Happy
New Year
Dehradun January 2026 Vol. XIX
Issue No. 217
Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their
area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about, 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
Celebrating a Milestone
We're thrilled to announce that Rainbow Stamp News has
completed 18 years of successful publication and embarks on its 19th year,
bringing you more philatelic insights, news, and stories.
Editorial……
Dear Reader,
I'm delighted to present the January 2026 issue of Rainbow Stamp News, marking 18 years of uninterrupted publication and the beginning of its 19th year. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our readers and contributors for their unwavering support.
I am happy to share that Rainbow Stamp News won a Large Silver in the Literature Class category at the AUSVIPEX 2025 Virtual Philatelic Exhibition. The exhibition saw a good number of Indian participants who performed exceptionally well. Kudos to the AUSVIPEX 2025 team for organizing a well-managed and successful event, particularly notable for the detailed critique sheets and jury comments provided to participants for the first time. This valuable feedback will undoubtedly help exhibitors to improve their exhibits. The moderate entry fee was a welcome touch, encouraging participation from philatelists worldwide.
Wishing you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!
More in the next issue…..Happy Collecting!
Contents
. Editorial
· From the Desk of
Naresh Agrawal
· Recent Indian Issues
· In the News
. From the Pen of
Dipok Dey
. Book Review
· Specialized Section
· Beginners’ Section
. Stories Behind
Stamps
. Thematics
. New Issues from
Other Countries
· Philatelic Clubs and
Society
· Blogs and Websites
on Philately
· Current Philatelic
Magazines and Newsletters
TRULY FRIENDLY EXHIBITION : AUSVIPEX 2025
Today we see lots of exhibitions being organized all over both physical and digital. And this shows that all true efforts are being done to help philately not only survive but flourish also amongst so may digital distractions attracting the prospective stamp lovers to adopt some other hobby or the mean of entertainment or relaxation. Digital philatelic exhibitions are now becoming handy both for the organizers as well as participants because of various reasons.
Recent Indian Issues
1 December 2025 : National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research –
Rs 5
13 December 2025 : 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF BOMBAY GYMKHANA – Rs 5
14 December 2025 : Perumbidugu
Mutharaiyar II (Samrat Suvaran Maran) – Rs 5
16 December 2025 : 100th Birth Anniversary of Arudra – Rs 5
19
December 2025 : Medicinal
Plants of India - 5 x Rs 5 + MS
22 December 2025 : 100 Years of Association of Indian Universities – Rs
5
31 December 2025 :100 years of electrification in Indian Railways -2 x
Rs 10 + MS
New Special Cancellations
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation: Flamingo: Sambhar Lake Head Post office
New Special Covers
1 January 2026 : Golden Jubilee of
Philatelic Bureau Indore GPO
21 December 2025 : World Meditation Day : Mumbai
25 December 2025 : Bharat Ratna Sri
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
25 December 2025 : First Flighr
Carries Special Cover : Navi Mumbai Internationl Air Port to Manohar
International Air Port Goa
26 December 2025 : Veer Bal Diwas : New Delhi
In The News
AUSVIPEX -2025
Indian Winners
Rainbow Stamp News won Large Silver Medal in Literature Class.
View :
Complete Award List
Exhibition
Website https://ausvipex2025.com
National Philatelic Literature Exhibition Christchurch
2025
19th NEW ZEALAND PHILATELIC LITERATURE EXHIBITION 2025
Hosted by the Christchurch (NZ) Philatelic
Society Inc 6 December, 2025 Christchurch, New Zealand
1. Markand Dave 2.Sushil Mehra 3.Pratisad Neurogoankar 4.Capt Vijay Wadhwa 5.Kumesh Kr Jain 6. Sashi Pal
Indian Winners
1. Markand Dave ( Gold)
2.Sushil Mehra (Gold + Silver)
3.Pratisad Neurogoankar (Gold)
4.Capt Vijay Wadhwa (Gold +LV+LV+V )
5.Kumesh Kr Jain ( V)
6.Shashi Pal (V)
View : Complete Award
List
Dubai 2026
DUBAI
2026, Specialized FIP & FIAP patronage World Stamp Exhibition ,4-8 February
2026
Visit :https://dubai2026wse.com/
MACAO 2026
The FIP Patronage Specialised world Stamp Exhibition
will be held at Cotai Expo Hall A, The Venetian Macao, Taipa Macau SAR from 26
June 2026 to 1stJuly 2026.
Visit: https://www.macao2026.org.mo/
The Airmail Society of India Foundation (AMSI) is conducting its 2nd
Virtual International Aero & Astrophilatelic exhibition during 14 to 21
February 2026.
visit : www.amsipex.com
BOSTON-2026
BOSTON
2026 GWSE is organized by American Philatelic Society (APS) in accordance with
Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). The exhibition will open on May
23 and close on May 30, 2026.
The
exhibition will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC)
in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Approximately 4,000 exhibition frames judged
under FIP rules will be available.
National Commissioner: Mr. Pratisad Neurgaonkar, Email: pratisadn@gmail.com , Mobile: +91 9766310553
Bandung 2026 Asian International Stamp Exhibition
From
27-31 August 2026
It will be organized under
the Patronage of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP)
Classes available for
participation are: Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery,
Aerophilately, Thematic, Maximaphily, Revenues, Modern Philately (2001 to
date), Picture Postcards, Open Philately, Promotional Competitive, Philatelic
Literature, and Youth Philately.
Detailed rules of
exhibition (IREX) and Exhibit Application Forms are available https://bandung2026fiap.com/#
Participants may contact
the National Commissioner to obtain the application form. The completed
application, along with the first page of the exhibit in PDF format and the
exhibitor’s declaration in the prescribed format, must be submitted to the
Commissioner .
To the National
Commissioner for India,
VIRENDRA SHARMA
185, Bhupalpura Main Road,
Udaipur, Rajasthan -
313001, INDIA
Email virsharma@yahoo.com WhatsApp
+91-9928570097
OR CC. to the Apprentice
National Commissioner for India,
Mukesh Kumar Malhotra
Assistant Commissioner
B-III, 1266 BAJWA NAGAR
LUDHIANA 141008, India
Email: mukeshlibra@yahoo.co.in Phone: 919023084608, 918360758242
PHILATAIPEI 2026
FIP Patronage General World
Dates: 19 - 24 Nov 2026
SIPA@70
Platinum
Jubilee Stamp Exhibition, Chennai : 4-6 January 2026
Auction
PHILAUCTIONS Auction No. 20 is on 1o Jnuary 2026.
You can register and bid online at Bidspirit
India: https://in.bidspirit.com/ui/catalog/auction/philauctions/69452/1?lang=en
Online Pre-bidding can be done from NOW on
Bidspirit India
Live Auction on Bidspirit India will be held in New Delhi at 12. Noon, Saturday, 10 January 2026
For any inquiry, contact : email at contact@philauctions.com or whatsApp on +91 83 83 85 9325
News
from Philatelists and Philatelic Societies
Air Mail Society India Foundation (AMSI)
25th
Regional Meeting of the RPSL
Mumbai witnessed a meaningful gathering of philatelists, collectors, and enthusiasts at the 25th Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL) Regional Meeting on 21 December 2025 at the Intercontinental Hotel. Conducted in person, the meeting offered a rare opportunity for face-to-face dialogue, shared learning, and reflection within the philatelic community. Mr. Simon Richards RDP FRPSL, President-RPSL was the Guest of Honour.
The highlight of the meeting was a keynote by Mr.
Piyush Khaitan FRPSL, FPCI, titled “Indian Philately: Vision, Strategy and
Roadmap.” Moving beyond stamps as collectibles, he explored philately as a
living record of India’s history, culture, and global connections. His address
invited participants to reflect on the current state of Indian philately and
the collective steps needed to strengthen its presence on national and
international platforms.
The talk examined India’s rich postal heritage, its
performance at exhibitions, and the importance of a coordinated approach to
exhibition development, jury training, youth engagement, and institutional
support. Drawing on international benchmarks and data, Mr. Khaitan emphasized
long-term strategic planning over short-term tactical actions.
Concluding with a call to action, he urged collectors,
societies, federations, and institutions to collaborate in strengthening
research, mentorship, education, and global participation, aiming to build a
vibrant and sustainable future for Indian philately.
The session was well received, offering thoughtful
insights into Indian philately’s historical strengths, current challenges, and
future possibilities on the global stage. It was attended by eminent
philatelist like Mrs. Damyanti Pittie (Former President of PCI), RPSL Fellows,
senior philatelists, and invited guests.
-Piyush Khaitan
Virtual Session on Detained Mail on Account of the Dardanus Incident
The presentation focused on a rare and historically
important 1939 airmail cover sent from Tokyo to Bombay that was detained
following the Dardanus Incident, involving the Imperial Airways feeder flight
operating on the Hong Kong–Bangkok sector of the Empire Air Mail Service. Mr.
Khaitan explained how the aircraft was attacked by Japanese fighter aircraft
near Weichow Island on 8 November 1939, forcing an emergency landing and
resulting in the detention of the crew, passengers, and mail. The cover discussed
is the only known recorded example of Indian-bound mail detained due to this
incident, making it a unique survivor of wartime disruption.
The talk traced the detailed journey of the cover—from
its posting in Tokyo and transit through Japan and China to Hong Kong, followed
by its release and onward transmission via the Empire Route and Tata Air Lines
to Bombay. Particular emphasis was placed on the postal consequences of the
incident, including delays, routing changes, and wartime civilian censorship.
The presentation highlighted the use of
the extremely rare PASIND 5 Indian Civilian Censorship cachet,
contributing valuable insights toward resolving longstanding questions about
its origin and usage.
Supported by aircraft movement records and established postal history references, the session demonstrated how a single postal artefact can illuminate broader themes of wartime aviation, censorship practices, and imperial communication networks. The presentation was well received and generated informed discussion among IASG members worldwide.
For updates on activities of the Air Mail Society India Foundation (AMSI) and details of AMSIPEX-26, please visit www.airmailsocietyindia.org and www.amsipex.com.
Karnataka
Philatelic Society
President -Jayprakash Sarda
Vice President -M
Ramachandran
General Secretary -Akhil Reddy
Treasurer-Vijay Mehta
Election Officer - Ramkrishna
Committee Members
1. Mandara M 2. Praveen Shastri 3. Dr Kishan MK
New office bearers of KARNATAKA PHILATELIC SOCIETY
From left: 1. Dr. Mandara 2.
Dr. Kishan MK 3. Jayaprakash Sarda 4. Ramkrishna - 5. Vijay Mehta 6. Praveen Shastry 7. Akhil
Reddy
Prayag Philatelic Society
Non-stop 3000 days for promotion of Philately
Dipok Dey, a name synonymous with excellence in the philatelic community,
requires no introduction. As the first Indian to design a stamp for the United
Nations, he has dedicated his life to the realms of art and philately. Despite
being bedridden due to age-related illness, his passion remains unwavering. In
a remarkable display of determination, he is writing a series of articles on
various subjects, painstakingly typing on his mobile device since he can no
longer use a computer keyboard. We are deeply honoured to publish this
exclusive series by the grand old man of Indian Philately and Philatelic Art,
sharing his insights and expertise with our readers. -Editor
This philatelic material holds a significant place in the history of Indian philately. Designed by Shri Dipok Dey, the first Indian to design United Nations stamp. This stamp on Child Survival was issued on 22 November 1985 in the 33-cent denomination.
Women have made extraordinary and
enduring contributions to the fields of communication and philately in the
modern world. Without their vision, dedication, and participation, philately
itself might never have evolved into a structured and meaningful discipline.
This article stands as a sincere tribute to their invaluable and often
under-acknowledged role.
IN QUEST OF POSTAL HISTORY AND COMMUNICATIONS
FOUR QUEENS WHO SHAPED THE COMMUNICATION AND POSTAL HISTORY OF THE WORLD
Throughout world history, monarchs have influenced not only political boundaries but also the evolution of communication. Among them, four remarkable queens stand out for shaping the routes, systems, and philosophies that ultimately gave birth to modern postal communication. From opening global sea passages to establishing overland courier networks and pioneering postal reforms, these four queens left legacies that connected civilizations across continents.
This article
explores how Queen Isabella I of Spain, Queen Elizabeth I of England, Empress
Catherine I of Russia, and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom each
transformed global communication in their own unique eras.
1. QUEEN ISABELLA I of Spain (Reign: 1474–1504)
Queen
Isabella, I reigned at the dawn of Europe’s Age of Discovery, a period that
redefined global geography and communication. Her bold decision to fund
Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage had consequences far beyond exploration—it
opened the first permanent communication bridge between Europe and the
Americas.
BUILDING THE FIRST TRANS-ATLANTIC COMMUNICATION PATHWAYS
With the
founding of Spanish settlements in the Caribbean, the Crown developed: Regular
maritime dispatches between Seville and the New World.Early courier boats that
carried royal decrees, reports, and trade information.
A network of
messengers within Spanish colonies who connected ports, forts, and
administrative centres.
These
channels became the earliest intercontinental communication routes—the
ancestors of future postal and shipping lines.
IMPACT ON WORLD COMMUNICATION
Isabella’s support for exploration created:
The first
continuous two-way information flow between Europe and the Western Hemisphere.
A
communication network that tied three continents—Europe, Africa, and the
Americas.
A structural
base upon which later postal exchanges and imperial correspondence systems were
built. Thus, Isabella’s vision reshaped the map of global communication
forever.
2. QUEEN ELIZABETH I of England (Reign: 1558–1603)
Elizabeth I
presided over the rise of England as a naval and exploratory power. Her reign
marked a decisive expansion of communication routes that would later support
global postal systems.
ROYAL CHARTER TO SIR WALTER RALEIGH
In 1584,
Elizabeth granted Sir Walter Raleigh the authority to explore and colonize
parts of North America. His voyages—motivated in part by the search for wealth
such as gold—helped:
Establish
England’s first contacts with the New World,Create dependable trans-Atlantic
sea routes, Encourage organized ship movements and periodic correspondence
across the ocean. Strengthening England’s Maritime Network
Under Elizabeth: THE ROYAL NAVY EXPANDED RAPIDLY
English
ships began regular voyages to the Americas and beyond. Commercial and
diplomatic letters travelled through more predictable maritime channels.
The East
India Company was formed during the time of Queen Elizabeth I, who granted a
royal charter for its establishment on December 31, 1600. The East India
Company (EIC) was instrumental in establishing and expanding communication
networks between the East (primarily India) and the West (Britain) to
facilitate trade and administration. These networks evolved from basic shipping
routes to sophisticated modern infrastructure.
These
developments formed the foundation of England’s overseas communication system,
a structure that eventually evolved into the world’s largest imperial postal
network.
3. EMPRESS CATHERINE I of Russia (Reign: 1725–1727)
Though her
reign was short, Empress Catherine I played an essential role in maintaining
and extending Russia’s colossal communication infrastructure at a crucial
moment.
THE YAM SYSTEM – Backbone of Eurasian Communication.
The yam
system played a crucial role during her time in promoting trade and cultural
exchanges by ensuring safe and efficient travel for merchants and travelers.
The network of relay stations not only provided rest and resources but also
facilitated interactions between diverse cultures.
(The Yam
system was a sophisticated Mongol postal and courier network that facilitated
rapid communication and transportation across the vast Mongol Empire.
Established by Genghis Khan, it used a network of relay stations with fresh
horses, food, and shelter, allowing messengers to travel up to 200 miles a day
by changing horses at each stop. This system was critical for military command,
administrative control, and trade across the empire).
Catherine
supported and reinforced the yam, an overland courier system originally
strengthened by Peter the Great. The yam consisted of:
Relay posts
every 25–40 kilometres, Fresh horses for government messengers, Shelter, food,
and security for couriers on official duty, Well-defined overland routes
stretching thousands of miles.
A TRANS-CONTINENTAL POSTAL CORRIDOR
Under her
authority, the yam became:
A
communication lifeline from Europe to Siberia and the Far East, A vital postal
road that later connected with Central Asia and diplomatic missions, One of the
longest and most reliable pre-modern overland communication networks in the
world.
Her support
preserved the continuity of a system that carried administrative orders,
diplomatic mail, and trade information across an empire spanning 11 time zones.
4. QUEEN VICTORIA of the United Kingdom (Reign: 1837–1901)
No monarch
transformed world communication more profoundly than Queen Victoria. Her reign
coincided with the birth of modern postal systems, global connectivity, and
technological change.
It was
during her time the Overland Mail System setup to speed up communication,
especially in the 1830s, the EIC ( East India company) developed a quicker,
regular courier service via the Middle East (across Egypt between Suez and
Alexandria). This combined sea travel with an overland crossing and was crucial
for sending urgent dispatches and the "overland mail" to connect with
steamers in the Red Sea.
THE POSTAL REVOLUTION UNDER VICTORIA
During her
reign, several groundbreaking reforms took place:
Uniform
Penny Postage (1840) democratized letter-writing by making it inexpensive.
Introduction
of the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black.
FOR THE
FIRST TIME IN THE WORLD, THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PAYING POSTAGE FELL ON THE
SENDER -NOT THE RECEIVER —an innovation that made mail delivery fair,
predictable, and universally accessible.
Massive
expansion of railway mail, steamship services, and electric telegraph lines. Founding
of the Universal Postal Union (1874), which standardized international mail
rules and created a truly global postal community.
GLOBAL IMPACT
By the late
Victorian era: Every continent was connected through scheduled sea mail routes.
Telegraph
cables spanned oceans. Postal communication had become a worldwide public
service. The postage stamp became the universal symbol of communication and
national identity. Victoria’s reign stands as the single greatest milestone in
the modernization of world postal history.
COUNTRIES & TERRITORIES THAT ISSUED QUEEN VICTORIA STAMPS.
With Their First Year of Issue
Europe
Great Britain- 1840 Gibraltar- 1886 Malta - 1860 Cyprus -
1880 Heligoland-1867 Ionian Islands
-1859
AFRICA
Cape of Good
Hope – 1853; Natal – 1857; Transvaal (British admin) – 1878; Orange River
Colony – 1900; British East Africa – 1890; British Somaliland – 1903; Zanzibar
(Indian QV used) – 1895; Mauritius – 1847; Seychelles – 1890; Gold Coast –
1875; Lagos – 1874; Sierra Leone – 1859; Gambia – 1869; Niger Coast
Protectorate – 1892; Northern Nigeria – 1900; Southern Nigeria – 1901.
MIDDLE EAST / INDIAN OCEAN
Aden (Indian
QV used) – 1854; British Post Offices in Turkish Empire (Levant) – 1885.
SOUTH ASIA
India –
1854; Ceylon – 1857; Straits Settlements – 1867; Labuan – 1879.
EAST & SOUTHEAST ASIA / PACIFIC
Hong Kong –
1862; North Borneo – 1886; Brunei – 1895; Fiji – 1870; Tonga – 1897; British
New Guinea – 1901; New Hebrides – 1908.
AUSTRALASIA
New South
Wales – 1850; Victoria – 1850; Queensland – 1860; Tasmania – 1853; South
Australia – 1855; Western Australia – 1854; New Zealand – 1855.
NORTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
Canada –
1851; New Brunswick – 1851; Nova Scotia – 1851; Prince Edward Island – 1861;
Newfoundland – 1857; Bahamas – 1859; Barbados – 1852; Bermuda – 1865; British
Honduras – 1865; Jamaica – 1860; St. Lucia – 1860; St. Vincent – 1861; Trinidad
– 1851; Tobago – 1879; Grenada – 1861; Leeward Islands – 1890; Virgin Islands –
1866; Antigua – 1862; Montserrat – 1876; Dominica – 1874; Turks & Caicos –
1887; Cayman Islands – 1900; British Guiana – 1850.
SOUTH ATLANTIC / SOUTH AMERICA
Falkland
Islands – 1878; British Guiana – 1850.
Altogether
around 50–51 countries and territories of the British Empire issued postage
stamps with the portrait of Queen Victoria between 1840 and 1901 — more than
any other monarch in history. Her image became the first truly global symbol of
postal communication.
CONCLUSIONS
From
Isabella’s establishment of trans-Atlantic connections, Elizabeth’s expansion
of maritime routes, and Catherine’s support of Eurasia’s longest overland
courier network, to Victoria’s revolutionary reforms that gave the world modern
postal systems—the contributions of these four queens form a continuous chain
in the history of global communication.
Together,
they built the bridges—by sea, land, and innovation—that allowed messages to
travel across continents. Their legacies are permanently woven into the
evolution of postal history and the story of how humanity learned to stay
connected.
Note:
History
sometimes writes its sweetest truths with the ink of contradictions. From
actions that were unfair or unkind, life has, at times, created something
unexpectedly beautiful.
Queen
Isabella I of Spain and Queen Elizabeth I of England sowed the first seeds of
empire, and Queen Victoria let those seeds spread across continents.
Empire-building was surely a dark chapter — yet from that darkness emerged a
bright gift for the modern world: the English language, a bridge that now
connects hearts, cultures, and nations.
Today, it is
almost impossible to imagine our world without English. Among all the channels
of communication humanity has ever created, this one feels the most powerful,
the most universal — perhaps even the most harmonious.
-Dipok Dey: email: dipokdey38@gmail.com
Book Review
DISCOVER INCREDIBLE MADHYA PRADESH through STAMPS and COVERS 2025: Author: Om Prakash Kedia : Pages 180: Hard Bound Coffee Table Book: Published By: Om Prakash Kedia : ISBN No. 978-93-344-3352-4 “: Price: 2000 INR Contact: email: opkedia52@hotmail.com Mob. 9302108873
The Book
DISCOVER INCREDIBLE MADHYA PRADESH through STAMPS
and COVERS 2025 by Omprakash Kedia is a tribute to Madhya Pradesh’s rich heritage,
capturing its prehistoric art, iconic monuments, and the legacy of its freedom
fighters, including Maharani Ahilyabai, Rani Avantibai, Rani Durgawati, and
Saadat Khan Mewati etc.
The book showcases the region’s cultural, religious, and natural treasures through stamps, First Day Covers Special & Commemorative covers, picture postcards, special cancellations and stamp booklets. The book gives a special section on the philatelic legacy of Central India’s princely states.
The book gives 16 chapters on stamps issued by Princely States of Central India, Cancellations, covers issued by different regions, covers on different themes like Jainism, Sanatan, Nature, Lions club & Rotary Club, Philatelic exhibitions in Madhya Pradesh, My stamps and Stamp Booklets issued in Madhya Pradesh. The author has given a special section showing index of covers shown in the book.
The layout and printing quality of the book is excellent. It is very useful for the thematic philatelists and general collectors. The book features glorious heritage and of Madhya Pradesh through a variety of philatelic items. It is an excellent coffee table book not only for stamp lovers but for everyone. As the book gives a glimpse of incredible state Madhya Pradesh through philately. This book is recommended for one and all.
About the Author
Om Praksh Kedia is a renowned philatelist from Madhya Pradesh. He is the founder of Malwa Philatelic Society, Indore and Bhopal. He has participated in several national and international philatelic exhibitions and have won many awards. He is associated with different philatelic clubs and work for the promotion of Philately
Specialized Section
Dr Avinash
Jagtap contributed many articles to Rainbow Stamp News. His articles were
highly appreciated by the philatelists across the globe. I am re-publishing a
series of his articles on Some Remarkable Cancellations and Postmarks. - Editor
Some
Remarkable Cancellations and Postmarks – 25/4
The All-India Series of 1873 -84 Cancellations (Renouf Type 17b/d) Renouf Type C shows a Letter representing the Postal Circle, opposite to it connected with a short bar, is the Disbursing Office Number. Above this there are three horizontal parallel bars. Below are two bars interrupted by a number of the Branch Office of the respective Disbursing Post Office.Bombay Circle
1912 Registered envelope sent from Jhinjhuvada to Lilupada (?) on 2nd September 1912. The K.Ed VII adhesives of three and a half Annas being defaced by Renouf Type 17b simplex cancellation “15/B-2/3”.Marked Late Use. Back stamped “JHINJHUWADA/B.O./2 SE/ KATHIAWAD”
Punjab Circle
1888 Registered envelope from Chandani Chowk, Delhi to Sambhar with all 5x half Anna QV adhesives cancelled by Renouf Type 17c Cancellation. The Circle “L” (for Lahore), the Branch Office N0.2 of the Disbursing Office N0. 17
North West Provinces Circle
1877
Registered cover from Muttra City (Mathura) to Jodhpur, with “A-25/8” Renouf Type
17d cancel showing Disbursing Office Number 25 and Branch Office Number 8,Arrival
marks of JANDHPORE (instead of Jodhpur) /Dec. 21 & Pallee/Dec.21
Role of British India in the Golden Age of Picture Postcards
The
Golden Age of Picture Postcards is generally considered to be from the late
19th century to the early 20th century, roughly between late 1890s and 1915.
Picture postcards depicting British India played a significant role during the
Golden Age. They served as a visual representation of the British Empire and
its colonial possessions, showcasing the diverse landscapes, cultures, and
people of India to a global audience. These postcards often portrayed idealized
and romanticized views of India, emphasizing its exoticism and picturesque
scenery. They were popular souvenirs for tourists and travelers, as well as
collectors who sought to acquire images of far-off lands.
Several
factors contributed to the end of this golden age:
- World War I: The
outbreak of World War I in 1914 brought a significant decline in postcard
production and exchange. The war disrupted international trade and
communication, and the focus shifted towards wartime needs.
- Rise of other
technologies: The emergence of technologies like film photography and,
later, personal cameras offered more convenient and personal ways to
capture and share images. These technologies gradually replaced postcards
as a popular means of visual communication.
- Changing social
trends: The rise of mass media, including newspapers, magazines, and
radio, provided alternative forms of entertainment and information,
reducing the novelty and appeal of postcards.
- Economic factors: The
Great Depression of the 1930s also impacted the postcard industry, as
people had less disposable income to spend on non-essential items like
postcards.
While
the Golden Age of Picture Postcards may have ended, postcards especially those
of British India continue to hold a nostalgic appeal and remain a popular
collectible item. They offer a unique glimpse into the past, providing valuable
historical and cultural insights.
Some
Golden Age Picture Postcards of Punjab Province of British India shown below:-
Bazaar Scene Lahore. Collotype Printing. Publisher: The Punjab Religious Society. Printed in Germany. Divided Back.
Vegetable
Bazaar in Hoshiarpur, Punjab Province with lots of cauliflowers on the extreme
left. Picture postcard publishers sometimes gave amusing information behind the
postcard as the reverse description reads: “These cauliflowers sell for a
farthing or a half penny each”. Collotype Printing. Divided Back. Unknown
Publisher
Beginners’ Section
5 December - International Volunteer Day
#UN524-25 – The 1988 UN NY Office
International Volunteer Day stamps depict education and vocational training.
International Volunteer Day (IVD),
officially known as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social
Development, is celebrated every year on December 5. Its purpose is to
highlight the essential role volunteers play in communities around the world
and to encourage even more people to serve. While it was first observed in
1986, its origins trace back to earlier United Nations efforts to strengthen
global development through volunteerism.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
program, which helped lay the groundwork for IVD, was formed on December 7,
1970, with the first 35 volunteers recruited the following year. The program
was designed to bring skilled volunteers—engineers, teachers, health workers,
environmental specialists, and others—into communities that needed development
support. Instead of working as short-term helpers, UNV volunteers often served
for long periods, working side-by-side with local people to address long-term
challenges. Over the years, UNV became one of the most visible global
organizations promoting volunteer service as a solution to social, economic,
and environmental problems.
As the UNV program grew, the United Nations looked for new ways to promote volunteerism worldwide. That opportunity came in 1985, when the UN General Assembly was marking its 40th anniversary. During that session, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating December 5 as International Volunteer Day, encouraging governments, organizations, and communities to use the day to raise awareness, recognize achievements, and inspire more people to volunteer. The first official celebration took place on December 5, 1986, and it has been observed annually ever since.
Early observances in the late 1980s and 1990s were mostly organized by UN agencies and partner nonprofits, but participation quickly expanded. Countries around the world began using the day to recognize volunteers in schools, health clinics, disaster-response teams, youth groups, and community organizations. By the 2000s, IVD events had taken place in nearly every region, from large cities to remote rural communities.
International Volunteer Day has been
especially notable for its connection to major global development goals. Many
IVD campaigns have aligned with the UN’s Millennium Development Goals and, more
recently, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include
reducing poverty, expanding access to education, promoting gender equality,
improving maternal and child health, fighting diseases such as HIV/AIDS and
malaria, and protecting the environment. Volunteers have played meaningful
roles in all these areas, whether by mentoring students, leading public-health
campaigns, planting trees, or providing emergency relief after natural
disasters.
Over the years, IVD has featured a wide range of activities. Communities have organized rallies, marches, parades, cleanup efforts, tree-planting projects, food drives, and neighborhood improvement programs. Nonprofits and health organizations have offered free medical checkups, vaccination clinics, and public-health workshops. Environmental groups have led recycling campaigns, coastal cleanups, and wildlife-protection efforts. Many events highlight volunteer stories, celebrate local achievements, or showcase the impact of ongoing development projects.
#UNG103-04 – The UNV 10th anniversary
stamps from the Geneva office picture symbols of science, agriculture, and
industry.
Several memorable global observances have drawn broad attention. In 2001, the United Nations declared the International Year of Volunteers, giving IVD special significance with worldwide conferences, national volunteer awards, and large-scale service campaigns. In 2011—marking the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers—hundreds of events highlighted how volunteering contributes to peacebuilding and sustainable development. In most recent years, campaigns have focused on themes such as climate action, youth leadership, digital volunteering, and support for communities affected by crises.
Today, International Volunteer Day continues to shine a spotlight on the millions of people who give their time and energy to help others. The day serves as a reminder that volunteer work—whether small acts of kindness or major community efforts—can make a powerful difference. By recognizing volunteers and encouraging more people to get involved, IVD helps strengthen communities, promote global cooperation, and build a more sustainable and equitable world for everyone.
The set of six 2001 UN International Year of Volunteers stamps display
art from “One Heart, One World – International Exhibition of the Heart,” which
opened at UN Headquarters in New York on April 5, 2000. The Exhibition
consisted of 100 poems by people with disabilities and 100 works of art
corresponding to each of the poems.
#UN793-94 – These
stamps feature a painting by Jose Zaragoza for the poem “Weather” by Fabrizzio
de Francesco and a design by John Terry, inspired by Katharine Annear’s poem
“The Electric Dance.”
#UNG371-72 – These stamps picture Ernest Pignon-Ernest’s drawing
corresponding to Michèle Delmond-Gaudard’s poem “Ignored Olympiads” and Paul
Siché’s painting for Simone-Amélie Boinot’s “Poetry, my sweetness…”
#UNV288-89 –
Nguyen Thanh Chuong’s oil painting represents Tran Quoc Minh’s poem “Bridges,”
and Ikko Tanaka’s artwork depicts Shiho Ogasawara’s, “Hands.”
Hong Kong -
1891 SG 51f Used Jubilee 2c carmine variety Space
between o
and n of Hong
1891 (22
January) "JUBILEE" 2 cents carmine, variety Space between
"o" and "n" in "Hong" from R1/5 of the setting,
6th printing only, cleanly deleted with "JA 22 91" first-day cds.
Minor color suffusion at the top, otherwise superb look and extremely rare.
(cat £750).
Article Information : https://www.stanleygibbons.com/products/hong-kong-1891-sg51f-used-1
-Nisarg Sutaria email : nisargsutaria78@gmail.com
Suggested Themes for Picture Postcard
Collecting related to
British India & Early Independence
India
Colonial Influence & British Presence:
·
Military & Administration: Postcards featuring British
military personnel, cantonments, administrative buildings, and infrastructure.
·
Railways & Transportation: Postcards depicting railway
stations, locomotives, and other modes of transportation, showcasing the
expansion of the railway network.
·
Hill Stations & Summer Retreats: Postcards from popular hill
stations like Shimla, Darjeeling, and Ooty, highlighting the British preference
for cooler climates.
·
Sports & Recreation: Postcards showcasing British-introduced
sports like cricket, polo, and horse racing, along with leisure activities in
clubs and social gatherings.
· Architectural Styles: Postcards featuring British-colonial architecture, including government buildings, residences, and public structures.
Social
& Cultural Life:
·
Everyday Life: Postcards capturing scenes of daily life, including
street scenes, markets, night views, festivals, and religious processions.
·
Costumes & Attire: Postcards showcasing traditional Indian
attire, as well as European-influenced clothing styles.
·
Social Customs & Traditions: Postcards depicting weddings,
funerals, and other social customs, offering insights into social norms.
·
Religious Sites & Practices: Postcards featuring temples,
mosques, churches, and other religious sites, reflecting the diverse religious
landscape.
·
Festivals & Celebrations: Postcards capturing the vibrant
atmosphere of major festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Eid.
Regional
Focus:
·
Specific Cities & Towns: Postcards from major cities like
Calcutta (Kolkata), Bombay (Mumbai), Madras (Chennai), Delhi, and smaller
towns.
·
Regional Landscapes: Postcards showcasing the diverse landscapes
of India, including mountains, plains, deserts, and coastal areas.
·
Regional Industries & Crafts: Postcards depicting local
industries, crafts, and traditional products.
·
Tribal Life: Postcards featuring tribal communities and their
unique cultures and traditions.
·
Princely States: Postcards from princely states, highlighting
their distinct architecture, customs, and rulers.
Unique
& Niche Themes:
·
Stereoscopic Postcards: Postcards with stereoscopic images,
offering a 3D viewing experience.
·
Advertising Postcards: Postcards used for advertising products and
services including Bazaar Cards.
·
Humorous Postcards: Postcards with humorous or satirical content.
·
Military Propaganda: Postcards used for military propaganda during
World War I and World War II.
·
Postcards with Personal Messages: Postcards with handwritten
messages, providing glimpses into personal lives and relationships.
Early
Independence & Post-Colonial Era:
·
Nationalist Movement: Postcards related to the Indian independence
movement, including leaders, events, and symbols.
·
Partition of India: Postcards depicting the aftermath of the
partition, including refugee camps and the impact on communities.
·
Post-Independence Development: Postcards showcasing infrastructure
projects, industrial growth, and urban development.
·
Social & Political Changes: Postcards reflecting social and
political changes, including women's empowerment and the rise of new political
parties.
·
Cultural Renaissance: Postcards related to the revival of Indian
arts, music, and literature.
Collecting
& Historical Significance:
·
Publisher & Printing Techniques: Postcards focusing on
specific publishers and printing techniques used in India.
·
Postmarks & Postal History: Postcards with interesting
postmarks and postal history, revealing the evolution of postal systems.
·
Collecting & Display: Postcards showcasing different
collecting and display methods.
·
Historical Significance: Postcards as historical documents,
providing valuable insights into social, cultural, and political history.
·
Collecting Challenges & Opportunities: Postcards exploring the
challenges and opportunities of collecting vintage postcards.
A Philatelic
Tribute to Visionaries who played a vital role for Goa Liberation (19
December, 1961)
The Goa liberation movement was a movement which fought to end Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, India. The movement built on the small scale revolts and uprisings of the 19th century, and grew powerful during the period 1940-1961. The movement was conducted both inside and outside Goa, and was characterised by a range of tactics including nonviolent demonstrations, revolutionary methods and diplomatic efforts. However, Portuguese control of its Indian colonies ended only when India invaded Goa in 1961and incorporated the territories into the Indian Union.
Dr Ram Manohar Lohia
Dr Ram Manohar Lohia was born on 23 March 1910 in Akbarpur which eventually came to be Uttar Pradesh in North India. Born to a prosperous Vaishya family, he was raised by his father from the age of two, after his mother died. He studied in Bombay (now Mumbai), Varanasi, and Calcutta, finally ending up at the prestigious Frederick William University (today’s Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany. He was such an outstanding student that he received financial aid studying National Economy as his major subject as a doctoral student from 1929 to 1933.
Dr Lohia, later on, became an activist for the Indian
independence movement and a socialist political leader. Towards the end of the
British Raj, he worked with the Congress Radio which was broadcast secretly
from various places in Bombay until 1942. And together with Dr Julião Menezes,
he was instrumental in ensuring that Goa too got her freedom from the dictator
Salazar’s regime.
Dr Julião Menezes
While Dr Lohia wasn’t a Goan, he fought for Goa’s independence. But he wasn’t the only one. Not much is heard or known about Dr Julião Menezes who was also an important part of Goa gaining freedom from the Portuguese.
Hailing from Assolna in South Goa, this son of the soil played a major part in Goa Liberation. He studied in Goa after which he went to Berlin in the 1920s and graduated in medicine. And Berlin was where he met Dr Lohia who was the then secretary of the Union. It was a friendship that would play a great part in Goa’s history.
When Dr Menezes returned to Goa, he worked with the Clube de Assolna and tried spreading rationalist thinking and nationalist activities. But Goa was not ready for it, and he faced a lot of opposition. He then moved to Bombay in 1939 and founded the Gomantak Praja Mandal. Dr Menezes also started a bilingual weekly Gomantak (Konkani and English) in 1942.
Through it all, he and Dr Lohia stayed in contact and
he even invited Dr Lohia to his home in Assolna to rest after a medical
examination he performed on the former. Accepting the invitation, Dr Lohia came
to Goa in 1946. It was during the visit that the two sat and discussed Goa’s
situation and made plans to turn things around.
Planning the civil disobedience movement
While recuperating at Dr Menezes’s home, the two men made their plans to start the civil disobedience movement in Goa. They started with going against the ban on public meetings imposed by the Portuguese regime. It would be the first time anyone had started such a movement while the Portuguese ruled Goa. When people sharing the same sentiments came to know Dr Lohia was in Goa, Menezes’s home was visited non-stop by people wanting to meet the two men.
In what was possibly the first public meeting, on June 15th, 1946, both gentlemen addressed a crowd in Panjim. While police were stationed at the meeting, they did not intervene or stop the gathering. Carried by this success, And it is thanks to them that 18th June became known as Goa Revolution Day and Goa finally regained her civil liberties. Yet, there is still no mention of Dr Julião Menezes today even though it can be said that the freedom movement began at his residence in Assolna.
Local resistance to Portuguese rule
Resistance to Portuguese rule in Goa in the 20th
century was pioneered by Tristão de Bragança Cunha, a French-educated Goan
engineer who founded the Goa Congress Committee in Portuguese India in 1928.
Cunha released a booklet called 'Four hundred years of Foreign Rule', and a
pamphlet, 'Denationalisation of Goa', intended to sensitise Goans to the
oppression of Portuguese rule. Messages of solidarity were received by the Goa
Congress Committee from leading figures in the Indian independence movement including
Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose. On 12 October 1938,
Cunha with other members of the Goa Congress Committee met Subhas Chandra Bose,
the President of the Indian National Congress, and on his advice, opened a
Branch Office of the Goa Congress Committee at 21, Dalal Street, Bombay. The
Goa Congress was also made affiliate to the Indian National Congress and Cunha
was selected as its first President.
In June 1946, Ram Manohar Lohia, an Indian Socialist leader, entered Goa on a visit to his friend, Julião Menezes, a nationalist leader, who had founded the Gomantak Praja Mandal in Bombay and edited the weekly newspaper Gomantak. Cunha and other leaders were also with him. Ram Manohar Lohia advocated the use of non-violent Gandhian techniques to oppose the government.On 18 June 1946, the Portuguese government disrupted a protest against the suspension of civil liberties in Panaji (then spelt 'Panjim') organised by Lohia, Cunha and others including Purushottam Kakodkar and Laxmikant Bhembre in defiance of a ban on public gatherings, and arrested them. There were intermittent mass demonstrations from June to November.
Tristão de Bragança Cunha (2 April 1891 – 26 September 1958),
alternatively spelled as Tristao de Braganza Cunha, was a prominent Indian
nationalist and anti-colonial activist from Goa (then part of Portuguese
India). He is popularly known as the "Father of Goan nationalism",
and was the organiser of the first movement to end Portuguese rule in Goa.
Cunha was born on 2 April 1891 in the village Chandor
in Goa. He hailed from Cuelim, Cansaulim. He completed his school education in
Panjim and then went to Pondicherry to French College for his B.A. and then to
Paris. There he studied at the Sorbonne University and obtained a degree in
electrical engineering. In Paris, Cunha entered the circle of Romain Rolland
and helped publicise the Indian independence movement generally, and the case
of Portuguese India in particular, in the French-language press.
Cunha returned to Goa in 1926 and he set up the
Comissão do Congresso de Goa (Goa Congress Committee) in Goa in 1928 to
organise the Goan intelligentsia against Portuguese colonial rule. Pressured by
Portuguese authorities, Cunha transferred operations to Bombay and in 1938,
affiliated his organisation with the Indian National Congress. He continued
publicising the Goan case in a stream of articles and books, denouncing
Portuguese rule. Among his publications were booklets Four Hundred Years of
Foreign Rule and The Denationalisation of Goans (1944). Cunha was an advocate
of Goan identification, political as well as cultural, with greater India.
In 1946, Cunha could not be contacted in those good
old days. Communication was poor, to say the least. T B Cunha came to know
about the "unrest" in Margao and came to the city the next day. Ram
Manohar Lohia had addressed what was arguably the first and largest mass
gathering yet, setting in motion the Goa liberation movement on the previous
day. Cunha was arrested by the Portuguese authorities. He was kept in dark damp
cell at Fort Aguada. He was the first civilian to be tried by a military tribunal.
He was court martialled and sentenced to eight years imprisonment. He was
deported to the Peniche prison in Portugal.
After his release from Portugal in 1954, Cunha
returned to Bombay. Cunha formed and headed the Goa Action Committee, to help
co-ordinate the numerous Goan organisations that had emerged by this time. He
published a newspaper called "Free Goa".
He died on 26 September 1958, Loknayak Jaiprakash
Narayan was one of the pallbearers. The Government of India issued a postage
stamp in his honour.
Revolutionary groups
Azad Gomantak Dal, a revolutionary group, vowed to fight the Portuguese using direct action strategies. Azad Gomantak Dal was founded by Vishwanath Lawande, Narayan Hari Naik, Dattatraya Deshpande, Prabhakar Sinari who along with their other friends carried out series of attacks on Portuguese police stations and banks . all of them were sentenced to 28–29 years of imprisonment in exile by the Portuguese courts. Narayan Naik and Dattatraya Deshpande suffered about 14 years of imprisonment in prisons in Portugal and Angola, however they were released after annexation of Goa. Vishwanath Lawande and Prabhakar Sinari managed to escape the prisons and continued their armed struggle against the Portuguese rule by forming huge armed force of anti-colonial fighters with headquarter on Goa India border at Vazarem . Azad Gomantak Dal successfully carried out raids on police stations and factories, ambushed military patrols, attacked troops stationed at the border and blew up ammunition dumps. they freed part of Goa called "Dadara and Nagarhaveli" through military action. the leader of the military organisation Vishwanath Lawande declared himself as Governor of Dadra and Nagarhaveli. However, in response to the group's revolutionary tactics, the Portuguese increased their military presence by bringing in white and African troops to quell the insurgency.
The Goa Liberation Army, founded by Shivajirao Desai, an Indian army officer in the 1950s, attempted to utilise revolutionary tactics and direct action strategies to challenge Portuguese colonialism. It blasted Sesa Goa's Sonshi mine, which caused temporary suspension of the mining activity of the Portuguese. The Goa Liberation Army was credited with many other blasts and raids, and played a pivotal role in defending the bridges at the time of Indian invasion.
Mohan Ranade
During Goa’s liberation movement, Ranade was active in attacking police stations at Betim, Banastarim and other outposts. He was arrested by Portuguese police in 1955 and was imprisoned at the Fort of Caxias near Lisbon in Portugal. He was kept in solitary confinement for six years. Ranade was released from prison in January 1969, after the liberation of Goa in 1961, having served 14 years. Mohan Ranade was awarded Padmashri in 2001 and Sangli Bhushan in 2006. He received the Goa Puraskar in 1986 for social work. He authored books on the Goa liberation movement. Recently a commemorative stamp, a brochure and a First Day Cover was released on the birth centenary of late Shri Laxmidas Borkar on 17th August, 2025 at the Ravindra Bhawan, Madgaon by the Department of Posts, Govt of India.
Dr.M.R.Ramesh Kumar, Former President of Goa Philately
and Numismatics Society mentioned
that more commemorative stamps and special covers need to be released by the
Department of Posts, Govt. of India to honour the great freedom fighters of
Goa, and various landmark events and places associated with the freedom
struggle. Unfortunately, no stamp or even a special cover has been issued in
the name of Dr Julião Menezes, Mohan Ranade, Viswanath Lawande, Prabhakar
Sinari etc.
-Dr MR Ramesh Kumar email : -rameshkumar.mr@gmail.com
New Issues from other countries
Armenia
24
December 2026 : Happy New Year & Christmas
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Mostar
Christmas and New Year
Christmas Eve, or
Badnjak in Croatian, is the last day of Advent and, for Christians, a day of
anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. The name comes from the Old Slavic
word “b’deti”, meaning “to be awake”, “to keep vigil”, or “to wait”.
Among Croats,
“Badnjak” or “Badnjaci” also refers to three logs people bring into the house
on Christmas Eve. They are cut on the morning of Christmas eve and placed
against the house’s outer wall until evening. In the evening, three people
enter the house one after another, each saying, “Blessed Christmas Eve to you”.
The host and family members respond, “To you as well, may God bless us all”.
They put a log about the size of a firewood piece on the hearth to burn,
chatting and waiting for the time to come for a midnight mass. The tradition of
bringing in the Badnjak has stuck around until today, though in a slightly
different form, as people no longer use an open fire on hearths.
Almost the whole world
celebrates the arrival of New Year on 1 January, with decorated Christmas trees
in city squares, fireworks, and festivities. On that day, Christians celebrate
the Feast of Saint Mary, the Mother of God, and the Church places them under
her maternal care and protection. In the late 19th century, Croats began
decorating Christmas trees, first with fruits, walnuts, and hazelnuts, then
with paper chains and candles, and today with colourful glass baubles.
Estonia
8 October 2025: Christmas
Christmas
starts with small things: the silence of snow, footsteps on the street, the
scent of pine branches, and the sweetness of cookies. When we allow ourselves
to slow down, we can already celebrate everything. But sometimes the greatest
gift is a letter a handwritten thought sealed in an envelope and delivered to
someone's mailbox. It is a sign of care that conveys more than a bag of gifts:
"I am thinking of you. You're important to me. A small card can warm the
heart more than a large package because it embodies shared time and emotions.
Christmas reminds us that we don't need much to feel loved: a walk, a warm
phone call, or a greeting at the door. When we send a letter, we are not only
sending words, but also a presence that lasts more than a moment. Warmth does
not vanish when shared; it grows and returns, like light that moves from heart
to heart.
Israel
16 December 2025: Philately Day
Philately Day
Philately Day in
Israel, also known as Stamp Day, is a celebration within the stamp‑collecting
community rather than a national public holiday. It is marked by the Israel
Postal Company and philatelic organizations through the release of special
commemorative stamps, covers, and cancellations, often tied to annual
philatelic events or exhibitions. The day highlights themes related to postal
history, art, culture, or anniversaries, aiming to promote the hobby of stamp
collecting. There is no fixed official date for Philately Day; it has been
observed on various dates over the years, with events and special stamp issues
serving as the main form of celebration.
Fruits of Israel
Israel, with its Mediterranean climate, grows a wide variety of fruits. Citrus fruits are especially prominent, including Jaffa oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines. Other popular fruits include dates from the Jordan Valley and Negev, figs, pomegranates, grapes, apples, pears, and persimmons. In addition, Israel cultivates more exotic and tropical fruits such as avocados, mangoes, papayas, and passion fruit. Many fruits are seasonal, and the country is particularly known for exporting high-quality citrus, dates, and grapes.
Monaco
5 January 2026 : 48th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival
48th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival
The 48th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival and the 13th New
Generation will bring together the best circus acts from around the world from
January 16 to 25, 2026. As President of the Festival, H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie
is fully involved in the conception and organization of the shows, which offer
original performances each year while respecting the values and traditions of
the circus arts.
Serbia
2 December
2025: Christmas
Christmas is one of
the most important and one of the most joyous Christian holidays, that is
celebrated both by the Orthodox and Catholic believers. The difference is only
in the date of the celebration; the Orthodox celebrate it on January 7th, and
the Catholic on December 25th, but its message remains the same – the message
of peace and love.
We celebrate Christmas
for three days. It is primarily family holiday, and there are numerous
traditions and customs regarding Christmas. On the day before Christmas and
Christmas Eve, the yule log is being brought into house, cresset lit and hay
with hidden candies, prunes, walnuts, sugar and coins, spread all over the
house. The hay is a symbol of the manger in which Christ was born. The yule log
represents longevity and substance of Christianity, as well as of the warmth of
the love Christ brought to us when he was born and arrived to the Earth.
An important element
of the Christmas tradition is the “Česnica” (Serbian Christmas bread), a
ceremonial bread usually made from wheat flour, symbolizing blessings and
abundance. According to traditional customs, a coin is placed in the Česnica
before baking, and the bread is then broken during the central Christmas meal.
It is believed that the family member who finds the coin from the Česnica bread
will be followed by good luck and money throughout the year to come.
On the very day of the
Christmas, early in the morning the church bells of all Orthodox temples are
ringing, announcing the nativity of Christ. People go to church to attend
Christmas liturgy and they all greet each other by “Christ has been born” and
“Indeed he has”.
Jersey
16 December 2025: Letters to Santa
‘Letters to Santa’ celebrates the magic of writing a letter to Santa at
Christmas. Writing and receiving a letter from Santa at Christmas is one of the
season’s most magical traditions. In Jersey, the Post Office ensures that
children who send their letters to Santa receive a letter back from him
thanking them for their wonderful wishes.
Each stamp demonstrates the various stages of writing and receiving a
letter at Christmas. The final stamp in the issue includes ‘Christmas Day’ to
celebrate the joy of sharing and spending times with those you love.
This issue also coincides with Jersey Post’s writing campaign – once
upon a letter, which encourages islanders, especially children to write a
letter to a loved one or pen pal and ensure that the special feeling that comes
from writing or receiving a letter continues onto the next generation.
Slovenia
21 November 2025: Christmas
Christmas gingerbread
The depiction of the Nativity on gingerbread is one of the traditional
images associated with Christmas. Gingerbread biscuits, traditionally made with
honey, have long been made as gifts during Advent, which is hardly surprising
given the widespread practice of beekeeping in many parts of present-day
Slovenia. The earliest forms of gingerbread were decorated by hand or made by
pressing the thick honey dough into wooden moulds. From these beginnings
developed the craft known as lect-making (the name deriving from the Austrian
German Lebzelt, meaning a type of flat cake), which simplified the production
process, with the surfaces of the gingerbread decorated with sugar icing
applied from piping bags. With the spread of the custom of putting up Christmas
trees which occurred relatively late in both towns and villages lect
gingerbreads became a common decoration. Even today, lect-makers and chandlers
sell decorated gingerbreads at their Christmas stalls, to hang on Christmas
trees and help create the magic of the festive season.
Christmas cribs a depiction of Christ’s Nativity
There are many different artistic representations of the Nativity in the
history of art. The most common are frescoes, but there are also paintings and
sculptures. A distinct category is the arranged scene of the birth of Christ
with human figures, animals (especially sheep, together with the ox and the
ass) and the Star of Bethlehem collectively known as a crib or Nativity scene.
Pictorial representations, therefore, are not cribs, although some collectors
and researchers wrongly interpret them as such and include them in the
development of crib- making. The making of cribs began to develop in the second
half of the sixteenth century, in Portugal. The first Christmas cribs in
Slovenia were in towns and castles.
It was not until the late eighteenth/early nineteenth century that this
creative activity began to be widespread in rural areas, giving rise to a wide
variety of typological variants. In 2001 the Society of Nativity Scene
Enthusiasts was established. It is based in Brezje, where the Nativity Museum
is also located.
21 November 2025 : Human Senses
Human Senses
Pošta Slovenije’s
fascinating project “Human Senses” continues with the sense of smell, presented
in an original and visually engaging way that is also understandable to those
without a medical background. The stamps will encourage observers to reflect
and inspire them to learn more about this sense.
The sense of smell has
a warning or protective function and is connected with memory and behaviour in
different circumstances. Anatomically, it consists of the upper part of the
nasal cavity, which is lined with the olfactory epithelium (the lower part of
the nasal cavity being lined with the respiratory epithelium), and a part of
the central nervous system located very close to the centres responsible for
behaviour, motivation and emotions, with which it is also linked.
The stamps will also
be of great interest to collectors. As a doctor and professor of anatomy at the
Faculty of Medicine in Maribor, I am delighted that Pošta Slovenije is
continuing this project. I am sure that these stamps will also prove
informative to the general public and encourage them to find out more about the
senses and how they work.
Philatelic Clubs and Societies
Air Mail
Society India Foundation - https://www.airmailsocietyindia.org/
Karnataka
Philatelic Society - https://www.karphil.in/index.html
Prayag Philatelic Society
- https://prayagphilatelicsociety.org/
Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - https://eipa.in/home
The Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society
India Study Circle -
http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana -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
Rainbow Stamp Club -http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.net.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com
Durgapur
Philatelic & Numismatic Society – https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3TasUbyR/
Philatelic Society of Bhopal
Madurai
Philatelist & Numismatist Association (MAPNA)
- https://madurai-mapna.blogspot.com/
Blogs & Websites
Jusqu’a Markings and other Route Indicators
RAINBOW
STAMP CLUB
This is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com The idea of
this blog is to extend the philatelic fraternity to all corners of the world.
Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share
new ideas with other philatelists. New
Posts on recent issues, news on stamp activities, and Contributions by members
are published every day on this blog. Readers may also express their views on
any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp
Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. Readers
may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic
activities in their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
-VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya &Timir Shah and
published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/
-Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri
Philatelic Association, Thiruvananthapuram. Editor – Mohanachandran Nair
-Journal of the Army Philatelic Society
-India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original
articles submitted by members of ISC.
-Deccan Philatelist edited by Dr Anjali Dutta email : dranjalidutta0303@gmail.com from Deccan Philatelic
Society, Pune.
-The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society Editor
– Shri Prakash Agrawal
-SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association
-The Fila Capsule issued by
Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Editor - Dr
Bibhudutta Mishra
- Philatelic Society of Delhi Newsletter edited by Tarun Jain
Gibbons Stamp Monthly edited by Dean Shepherd –
Stanley Gibbons
Acknowledgment
-
Philatelic Society of Delhi Newsletter Jul-Sep 2025 issue edited by Tarun Jain
: email : philatelicsocietyofDelhi@gmail.com
- Ananthapuri Stamp
Bulletin December 2026 issue edited by Mohanachandran Nair: email : apa.tvpm@gmail.com
- Judaica Thematic
Society, UK . Society Newsletter January
2025 edited by Gary Goodman email : judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net
-Fila Capsule 2025 issue :
e- magazine of Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneshwar Odisha;
Chief Editor: Dr Bibhudutta Mishra-email :bhanubibhu68@gmail.com
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue : SIPA, Philately Promoters, EIPA ,
Indian Philately, Prayag Philatelic Society Group, Philatelic Exhibitions,
Deccan Philatelic Society Whatsapp WOPA Mystic Stamp Co.; Pan India Pictorial
Place Cancellations ; Mystic Stamp Co.;
Mohanachandran
Nair-Trivandrum ; Praveen Shastry- Bangalore; Jagannath Mani - Bangalore; Timir Shah- Vadodara
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, 509, Design Arcade, Chandrabani, Wildlife
Institute Road, Dehradun-248001. India .
e-mail
– j.jyoti9@gmail.com
A Request to Readers & Contributors –
·
Please do not send the text in scan
form or PDF. Send your write ups in MS Word only.
- Last
date for receiving articles/ News /write ups – 25th of every month.
- For
articles: Kindly send images in jpg compressed form and text in MS
Word only Please do
not use any formatting and text wrapping in the article. Simply put
the images under text where required.
- If you like this issue, please forward it
to your friends and help in promoting philately.
· 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.
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