mahatma Gandhi
Celebrating 150 years of Birth of Mahatma Gandhi

Slovenia


27 September 2019 : 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi



Spain

CHARACTERS. 150 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHATMA GANDHI



Every year, on October 2, India celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Gandhi, who was born that day in 1869 in Porbandar. Therefore, this year marks 150 years since its birth and Correos dedicates a stamp to this illustrious character.
The seal shows through a watercolor a portrait of Gandhi with his characteristic glasses and a slight smile. Behind him, the flag of India. In front, the silhouette of four women dressed in the typical Indian saree of bright colors.
Tanzania


Iraq & Luxembourg



Diwali Special

Ramayana: The Story of Rama, Through Postage Stamps

- Tarun Kumar



Lord Rama, crown-prince of Ayodhya, enters into betrothal with Sita after fulfilling the challenge of stringing Pinaka, the bow of God of gods Adi Yogi Shiva.

Stamp 1: Rama Strings the Bow.



While being strung, Pinaka created an enormous sound — Tamkrita — that brought angry Parashu-Rama, a disciple of Shiva, to the place. Soon, Parashu-Rama recognises Rama as an (8th) Avatar of Vishnu, the middle of the Hindu trinity of Brahma (creator) – Vishnu (care-taker) – Shiva (destroyer / recreator).

Rama and Parashu-Ram are destined to meet again in the year 3378 A.D. when Kalki comes as the tenth and the final Avatar of Lord Vishnu. At that time, Parashu-Ram will be the martial-Guru of Kalki. It is also for this reason that Parashu-Ram is considered to be one of the eight Chiranjeevi — those who do not die — persons.

Stamp 2: Dashrath is Forced to Send Rama to Exile.




Lord Rama was exiled to forests by Dashrath, his father, due to plotting by his step-mother. Sita goes with him and so does younger brother Lakshman.



Stamp 3: Bharat Fetches Rama’s Sandals.





Soon after, Rama’s other brother Bharat (also the constitutional name of modern India) arrives seeking his return. When Rama doesn’t relent, Bharat carries back the sandals of Rama vowing that hence-forth, he will rule as a regent / care-taker placing the sandals on the throne.

Haridwar

Haridwar is the first teerth-sthan. At Har-ki-paidi, even in modern times, a seeker can find foot-prints of Lord Vishnu enshrined in a non-descript temple, as he himself had come here.

Stamp 4: Kevat Carries Rama, Sita, and Lakshman in Boat.






As the journey in exile progresses, they come upon a river. This brings about a sweet episode in the story. Kevat, the boatman halts and chides Rama while he was boarding. He says that with the touch of the dust of Rama’s feet a stone turns to another being (alluding to the story of succour to Ahilya). He doesn’t want his boat to turn in to anything else. Thus Kevat rejoices in having an opportunity to touch and wash Rama’s feet. It is noteworthy that Kevat could have asked anything from Lord Rama. But he chose to ask for an opportunity to serve. Later, his whole family drank the water that was collected during washing of the feet leading to salvation of the entire clan.
The water is called Charanamrit, the nectar (amrit) from feet (charan). Ganges had emanated from Lord Vishnu’s feet. It was amrit that was the final blessing, contained in an earthen pot (kumbha) that came as a result of churning of the oceans by the divines and the demons. A drop of that fell at Brahma-kund / Har-ki-paidi in Haridwar and due to this reason the Kumbha festival is held after every twelve years in Haridwar. Kumbha festival is listed as an intangible cultural heritage of the entire humanity by UNESCO of the United Nations. In many Hindu rituals, Charanamrit is prepared by mixing a large portion of devotion with milk, honey, curd, and water spiked with basil leaves. Panchgavya is another mixture with a different recipe. Rig Veda talks of Soma as a desirable holy drink.

Stamp 5: Rama Nursing Jatayu Who Valiantly Tries Protecting Sita.


Jatayu, the old king of the vultures, fought with Ravana while the latter was abducting Sita. Jatayu’s valiant efforts were a form of serving Sita rather than saving as Ravana was stronger. Jatayu’s younger brother Sampati was a friend of Dashrath, Rama’s father.

As Jatayu passed away, Lord Rama became very aggrieved. He performs the last rites and shoots an arrow in the ground summoning all of the seven rivers.

World’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet long, 150 feet broad, 70 feet in height and having 15,000 square feet of floor area) is of that of the great bird Jatayu inaugurated in south India in 2018.

Stamp 6: Shabari Feeding Berries to Rama, Expounding of the 9 fold Bhakti Yoga


Of tribal origin and living in dense forests, Shabari was a great saint whose Guru was Rishi Matang. While dying, pleased with Shabari’s life-long service and devotion, Matang gave a blessing to her that she will experience God appearing before her. Each day, she would get ready and pluck fresh fruits. She would have a small bite of each and select the tastier ones while discarding the rest. She wanted to serve the best to the divine when he appears. She would fashion bowls out of leaves and place the tasted fruits in them. One day Rama, along with Lakshman did walk in. Shabari was overjoyed thinking there would be hundreds of Yogis in the area and yet she was chosen to receive Lord Rama.

When Shabari offers the pre-tasted fruits to Rama, Lakshman intervenes saying that such can’t be offered to deities. To this, Rama says, ” Whomsoever offers (even a mere) a fruit, leaf, flower or some water with love, I partake it with great joy.” This view is known well to the masses in India.

Here Rama explains the nine-fold path to devotion and Bhakti-Yoga –

1. Satsang, the good company

2. Listening to the stories of the Lord

3. Service to the Guru

4. Sing Kirtan, the chorus

5. Japa, the repetitive chanting and bhajans

6. Follow scriptures, practice control of the senses, nobility of character and selfless service

7. To see Lord manifested everywhere and worshiping Lord’s saints more than Lord himself

8. Being contented and not finding faults with others

9. Unreserved surrender with complete faith in Lord Rama’s strength is the ninth and highest stage.


Lord Rama further proclaims, “Shabari, anyone who practices any one of these nine modes of Mybhakti pleases Me most and reaches Me without fail. That (unreserved surrender and complete faith) which is most difficult for the greatest Yogis was easily attained by you, Shabari, because of your sincere devotion.”

Stamp 7: Hanuman Locates Sita and Presents Rama’s Ring.

Hanuman is sent out searching for Sita. Despite the several obstacles and temptations, he manages to locate and reach the Ashoka grove in Lanka where Sita is held captive. Sita is sitting under a tree and that tree gets the name Sita-Ashok. This tree has a unique feature: it flowers even from stem during winter time. It can be seen in Haridwar.
Here is an interesting trivia about languages. Sita is seen lamenting –
“Sathsoone Hariaanehimohi”
as described in Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, a version of Valmiki’s Ramayana. Roughly translated, it means, “Why doesn’t Hari (Rama) takes me back soon.” The Brij / Hindi language word “soone” has been used exactly as the English word “soon”. Earlier as well, while the trio were in exile in a forest, Tulsidas writes,
“Tav Panchvati near aayi”
meaning “Then Panch-vati (a grove of 5 trees) came near.” The word “near” has the same meaning in both the languages.
When Hanuman announces himself as a messenger of Rama, Sita wants to be assured of his identity. Thus, Hanuman presents the signet ring of Lord Rama.
There is an interesting aspect to the ring. Lord Rama was reincarnated as an Avatar in human form. Every human being passes away and so does Rama. But Hanuman, like Parashu-Rama, is one of the 8 Chiranjeevi, persons who can not die. Much after Ramayana, after all of have left this world, this ring which Hanuman had, one day, slips from his grip in a crack in Earth. He goes down to the Patal-Lok, the nether-world and was astonished to find several such rings.
 Stamp 8: Rama Blesses a Squirrel Who Is Helping Build a Bridge.



Hanuman comes back and reports to Rama about the location and well-being of Sita. An army of apes joins Rama and Lakshman. Lanka is beyond the southern sea. Upon reaching the southern tip of the land (the town is known as Rameshwaram), they start upon the task of building a bridge. When the name of Rama was written on rocks, they would not sink.


Rama notices that even a little squirrel is helping in building the bridge. He lifts her up and runs his three middle fingers over her as a form of blessing and affection. Thus an Indian squirrel has three stripes on its back, unlike the western chipmunks.

 Stamp 9: Hanuman Carrying a Mountain of Herbs to Sushena, the Ayurveda Rishi.



Rama and the volunteer army cross the newly built bridge and enter Lanka, the kingdom of Ravana. A long war ensues. Indrajit, son of Ravana, launches Shakti, a powerful weapon at Lakshman who is hit and critically wounded and looses consciousness. The Ayurveda Rishi Sushena prescribes a herb which is available in the northern Indian Himalayas in the Dronagiri range further up Haridwar.
Hanuman flies to the place. He locates the right mountain-range but can’t identify the right herb known as Sanjeevani-Booti. Thus, he lifts the whole mountain and brings it to the place where Lakshman is lying unconscious.
Modern botanists consider plant ‘Selaginella bryopteris’ to be that herb.
Stamp 10: Rama Shoots Ravan.



In a fierce battle, Ravan’s head and arms (he had ten heads and twenty arms) were wounded several times, yet he would not die and remain as energetic as ever. Then it was revealed that Ravan survives due to life-giving nectar in his stomach. The divines were very worried.
Yoga
Aditya Hridayam (Aditya: Sun, Hridayam: Heart) is an ancient Yoga practice that manifests a variation of SūryaNamaskāra, the Sun Salutations Yoga. It is a procedure of saluting Sun, taught to Rama by Sage Agastya, before his decisive battle with Ravan. It is described in the “Yuddha Kaanda” (Book of Battle) of Ramayana. There are in total 124 names praising the Sun in the whole procedure. An example – “Salutations to Thee who is the One being manifest in the twelve forms of the Sun”.
Aditya (of the name Aditya Hridayam) is the ninth name of Sun used in the chant of Sun Salutations; the mantra being –
“Aum Hrum Adityay Namah”
Surya is the third name of Sun used in Sun-Salutations. The corresponding mantra is –
“Aum Hrum Suryay Namah”
It is note-worthy that the two connotations of Sun Salutations viz. Aditya-Hridayam and Surya-Namaskar, both have the same seed-mantra — Aum Hrum — as given above.
Lord Rama conducts a special maneuver. A transliteration of the scripture is given below.



“Pulling the bow up till ear, Rama launched thirty-one arrows. They fired forward as if they were death-causing-snakes. One arrow absorbed the nectar in the navel (of Ravan). The other thirty ferocious arrows pierced (Ravan’s) heads and arms. They carried away the heads and the arms. The head-less and arms-less torso started frantic-dance on Earth. The torso started running amok causing ground to sink. Rama shot another arrow that cut the torso in two. While dying Ravan said, “Where is Rama? I challenge and will kill in combat.” The Earth shook as Ravan fell to the ground. Oceans, rivers, elephants in various directions, and mountains got agitated. The split torso fell to the ground over groups of bears and apes. After depositing the heads and arms near Mandodari, the arrows went to the place where Rama was present. All of the arrows resumed back to the quiver. Seeing this, the divines started drumming. The aura of Ravan merged with into the face of Rama. … Rama ordered his younger brother to console Vibhishana. He also ordered to perform the last rites of Ravan.”
There are several mantras in Sanskrit. The most potent of all is the simple mantra – “Aum Namah Shivay“. But the most potent and commonly used strotam (hymn) is Shiva-strotam that was composed by none other than Ravan himself.Lord Rama also used to pray to Shiva.
Stamp 11: Rama Coronated as the King.



At the end, Rama ascends the throne as king. All are happy and a long pleasant reign starts. The descriptions are made of ‘Ram-Rajya‘ or the ‘reign of Rama’. There is a long description of how a peaceful (utopian) world is, under Rama’s rule.
In modern India as well, the term used for the best / ideal form of governance is Ram-Rajya.
“All of the three worlds became joyous as Rama becomes the ruler. All sadness was gone. Nobody has animosity towards others. All inequalities were erased. All follow the paths of their occupations and stages-of-life, and follow the path of Vedas and become happy. They aren’t afraid of anything, are not sad, and do not suffer any ailment. …”
The visual image shown above is known as “Shri Ram Darbar” or “the court of Lord Rama.” It is seen very commonly in most temples. On the day of Diwali, the festival of lights, this visual is the central deity to be worshiped.



Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated twenty days after Dussehra, the day Ravan was killed. After killing Ravan, Rama, Sita, Lakshman and all return to Ayodhya.
Deepavali means ‘rows of lights’. Upon hearing of Rama’s impending return, people started cleaning and decorating their houses and surroundings. Twenty days later when the victorious Rama, Sita, Lakshman and others arrive at Ayodhya, people lit rows lamps in celebration and welcome.



 Diwali is the most celebrated festival of India. It signifies and heralds the victory of truth over falsehood, just over unjust, light over darkness.

- Tarun Kumar  : email : azimvth@gmail.com  


AZIMVTH Ashram in Haridwar, India, is a small centre for spiritual arts. 'Philately & Festivals', a new project by AZIMVTH Ashram, aims to collect, curate, and co-create artworks inspired with the themes of Indian festivals as depicted in philatelic materials the world over. .https://azimvth.org/2019/10/06/ramayana-the-story-of-rama/ 



Doon Philatelic Diary


Nainital Parole Camp during WW-II



- Abhai Mishra

During WW-II, Dehra Dun had POW as well as Internment camp. POW camp was for soldiers captured during war action in Middle East while Internment camp was for civilian males belonging to enemy countries. Few know that there was a Parole camp at Nainital which housed families / ladies of enemy nations. This cover was sent from Shanghai-Hongkew/China to one Miss Karin Walbaum in Bombay on 14-Sep-1940. It was redirected to Valley View, Landour and then to Parole Camp at Nainital and delivered on 29-Sep-1940.




Miss Karin Walbaum was one of many Jews who fled Italy / Germany along with their family to Shanghai in order to escape Hitler’s atrocity. Shanghai / China was one of very few places which granted visas to escaping Jews during WW-II. On the way when their ship docked in India, she de-boarded to work for a British family while others moved on. Probably she was put on parole later at Nainital camp being of German origin. This letter must have been written to her by her relatives in Shanghai. This camp was in a house known as St. Cloud in Nainital. This Nainital parole camp also housed the famous Hungarians Madam Sass Brunner and her daughter Elizabeth. They were painters and had the book “Mystic India’ written by them. They came to India on the invitation of Rabindranath Tagore, and painted Mahatma Gandhi too. Elizabeth Brunner was bestowed with Padma Shree in 1985.

-       Abhai Mishra : email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com


Beginners’ Section

150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi


Khadi on Postage Stamps

-      N. Kalyani



Mahatma Gandhi encouraged and promoted khadi and the charkha in a big way as part of the Swadeshi Movement during the Indian freedom struggle. As we come together to celebrate the sesquicentennial (150th) birth anniversary of the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, N Kalyani takes a look at khadi, the fabric that Gandhiji endorsed in a big way, and how postage stamps of India, have, over the years, commemorated khadi and Gandhiji.



Khadi, or khaddar, refers to handspun and hand-woven cloth. Khadi today has acquired many dimensions and has become a fashion statement; fashion wear could be crafted from khadi. During the freedom struggle, when India was fighting British rule, khadi was central to the ideals of self-reliance of and self-governance by the Indians. It was in the year 1918 that Mahatma Gandhi began the movement for Khadi as relief programme for the poor masses of India’s villages. ‘I am convinced that Swaraj cannot come so long as the tens of millions of our brothers and sisters do not take to the charkha, do not spin, do not make khadi and wear it,’ Gandhi had said at the opening speech at the Belgaum Congress session of 1924.
Khadi was encouraged during India’s freedom struggle as the Indian handspun cloth, against both foreign cloth as also mill-made cloth. In fact, Gandhiji wrote, in the year 1929, in his publication, Navajivan, ‘The boycott of foreign cloth will succeed only when the twenty-two crore of our peasants begin to use khadi. And to convert them to the use of khadi means to explain to them the science of khadi, to show them the advantages of self-help and to teach them the entire process of khadi production. For this, we need volunteers, mobile schools, and preparation and distribution of booklets describing the processes of spinning, carding, etc.’



India Post, India’s postal department, has over the years brought a number of stamps on the themes of khadi and Gandhi. Commemorative and definitive stamps and other postal stationery as also cancellations (postmarks) are a means to carry messages of importance around the country and world too, given the postal system’s network and reach even to remote and otherwise inaccessible areas. Besides the role of postage, stamps are also beautiful pieces of art and make for collectibles. Stamps and other postal stationery are brought out by the postal departments of countries around the world on various themes showcasing their history, geography, culture, heritage, art, architecture, sports, flora and fauna, as also current and past events and personalities. Philatelists around the world collect stamps on varied themes.



India has, over the years since Independence, issued a large number of postage stamps and postal stationery. It was in 2011 that India Post released the world’s first khadi stamp on the occasion of INDIPEX 2011, the World Philatelic Exhibition held at New Delhi. The unique diamond-shaped khadi stamp is in a denomination of `100 and shows Gandhiji’s face in profile and the charkha on real khadi cloth. In other words, while stamps are mostly made of paper, this stamp is actually made of khadi! The commemorative stamp also carries the Mahatma’s words, ‘Be true’, in his hand, along with his signature. The Miniature Sheet, also released on the occasion, shows Gandhiji at the charkha. There is a quotation reproduced from Harijan, the newspaper that he brought out, dated April 27, 1947. ‘Take to spinning to find peace of mind. The music of the wheel will be as balm to our soul. I believe that the yarn we spin is capable of mending the broken warp and woof of our life. The charkha (spinning wheel) is the symbol for nonviolence on which all life, if it is to be real life, must be based.’

Charkha as the symbol for nonviolence has been synonymous with Gandhiji, one who believed in the two cardinal virtues of peace and nonviolence (ahimsa). In fact, the birth anniversary of the Mahatma, October 2, is observed world over as the International Day of Non-Violence. And to commemorate the day the United Nations Postal Administration brought out a colourful stamp $1-denomination stamp on Gandhiji in the year 2009. The many different colours in the stamp depict Gandhiji’s life and philosophy: red the colour of energy, green the colour of healing, white of purity, blue of serenity, yellow of balance, and brown of the Earth.


In 1969, to commemorate the birth centenary of Gandhiji, four stamps were issued by India. The `5 stamp shows Gandhi spinning the charkha. The cancellation (postmark) issued for this set of stamps was itself in the shape of a charkha. The se-tenant of two stamps that India issued titled, ‘125 Years of Mahatma Gandhi’, also show him spinning the charkha, and carry the caption: ‘My life is my message’. The stamps to commemorate the Quit India Resolution of 1942 that were issued in 1983 and in 1992 also feature the charkha. The 1983 stamp shows the Indian flag as it was designed initially, by Pingali Venkayya, with the charkha in the centre. The 2 stamps issued in 1992 also carry the Mahatma’s call to the people for the Movement: ‘Do or Die’.



Another interesting pair of stamps released in 1995 titled ‘India-South Africa Cooperation’ that was a joint stamp issue of India and South Africa, the country that was crucial to the birth of the Mahatma’s philosophy of ‘Satyagraha’. Once again, one of the illustrations on the miniature sheet shows Gandhi spinning the charkha. Being a joint stamp issue, India and South Africa released the stamps, in similar design, in their respective countries on the same day (October 2), in denominations of their respective currencies. In 2015, on October 15, India Post issued a set of two stamps on the Charkha, one titled, Bardoli Charkha, and the other, Peti Charkha. Gandhi had himself designed a charkha and used it to weave khadi which has been featured in the stamp. In 2018, on Gandhi Jayanti a set of seven uniquely shaped round stamps were issued by India Post to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The stamps are in varied denominations, and the `22 denomination stamp shows the Mahatma weaving on the charkha.

The Gandhi ashram also known as the Sabarmati Ashram, at Ahmedabad, has a permanent pictorial cancellation of a charkha. In other words, all letters sent from the post office here bear this postmark. Khadi and the charkha have been immensely popularized by India Post. So along with khadi in your wardrobe, you can have some khadi on your 
mail too !



Do you know?
PIN
The Postal Index Number (PIN, or sometimes redundantly PIN code) is a six-digit postal code. PIN system was made by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar when he was at service in Kolkata. It was introduced on 15 August 1972 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There are nine postal zones in the country; the first eight are geographical regions, and the ninth is reserved for the Army Postal Service (APS).
The PIN system is organised in the following way:
·         The first digit indicates the zone.
·         The first two digits indicate the sub-zone (or postal circle).
·         The first three digits indicate a sorting district.
·         The last three digits indicate the delivery post office.
The PIN for an address may be found on the Postal Service website. There are total of 19,101 PINs covering 154,725 post offices in India, with the exception of the Army Postal Service, as of 2014

Specialized Section


White-throated Kingfisher on Stamps


-Col J Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta



The white-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) also known as the white-breasted kingfisher or Smyrna kingfisher, is a tree kingfisher, widely distributed in Asia from Turkey east through the Indian subcontinent to the Philippines.


Distribution of the White-throated Kingfisher

This kingfisher is a resident over much of its range, although some populations may make short distance movements. During the breeding season they call loudly in the mornings from prominent perches including the tops of buildings in urban areas or on wires.




It is the state bird of the Indian state of Bengal. It can often be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds.


Tanzania stamp issued on 10.07.2012 as a part of a 4 stamp series along with a MS



Tanzania MS (Miniature Sheet) issued on 10.07.2012


Singapore stamp issued on 10.3.1963 as a part of a 4 stamp series

This is a large kingfisher, 28 cm in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wings and tail. Its head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly are chestnut, and the throat and breast are white. The large bill and legs are bright red.


Singapore (15.10.1975),Sierra Leone (23.10.2015) & Guyana (16.08.1994)
  

North Vietnam (15.10.1963), Suriname (15.10.2008) & Sri Lanka (27.09.2003)
The flight of the white-throated kingfisher is rapid and direct, the short rounded wings whirring. In flight, large white patches are visible on the blue and black wings.



Hong Kong (20.4.1988), Israel (25.4.1963) & Sierra Leone (25.3.2016)

Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult.
  

Maldives (25.5.2015)

Local names include Baluchistan: aspi chidok; Sindhi: dalel; Hindi: kilkila, kourilla; Himachal Pradesh: neela machhrala; Punjabi: wadda machhera; Bengali: sandabuk machhranga; Assamese: masroka; Cachar: dao natu gophu; Gujarati: kalkaliyo, safedchati kalkaliyo; Marathi: khandya; Tamil: vichuli; Telugu: lakmuka, buchegadu; Malayalam: ponman; Kannada: rajamatsi; and Sinhalese: pilihuduwa.

The white-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) on MS (Miniature Sheet)

Bangladesh MS issued on 17.8.1983


Sierra Leone MS issued on 25.3.2016



Maldives MS issued on 25.5.2015


Sierra Leone MS issued on 23.10.2015



Jordan MS issued on 21.7.1988



Guyana MS issued on 16.08.1994

- Col Jayanta Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta : email : doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com

Book Review









By Swamynathan R.


Collectors Guide to Special Covers on Karnataka




In early days special cancellations were issued by India Post and the attractive covers were privately printed and issued. Special covers and cancellations related to philately exhibitions organized by India Post were issued by India Post. Nowdays, all types of special covers and cancellations are issued by India Post with official number printed on the back side of the special cover. Special covers do not have a commemorative stamp as in case of First Day Cover. Special covers cater to regional and local philately requirements including postal history as compared to national perspective of First Day Cover. Special cover has a great importance in promoting philately at local and regional level.

To have a catalogue of anything has a special importance to quick referencing, preserving the past, research and many more. In recent years, special covers issued by India Post has picked up its importance and popularity among philatelists and having a catalogue of special covers is of great help. It’s nice to know that a few philatelists have started the effort to catalogue the special covers.

The first volume of the book on special covers issued by Karnataka from 1960-2014 titled “Collectors Guide to Special Covers on Karnataka-1960-2014”was released in the year 2015.

The book was authored by Shri.Sushil Mehra with the help of many philatelists. This book is the first catalogue book on special cover in Indian philately. The outpouring appreciation of the book resulted in the second volume of the book on special covers on Karnataka being released at KARNAPEX event held at Mangalore from 12th to 15th October 2019. The volume II of the book illustrates the special covers of the period 1960-2014 missing in volume 1 and the special cover of the period 2015-2018.  With the publication of two volumes of the book, each special cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle now has a specific number for any reference purpose.

Both volumes of the book have etched a special place for itself in the history of philately in India. The book will find a place in every personal library of philatelists.  The book highlighted the importance of special covers in philately and in particular in the modern era.Shri. Sushil Mehra, the author of the book needs to be applauded for his wonderful efforts on his ongoing job in cataloging the special covers released from Karnataka state from the very first issue.A big thanks to India Post-Karnataka Circle to publish the book. The book has an attractive Design and printed with highest quality. 

Hope the two volumes of the book on special covers of Karnataka will inspire more special cover books to be published.

For further details on the book one can contact the Bengaluru Philatelic Bureau inside Bengaluru GPO, Contact no. +91 80-22863434.

- Swamynathan R. :  email : swamyxyz@yahoo.com


In Memory of Dr Satyendra Agrawal….

Rose Philately










White Roses



White Roses from Australia issued on 25 January 2016 by Australia Post.


Special Occasion stamp stamp Booklet from Australia issued in 2010 featuring Champane Roses

White Rose stamps from Special Occasion series featuring

Date of Issue : 5 February 2019

Metro Rose – Stamps on Roses Thailand 2009


Metro rose or White rose is a rose variety which is made up of many overlapping petals giving them a camellia-like appearance. They are creamy blush to white, well scented and often produced in large trusses.Thailand issued a stamp on 6 Feb 2009 on this variety of rose to mark the Valentine’s Day.It is an embossed stamp.
Wedding Roses



The USPS issued a Wedding Roses commemorative stamp on 21 April 2011. It features two white roses gently resting atop a piece of wedding correspondence. A white ribbon is visible in the background. White roses carried on a bride’s wedding day signify eternal love, purity, and innocence. A bouquet of roses is a special way to send a message of love.
New issues from other Countries

Aland

24 October 2019  Christmas



This year’s two sparkling Christmas stamps from Åland Post appear on 24 October. Through the versatile use of watercolour, Swedish artist and summer Ålander Anette Gustafsson has explored the magic of snow crystals.

Austria 

25 October 2019 : The Traditional Costume of Flachgau




The focus of the “Classic traditional costumes” series on this occasion is the dirndl from Salzburg’s Flachgau region. This traditional costume for everyday wear impresses with its fresh colours and its typical cut.

The traditional everyday dirndl

The traditional costume of Flachgau is a new version of the costume, with considerable freedom in the design to encourage variety and to enable the traditional costume to be incorporated into everyday wear as easily as possible. Characteristic features are the square neckline at the front of the bodice and the narrow central flap fastened with buttons. The costume is made from linen, cotton or mixed-fibre fabrics, either in a single colour or with a floral or checked pattern, with the colour of the skirt coordinating with the bodice. Depending on the pattern of the fabric, either the flap or the edging on the hem is often decorated with monochrome piping. Alternatively, taking inspiration from the costume for special occasions, the bodice with the central flap is replaced with a linen laced corset with a wide front aperture, a seam dividing the back section and incorporated straps. The lacing eyelets of the corset are often elaborately designed in alloys of gold or silver. For special occasions there is also the “Festtracht” made of silk or brocade, the bodice of which is embroidered with floral motifs and decorated with velvet.

The traditional costume of Flachgau shown on the special stamp comprises a red linen bodice with a herringbone weave and a coordinating printed skirt with an edging in the same colour as the bodice. It is worn with a light-green cotton apron decorated with a scattered flower motif and fastened with a wide bow. The plain white blouse with short sleeves and the red piping on the square neckline and sleeves complete the dirndl.

As varied as the region

Flachgau is the most northerly region of the province and surrounds the capital city Salzburg. With its lakes, basins and mountains, it offers considerable variety, and the regional variants of the traditional dress are just as varied as the landscape. One of the best-known versions of the dirndl from the Flachgau region is the Henndorf dirndl. It isoften made from blue checked material (“bedding” material) and the central flap isfastened with buttons. The apron is not tied in a bow, as is usual, but is instead attached to the dirndl with buttons.

Slovenia

27 September 2019  Logar Valley Nature Park


Logar Valley Nature Park

Logar Valley Nature Park is a picturesque Alpine oasis, surrounded by a chain of two thousand metre mountains on the eastern section of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Southern Karavanke. The valley, which is tectonic in origin, and ultimately shaped by glaciers, measures 9km in length, and extends to 500 m in its widest part. Centuries ago the valley was recognised as one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of the entire Alps. The local people were aware of the advantages and value of the numerous preserved natural and cultural features, so in 1987 the valley was proclaimed a nature park and a natural asset of national importance. Large-scale, self-su cient farms, which over the centuries have helped shape the image of the landscape, have lefttheir mark on this area. From a green backdrop below the prominence of Mt Okrešelj rises the River Savinja. The river has barely been born before it rushes down a 90 m steep rocky gully, and then as a waterfall called Rinkaplunges into a breathtaking abyss, where soon after it disappears. Its second source is at the Logar farm calledČrna. Together with its tributaries, which ow into it alongits way, it makes up the longest river that ows in itsentirety within Slovenian territory.

Enjoying the beauty of nature is a central, unforgettable experience. The varied hilly and mountainous landscape in itself calls on us to sense our inner voice through active movement, a voice telling us we are also part of nature.

A distinctive feature of the Logar Valley Nature Parkdestination is the cuisine of the entire Solčava area.At the meeting point of the Gorenjska, Koroška and Štajerska regions, it forms a characteristic interplay ofthe gastronomic in uences of all three regions and of the entire Alpine area. Farms in the area of the park usethe food they produce to supply their own needs and for tourist consumption.

Rinka Centre and the Municipality of Solčava

Spain

25 October 2019 : 12 Months, 12 Stamps - Cantabria




In Cantabria they bid farewell to September with the ‘Día de Campoo’ (Festival of National Tourism Interest) on which ‘Reinosa’ is at the centre of folklore and regional traditions. This ushers in October, the month dedicated to Cantabria in the 12 MONTHS 12 STAMPS series. The province of Cantabria is rich in archaeological sites of the Upper Palaeolithic, although the first signs of human settlement date back to the Lower Palaeolithic. The Altamira Cave paintings, dating back to 37000 B C, stand out in this respect. Along with nine other Cantabrian caves. The Picos de Europa mountains appear in the background of the stamp, a mountain range consisting of three perfectly defined massifs: the western or ‘Cornión’, the central or ‘Urrieles’, and the eastern or ‘Ándara’. The Naranjo de Bulnes or Picu Urriellu (2519 m), the Peña Vieja (2613 m), the Llambrión (2642 m), and the Torre Cerrado with its 2,646 meters is the highest summit of the Picos de Europa all rise from the central massif. 'La Virgen de la Bien Aparecida' is the patron saint of Cantabria. Her festival is held on 15 September and she can be found in a sanctuary in Hoz de Marrón (Ampuero). The image of the ‘Virgen Bien Aparecida’ is small (21.6 cm including the pedestal), possibly the smallest across Spain. It is no older than the fifteenth century and is still intact, covered with elaborately beautiful vestments. 




There are currently four versions of the Cantabrian bowling game 'Bolos'. Of the four, 'Bolo Palma' is the most well-known. The four versions are grouped into two families: 'Derribo', meaning ‘demolition’ (the object of the game is to knock over the most pins); 'Bolo Palma' and 'Bolo Pasiego' fall into this category. 'Pasabolos', meaning ‘pass the pins’ (the objective is to throw the balls as far as possible past the lines to gain the most points); 'Pasabolo Tablón' and 'Pasabolo Losa' fall into this category. 'Anchoas en salazón' (salted anchovies) date back to the Roman Empire (evolving from garum) and are documented as having been produced in Spain since the year 1250 when Alfonso XI granted the town of Laredo in Cantabria permission to make 'salazones' for the rest of Castile. It wasn’t until 1880, when the Italian fishing fleet set up a 'salazón' factory in Santoña, that the area became one of the largest producers in Europe. 

In making this product the anchovies (Engraulis encrasicholus) undergo a preparation process[ ] whereby after having been cleaned, filleted, salted and soaked in vegetable oil (olive oil), they are put into tins, glass jars, or wooden barrels.[] The Santa María de Lebeña Church is found in the beautiful region of Liébana, Cantabria, some nine kilometres from the capital, Potes, at the entry of Desfiladero de la Hermida, surrounded by immense white mountains that contrast the greenery around the monument. This church is a paradigm of the Mozarabic or ‘repopulation’ style demonstrating the three defining influences of the style: Asturian, Visigothic and Muslim. A detail of a copper alquitar still used for the distillation of 'orujo'. The Lebaniegos made 'orujo' in their homes for centuries, a tradition that has led to one of the most important industries in the Liébana region. Liébana currently produces different varieties of 'orujo' (a clear spirit). 

The most common variety is called 'Blanco', which comes directly from the alquitar; the other varieties are produced by mixing the 'aguardiente' with sloe, morello cherry, mountain ironwort (Sideritis hyssopifolia) or honey. 'Sobao pasiego', a protected area whose centre of production is located in the region of Pas, next to the region delineated by the rivers Pas and Pisueña. This is a sweet made from a mixture of wheat, butter, sugar and egg. It is served in squares, in cupcake paper (traditionally called a gorro or ‘hat’) folded to create the characteristic wings. 

A 'trainera' is, originally, a Cantabrian coastal boat propelled using oars and sometimes a sail. These boats were traditionally used for fishing but have now been modified, making them lighter for use in competitive fixed-seat rowing regattas with strict rules concerning weight, dimensions, etc. The standard measurements are 12 m in length, a 95 cm bow, a 75 cm stern, a hold depth of 60.5 cm and a minimum beam length of 1.72 m. 

Today, a 'trainera' crew consists of 13 oarsmen and one cox. The photograph that appears on the stamp is the work of artist Ángel Obregón. The 'Barros Stele', one of the Cantabrian Stelae, is a gigantic stone disc from the 4th century BC found in Barros (a region of the Los Corrales de Buelna municipality in Cantabria), which was declared a place of cultural interest in 1985 It is 1.66 m in diameter and 0.40 m thick, and rests on a base measuring 1 m in height and 0.80 m in width, an impressive size for a work of this type.[] It is made from natural sandstone. Today it is located in the Barros 'Parque de las estelas' (‘Stelae Park’), which opened in 2001. The red stripe along the bottom represents the red of the Cantabrian flag.

25 October 2019 :  UPAEP America, Traditional Foods, Paella




Since 1989, the UPAEP member countries issue a philatelic series with stamps based on a common theme, this year, the chosen theme is about traditional foods.Spain, issues a stamp dedicated to one of the most famous and known recipes worldwide, paella.





There has been much talk about the origin of paella, its variants and if paella can be called all dishes that have rice and saffron as a base.

The majority dates its origin during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, in the rural areas of Valencia. The farmers needed easy recipes to prepare with the ingredients they had on hand in the field.

The ingredients of the paella were the birds, the field rabbit or the hare and the fresh vegetables. All this was mixed with rice, saffron, olive oil and water in the paella, which also gives its name to the pan where this recipe is cooked. Over low heat, with orange wood, paella used to be eaten in the afternoon after a hard day of work in the field.

According to the purists, this is the origin of the authentic Valencian paella, but today we can enjoy many other recipes. For example, the seafood paella that they usually have as ingredients, in addition to rice and saffron, shrimp, mussels or crayfish. Also fish paellas, mixed, or black or broth rice.

Although the origin of the term is likely to be Latin "patella", there is a romantic theory that says that a man prepared this dish for his girlfriend and thus get his love, so the word "paella" could derive from the phrase " for her ”or“ for her ”.

The stamp issued by Correos within the America UPAEP series, collects an image of a paella, with a spoon with this delicacy in the foreground. Paella is one of the hallmarks of Spain and there are many visitors who come to th e country wishing to enjoy this ancestral recipe.

New Pictorial cancellations from South Korea

1. 19-0926 postmark
   - 100-year Anniversary of National Athletics Contest
2.19-1002 postmarks
  - Seoul stamp exhibition : tracking
  - Gyeongin stamp exhibition : horse racing 
3. 19-1003 postmark
  - Gangneung Coffee Festival stamp exhibition : coffee
4. 19-1018 postmark
  - Seoul Silvergrass Festival : silvergrass
5. 19-1028 tourism postmarks
  - Chuncheon post office : Virgin Status on Soyang river 
  - Pyeongchang post office : Alpensia ski jump
  - Daejin post office : tower for unification(south and north korea)
6. 19-1105 postmark
  - Chuncheon post office : stamp exhibition commemorating 9th ann. electric train
7. 19-1115 postmarks of the national stamp exhibition
  - 19-1115 to 191118 : first post office in Korea
  - 19-1115 : stamp day
  - 19-1116 : Korea philatelic federation day
  - 19-1117 : philatelist day

  - 19-1118 : philatelist meeting day



Editor’s Mail Box

Crd G Sriramarao  (Retd.), Vishakhapatnam

Dear Mrs Jyothi,

I am extremely happy to go through the October issue of Rainbow Stamp News
where you covered most of the stamps issued on Mahatma Gandhi by various countries on the occasion of the150 th anniversary of his birth, as well as many earlier issues. It is a viewing pleasure as well as very informative.
The book review of Mr Pradeep Jain on special issues of Gandhiji by India  in 1948 is very well covered.
India post also issued 4 special post cards on Mahatma Gandhi in ,1948.
Thanking you,

With regards
CDR G Sriramarao (retd)

Dr Hemant V Kulkarni , Milwaukee, USA

The issue itself has become a collector’s item. Very much impressed.
Congratulations !

Best regards

Hemant V Kulkarni
USA

Gary Goodman , Editor Judacia Thematic Society Newsletter, UK

Jyoti

Many thanks for your latest Stamp News.
Always a good read.

Regards
Gary.

Promotional section




Gems of Indian Philately ( Edition 1)


Dear Members of PCI and its Affiliates,

 An initiative titled - "Gems of Indian Philately (Edition 1)" is an attempt to compile the Heritage and Diversity of Indian Philately by the publication of 100 or more philatelic materials present in the hands of the collectors. 
The idea is to bring all aspects of Indian Philately (Traditional, Postal History, Aerophilately, Postal Stationery, Indian States, Foreign P.O.s, Post-Independence, Mahatma Gandhi, Thematics etc.) under one roof. This book will prove to be a good source of reference with a lot of interesting and rare materials and will encourage philatelists to explore other areas of Indian Philately besides what they are already collecting. 
The book is scheduled to be released��during the Inpex 2019 (18-22 Dec.) in Mumbai. A copy of this beautifully published book will be presented to each contributor for his personal collection. 

Sincerely, 

Pragya Kothari Jain
(Coordinator & Compiler - Gems of Indian Philately Edition 1)
Whatsapp -��+919709638790

Request from a philatelist

I am 71 year old philatelist from  Kerala, India and collect whole world  Stamps, Coins  and Currency notes. I have lost most of my collection in last year flood in Kerala and want to restart my collection.  I would like to exchange stamps coins and currency note from collectors all over the world . email : abrahamjohanncheeran@gmail.com   Postal address : C Abraham  Jos , Pvs-Iris Apartments , Tower 1-11A,( P O ) Desom , Aluva  683 102,Kerala  India .

Acknowledgement
- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin October 2019 issue edited by Mohanchandran Nair

-  Judaica Thematic Society (UK)  November  2019  Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman    email - judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net

-  Deccan Philatelist Vol 19 No 2  2019 edited by Col Jayanta Dutta

- Journal of The Army Philatelic  Vol 17 No 3 2019 edited by Col Jayanta Dutta

-The Hyderabad Philatelist August 2019 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal

-The Hyderabad Hobby Magazine August  2019 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal

Blogs & Websites

      Stamps of India

Philatelic Clubs & Societies 

Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society -  http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association -http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/
The Hyderabad  Philatelic and Hobbies Society
India Study Circle -  http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana -http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort 
http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
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
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association -http://www.sipa.org.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps of India –
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.  New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution 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 of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya &TimirShah  and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/
ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor: Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/
Ananthpuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Journal of the Army Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta
India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.
Deccan Philatelist from Deccan Philatelic Socity, Pune. edited by Col Jayanta Dutta
The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society  Editor – Prakash Agrawal
SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue : Stamps of India   Jagannath Mani, Suresh R.  – Bangalore ;, Whats App Groups  EPIA,  Abhai Mishra- Dehradun, Wolfgang Beyer – Germany; Sudhir Jain Satna (MP)

Address for communication :
Jeevan Jyoti,  c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248002. 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 like 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 or PDF. 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 do not send text or image for publication in PDF. 
Any material from this newsletter may be reproduced only with the written permission from the editor. 
Happy Collecting ……….                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun ( Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation among philatelists.






Recent Awards

AMRITPEX 2023 - Silver

CAPE TOWN 2022 - Silver

LONDON 2022 - Silver


INPEX 2019, Mumbai - Silver

CHINA-2019, World Stamp Exhibition, Wuhan - Bronze

INPEX 2017, Mumbai - Large Silver

CHINA 2016 - Bronze

TAIPEI 2015 - Bronze

CG International Philatelic Promotion Award 2014, Germany - ( 4th Position)

INPEX 2013, Mumbai - Vermeil

SHARJAH 2012, Sharjah ( UAE ) - Silver Bronze

IPHLA 2012, Mainz - Germany : Bronze

I
NDIPEX 2011 - World Stamp Exhibition, New Delhi - Bronze

JOBURG 2010 - 26th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Johannesburg - Silver Bronze

PORTUGAL 2010 - World Stamp Exhibition, Lisbon - Bronze

Hong Kong 2009 -23rd Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Hong Kong - Silver Bronze

About Me

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Participated in different philatelic exhibitions Wrote for philately column in The Pioneer and worked as sub-editor for U-Phil Times published from United Philatelists, Kanpur.Did Schooling from Kanpur Vidya Mandir and Post Graduation in Botany from A.N.D. College Kanpur.

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