FIFA World Cup 2026
Dehradun May 2026 Vol. XIX
Issue No. 222
Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their
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With
the World Cup just a few days away, the United States Postal Service is
celebrating soccer with a new forever stamp.
Date of Issue: 28 May 2026
Editorial……
Dear Reader,
I am pleased to present the
June 2026 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. Heartiest congratulations to all
participants of BOSTON 2026. There were a large number of entries from India,
especially in the Literature section. The Literature section seems to have
become a favourite among Indian philatelists. So many Indian philatelists now
love to write books. Writing a book may be more accessible than building a
competitive exhibit.
Just a few years ago, there
were very few entries in the Literature class — hardly one or two. But with the
introduction of the digital literature class, the number has increased
significantly. This is a welcome sign and encourages those with a flair for
writing. Access to the Literature class has also become easier. Indian philatelists are very enthusiastic and
are participating in most international philatelic exhibitions. This plays a
vital role in the promotion of philately in our country. My best wishes to all
for the forthcoming international philatelic exhibitions.
This is all for this month.
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
. New Issues from Other Countries
. Stamp of the Month
· Philatelic Clubs and Society
· Blogs and Websites on Philately
· Current Philatelic Magazines and Newsletters
LITERATURE CLASS : THE FUTURE OF PHILATELY
LITERATURE CLASS: THE FUTURE OF PHILATELY
It is even interesting to note that the expo spanned over 4,000 frames with global participation as dozens of international post offices and philatelic societies participated. It entertained 649 exhibits and 192 Literature class entries. Out of which Indian participation was of 26 exhibits (spread over 137 frames) and 23 Literature Class entries.
This huge Indian participation certainly established India’s stature in world philately as the Indian participants noticeably bagged 4 GOLD and 1 LARGE GOLD. My special applause to these winners namely Mr. Markand Dave (LG), Mr. Dinesh Kanabar (G-SP), Mr. M.S. Santosh (G), Mr. Piyush Khaitan(G) and Mr. Pratisad Neurgaonkar (G). To add to this Mr Pratisad was also awarded prestigious Lewandowaski Literature award 2026 for his book “India Post cards 1949-2025” and Mr. Markand Dave was awarded prestigious “George D. Kingdom Literature Award 2025” by American Airmail Society for best Aero philatelic Book “ The Rocket mails of India-Part 1”.
The list of awards won by Indian participants is very encouraging and of course l the whole Indian philatelic fraternity congratulates them for their achievement and above for the way India’s head has been placed high in this show. For me the most encouraging thing is to see the huge participation and high number of awards won by Indian participants in Literature class. As discussed above,23 literature class entries with almost every entry winning a good award speaks a lot about the future of Literature Class in philately. The two special prestigious awards going to Mr. Pratisad Neurgaonkar and Mr. Markand Dave have certainly paved way for Indian philatelists to jump in Literature Class as this inculcates love for this class and enthuse many hidden /budding philatelic writers to come forward and embrace this class to bring laurels to Indian philately in future.
In one of my last articles, I had discussed the transformation of philately from physical to digital. And now to a large extent it is also changing its face from small pieces of stamps and letter covers to the pages of physical as well as digital form of books, journals and periodicals. Over the years, interest in physical philately has reduced and digitalization has shown its effect on stamp lovers' minds. With the emergence and easy access to various digital tools, it has become quite easy to get information, updates, history and to write and form any text matter. Artificial Intelligence has surpassed every such existing tool and so helped philately in a big way to survive and flourish and have thus shown the way to Indian philatelists to adopt Literature Class.
And now, I feel it’s high
time to truly explore this facility to give new dimensions to philately. A few
of our philatelists have understood this and have proven it too. BOSTON 2026
World Expo gave them such a big platform . No doubt , philately lives in small
colorful paper pieces and the covers which move these pieces. But methodology
to showcase them needs to be changed though it has changed a lot. Further, to
get the real essence of philately the emerging Literature Class needs to
be encouraged more at all stages by giving it an appropriate place in all
levels of philatelic shows. There is a great need to talk about the
literature coming up during the shows also. Different methodologies to be
developed for presentation and evaluation /judgment of these exhibits.
Well, finally again my best wishes to all those who participated and heartiest congratulation to all the winners.
Naresh Agrawal, Bilaspur (C.G.) email nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in Mob / WhatsApp: 09425530514
Recent Indian Issues
11 May 2026: Somnath Temple: 1000
Years of India’s Unwavering Faith and Devotion – Rs 5
New Permanent / Special Cancellations
30 May 2026: Permanent Pictorial Cancellation: Tiruttani
29 May 2026: Permanent Pictorial Cancellation:
Thiruvananthapuram Engg. College SO 695016, PPC features CET’s iconic
facade.
22 May 2026: International
Biodiversity Day : Rajkot
26 May 2026: Special Cancellation: Boston 2026
27 May 2026: Special
Cancellation: Boston 2026
28 May
2026: Special Cancellation: Boston 2026
5 June
2026 : World Environment Day : Pune , Bombay, mangalore, Dehradun
New Special Covers
30 May 2026 :Special Cover : Mario De
Miranda Birth Centenary 2026 :Panaji
30 May 2026 : Special
Cover : Project Dream -ZP Nagpur : Nagpur
23 May 2026
: Special Cover : Boston 2026
24 May
2026 : Special Cover : Boston 2026
30 May 2026 : Picture Postcard Tiruttani Murgan Temple
Picture Postcards on World Environment Day
Picture
postcards (Set of 9) released by PSOI under the aegis of India Post Karnataka
Postal Circle on 5 June 2026 World Environment Day.
World Environment Day Picture Postcards from Uttrakhand
On the occasion of World Environment Day, India Post's
Uttarakhand Postal Circle, Dehradun, released a set of four picture postcards
featuring environmental themes. The postcards were issued with a special
cancellation at Dehradun to commemorate the occasion and raise awareness about
environmental conservation.
In The News
MACAU 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/
BOSTON-2026
Indian Award Winners
Heartiest Congratulations to all
Winners !
Large Gold and Gold Medal Winners
1.Pratisad Neurgaonkar was awarded
the prestigious Lewandowaski Literature Award 2026 for his book India Post
Cards 1949 - 2025 at Boston today. Presented by United Postal Stationery
Society with a cash Award of US$1000.
2. Mr Markand Dave was awarded prestigious George D.
Kingdom Literature Award 2025 by the American Air Mail Society for the Best
Aerophilatelic Book for my publication:“The Rocket Mails of India – Part 1”
Row1 : 1. Piyush Khaitan 2.Makrand Dave3. M. Lokeshwar
Rao 4. Jeevan Jyoti 5.Sushil Mehra 6.Pratisad Neurogoankar 7. MS Santosh
Row2 :
1.Anil Reddy 2.Narendra Kr. Saboo 3. Dinesh Sharma 4. Mohana Chandran Nair
5.Sandeep Murjani 6.Daniel Monterio 7.Capt. Vijay Wadhwa
Row3
: 1. Dr KS Mohan 2.Savita Jhingan 3. Vijay Seth 4.N Sri Devi 5.Kumesh Kr
Jain 6.Shashi Pal 7. Rajesh Jhunjhjhunwala
Rainbow Stamp News and Anantahpuri Stamp Bulletin were awarded
Large Silver in Digital Literature category.
Boston 2026: Award List of Indian Award Winners
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)
Visit :https://bandung2026fiap.com/#
National Commissioner for
India : VIRENDRA SHARMA
Email virsharma@yahoo.com WhatsApp
+91-9928570097
Apprentice National
Commissioner for India :Mukesh Kumar Malhotra
Email: mukeshlibra@yahoo.co.in Phone: 919023084608, 918360758242
PHILATAIPEI 2026
PHILATAIPEI
2026 World Stamp Championship Exhibition. (FIP)
The exhibition is scheduled to be held from November 20 to 25, 2026, at Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1, Areas B and C. It will be organized under the Patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP)
National
Commissioner for India,
Pratisad
Neurgaonkar, 884, Bhandarkar Road, 14
Patil Terraces, Pune 411004
Email pratisadn@gmail.com.com / WhatsApp
+91-9766310553
the Apprentice National
Commissioner for India : Sunil Joshi Phone: 9822026422
AUSVIPEX
2026
Deadlines
Entries Open: 30 March
2026
Entries Close: 30
September 2026
Title Pages to Judges:
Wednesday 07 October 2026
Scans of Exhibits
required by: 14 October 2026
Exhibits available
online for Judges: From Sunday 01 November 2026
Judging concluded: Sunday 22 November 2026
Results available: Monday 30 November 2026
Feedback to
Exhibitors: Week commencing Mon 7 December 2026.
On Line until 28
February 2027
Frames Available: 500
Exhibition Website : https://apfvirtual.com
Organisation
The Australian Virtual Philatelic Exhibition 2026 is an online National
Philatelic Exhibition organised by the Australian Philatelic Federation (APF).
These regulations are based on the APF Regulations for Australian Philatelic
Exhibitions.
For all enquiries
email: apfvirtual@gmail.com
News from Philatelists and Philatelic Societies
Design Flaw caught by Hawk’s-Eyed Philatelist
Some of the varieties / errors occur during printing process are color shift error, colour omitted error, perforation shift error, missing perforations (imperforate) in part or full, blind perforation, broken letters, constant flaw, doctor blade flaw, double impression, double perforation, dry print, miscuts, misperf (misplaced perforations), shade difference, design flaw, and much more.
One such design flaw in a recent issue was caught by Hawk’s-Eyed philatelist. India Post issued a set of 8 stamps on Puppets of India on February 13, 2026, designed by renowned stamp designer Mr. Sankha Samanta, in the form of 4 different Miniature Sheets having 2 stamps each, and a sheetlet of 16 stamps (2 stamps each x 8).
One among the eight stamps issued is Rod Puppet / Kathi Kundhei depicting Goddess Durga with weapons. We can see the shadow of the Conch and the Gada are not matching, which shows careless designing and quality check. This should not have happened.
There were few instances in the past where stamps / Miniature sheets with design errors were recalled and re-issued with corrected design (example: 2017 /2018 – ICAR Central Plantation Crops Research Institute).
There
are examples with incorrect spelling, but never recalled. (2018 –
Auroville International Township stamp with incorrect spelling “Jubliee”
instead of Jubilee).
-R. Kasinath, Thanjavur : email : kasinath80@gmail.com
Karnataka
Post cards release event
proposed by Karnataka Philatelic society.
Wadiyars - Makers of modern Mysore. All 5
postcards are derived from original paintings from Artist Prithvi Prabhu
Philatelic Activities (M.P)
22 May 2026: International Day of Biological Diversity: Balaghat
My Stamp released on International Day for Biodiversity
A special My Stamp on the theme “World Environment Day for Biodiversity 2026” was released by Hon’ble Shri Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Government of Madhya Pradesh on 22 May 2026 at IIFM Bhopal.
8 May 2026: Special Cancellation on World Red Cross Day
On May 8, 2026, Mr. Vineet Mathur, Chief Postmaster General of the Madhya Pradesh Circle , India Post, released a special cancellation to mark World Red Cross Day.
12 May 2026 : Special cover on the 50th
anniversary of the Tear Gas Unit (TSU)-BSF
This special cover
commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Tear Gas Unit (TSU) of the Border
Security Force (BSF) located in Tekanpur. The TSU was established on May 12,
1976, at the BSF Academy in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh.
-Ranjeet Kumar Jha, Bhopa (MP)
Indore
Philatelic Society
On
24th May 2026 in a joint function of Indore Philatelic Society and Indore
Numismatic Society at Indore, senior Philatelist Mr. Sudhir Jain of Satna was honoured
with the "INDORE PHILATELIC GYAN RATNA AWARD. Dr. Ravindra Pahalwan
(President IPS) and Mr. Girish Sharma Aditya (Patron INS) presented citation,
memento, book, Shriphal and Ang Vastra to Mr. Sudhir Jain
-Sudhir Jain- Satna (
MP)
Odisha
STAMPS
ON INDIAN THEME – “MAHABHARAT”
On April 20th 2026, Indonesia issued a set of five stamps on Wayang puppet (shadow puppet play). stamps feature 5 Pandav brothers of great Indian epic Mahabharat namely 1/5 Yudhistir,2/5 Bhim,3/5 arjuna,4/5 Nakul and 5/5 Sahadev. Souvenir sheet (6000 nos.) Is also issued with same 5 stamps.
 |
A
special pack (3000 nos.) Is also issued. This includes (1) the s/s of 2012 on
the same theme of Wayang Mahabharat characters with overprint of Wayang
characters in red ,(2)a different s/s featuring the 2026 stamps in a different
format with overprint of Wayang characters in red, and also the stamps are self-adhesive.
While
the denomination of stamps is Indonesian Re.3500, stamps included in s/s is
10000 Indonesian Re
-Leeza Padhi
Prayag Philatelic Society
A picture postcard with cancellation on Pratapgarh Amla, a GI Tag product, was released 0n 2 June 2026 at the Pratapgarh HO. It was released by Shri. P.C.Tiwari SPOs Pratapgarh Division, Shri. Sanjay Gupta Sr.PM and Shri. Pramod Kumar Bansal, President of Prayag Philatelic Society.
Amla is grown in abundance in the district of Pratapgarh and is famous for its medicinal value. Amla is used to prepare pickles, juice, murabba, hair oil, candy and many other similar products. It has a high content of Vitamin C and is highly recommended for its medicinal value.The picture postcard was proposed by Prayag Philatelic Society through the Pratapgarh Division.
Gujarat
Release of Corporate My Stamp and Special Cover with
cancellation at Mangalam Group, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
On
the occasion of 84th Anniversary
Celebration of Mangalam Group, Corporate My Stamp and Special Cover with
cancellation was released today by Shri Ganesh V. Sawaleshwarkar, Chief
Postmaster General, Gujarat Circle, in the gracious presence of Shri Krishna
Kumar Yadav, Postmaster General, Headquarters Region at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Boston 2026
An appeal to philatelic community
Congratulations
to all participating organizations, exhibitors, awardees, and our
representatives at Boston 2026.
I
would like to bring the following matter to the kind attention of the concerned
authorities.On behalf of a few disappointed exhibitors and well-wishers of
philately, I wish to express our concern regarding the results of certain
exhibits at Boston 2026. A number of exhibits were substantially revised and
improved in accordance with FIP guidelines, with considerable effort invested
in strengthening their research, presentation, and development.
Naturally,
exhibitors expected that these improvements would be reflected in their awards.
Therefore, it was disappointing to see some exhibits receive Silver medals
despite having previously achieved Large Silver or equivalent recognition at
earlier exhibitions. This outcome has caused understandable disappointment
among exhibitors who devoted significant time, effort, and resources to
improving their collections.
Our
intention is not to question the authority or expertise of the jury, but rather
to seek greater clarity and understanding of the evaluation process.
Constructive feedback and guidance from the jury would help exhibitors identify
areas requiring further improvement and enable them to progress more
effectively in future international exhibitions.
I
would also like to inform you that I personally spoke with a few affected
exhibitors. Only Mr. Daniel Montieri has agreed to have his name mentioned. The
other exhibitors have requested that their identities remain confidential.
I
respectfully encourage all exhibitors who are disappointed with their results
to directly contact the concerned jury members and exhibition authorities for
detailed feedback and guidance. Such interaction will undoubtedly help them
better understand the judging criteria and continue improving their exhibits.
Philately
is a continuous learning process, and we remain committed to developing our
collections in accordance with international standards.
Thank
you once again to one and all for your guidance, support, and continued
encouragement.
With
philatelic regards,
Jagannath Mani
Philately Coordinator, Bengaluru
Obituary
SUKETU SURYAKANT JHAVERI, FPCI
8 June 1940 – 11 May 2026
The Indian philatelic fraternity mourns the passing of Shri Suketu Suryakant Jhaveri, FPCI., affectionately known to all as Suketubhai, who passed away on 11 May 2026 at the age of 85.
A dedicated philatelist for nearly five decades, Suketubhai was widely respected for his passion, commitment, and selfless service to the hobby. His philatelic interests extended across several areas, with notable achievements in Postal History and Fiscal Philately, for which he received numerous awards and accolades at competitive exhibitions. Beyond philately, he was an avid collector of Avon perfume bottles and heritage BEST tickets of Bombay. His research and interest in the latter culminated in the publication of a book on the BEST, reflecting his enthusiasm for preserving historical memorabilia.
Suketubhai was associated with several philatelic clubs and societies throughout India and rendered distinguished service as an office bearer and member of the governing councils of the Philatelic Congress of India (PCI), The Philatelic Society of India (PSI), and Kutch Hobby Circle (KHC). His contributions to these organizations helped strengthen and promote organized philately in the country.
Together with his wife, Smt. Geeta Jhaveri, fondly known as Geetaben, he formed one of the most admired and respected couples in Indian philately. Known for their warmth, humility, and willingness to help fellow collectors, they were familiar faces at philatelic exhibitions across the country. Both actively travelled across nation & contributed to the organization and smooth functioning of numerous exhibitions. Many will especially remember their dedicated service during INPEX 2013, 2017 & 2019, where they took full responsibility for managing the Bin Room and ensured its efficient operation.
The passing of Geetaben on 5 October 2021 was a profound loss for Suketubhai & many philatelists who knew them personally including myself. Although deeply affected by her demise, Suketubhai continued to remain connected with the philately and regularly attended the fortnightly meetings of The Philatelic Society of India till his last breath.
In recognition of his
invaluable contributions to Indian philately, Suketubhai was conferred the
prestigious title of Fellow of the Philatelic Congress of India
(FPCI) at the PCI Awards 2021 function held at the General
Post Office, Mumbai, on 30 October 2021. On that occasion, he was felicitated
with a certificate and lapel pin by Shri Harish Agarwal, Chief Postmaster
General, Maharashtra Circle, and Shri Rajesh Kumar Bagri, Honorary
Secretary General, PCI, in the presence of an august gathering of philatelists
and dignitaries.
With his passing, Indian philately has lost one of its most active, dedicated, and respected member. Suketubhai will be remembered not only for his collections and achievements but also for his kindness, humility, friendship, and unwavering commitment to the promotion and organization of philately. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service and fellowship that will continue to inspire generations of collectors.
We pray that his noble soul
attains Sadgati and Moksha. Om Shanti.
-Kapil Gogri FRPSL FPCI
IN QUEST OF INDIAN POSTAL HISTORY AND
COMMUNICATIONS
DŪTA: THE
EARLIEST MESSENGER IN INDIA’S COMMUNICATION HERITAGE
Therefore, before we trace the
evolution of India’s organised postal systems and structured communication
networks of later centuries, it is essential to look much further back—into our
earliest sources, our epics, classical literature, and historical traditions.
Only there can we discover when, how, and in what form the very. first
messenger entered the human story of communication. This search inevitably
brings us to the ancient Indian concept of the Dūta—the envoy whose role
extended far beyond that of a simple bearer of news, embodying authority,
intention, and the presence of the sender.
DŪTA literally means:
“One who is sent with a message,
mission, or representation.”
THE EARLIEST MESSENGER OF INDIA
How Vedic Envoys Shaped the
Foundations of Early Communication Systems
INTRODUCTION
India’s communication history is far
older than its organized postal systems. The earliest roots lie in the Vedic
age, where the figure of the dūta—the envoy, emissary, or sacred
messenger—emerges as one of the most dignified intermediaries between people,
communities, and even the human and divine realms.
This article explores the role of the
dūta and its influence on later Indian communication traditions.
THE DŪTA IN THE VEDIC HERITAGE
Etymology
The word dūta (दूत)
derives from the Sanskrit root “du”, meaning to send. Its earliest appearances
are found in the Ṛgveda, Atharvaveda, and Brāhmaṇa literature.
Meaning of Dūta Today
In modern usage, as in “Rāṣṭradūta” (राजदूत),
the word dūta means: Ambassador • Envoy
Official representative of a nation.
This is not the same as a simple
mail-carrier or postman. It reflects dignity, authority, and diplomatic power.
REFERENCES IN THE VEDAS
Ṛgveda 1.12.1 – Agni is invoked as the
“messenger of the gods.”
Ṛgveda 10.2.7 – Agni is again
described as a divine envoy.
Atharvaveda 11.5.2 – Mentions human and divine messengers.
Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa 3.2.4 – Explains
the envoy’s sacred position in ritual communications p
These sources make it clear that
messaging, representation, and communication were already structured concepts
in early Indian society.
A MESSENGER OF AUTHORITY — NOT A
COMMON COURIER
In Vedic society, the dūta was far
more than a mere carrier of information. He represented:
A Messenger Far Above Ordinary Status
In the Vedic and early epic world, a
dūta was never a common courier. He (and sometimes she) served as:
A trusted representative of the sender
An official envoy with delegated
authority
One who carried the symbolic presence
of uof the king, sage, or leader,
A negotiator and communicator, capable
of speaking firmly and fearlessly
Harming a dūta was considered a
violation of ṛta (cosmic order), as noted in later Dharmaśāstra traditions that
echo Vedic ethics.
HUMAN MESSENGERS AND EARLY
COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
1. DIPLOMATIC Dūtas
The Vedas mention envoys who travelled
between clans and kingdoms carrying:
peace proposals • declarations•
invitations
negotiations matters.
Had the right to speak directly and
firmly, without fear of harm.
2. RITUAL COMMUNICATION
Messengers played a crucial role in
religious life, connecting hermitages and ritual centers.
This reveals one of the earliest
structured communication networks in the subcontinent.
3. MEDIATORS IN in CONFLICT
Dūtas often intervened in moments of
war tension.
DIVINE MESSENGERS: THE SACRED
PROTOTYPE
AGNI – The First Messenger
Agni is repeatedly described as the
Deva-Dūta (Divine Messenger).
This sacred model elevated the
messenger’s status in society.
OTHER DIVINE MESSENGERS
Ṛgveda 7.103.1 – Mentions divine
beings acting as envoys.
Ṛgveda 1.41.2 – Maruts described as
swift carriers of messages.The qualities attributed to divine dūtas—speed,
loyalty, truth—were expected from human envoys too.
EXPECTED QUALITIES OF A VEDIC DŪTA
1. SATYA (TRUTHFULNESS)
2. SRADDHA (TRUSTWORTHINESS)
3. Vāgmitā (ELOQUENCE)
4. COURAGE
5. REPRESENTATION
The envoy was regarded as the sender’s
embodiment.
PROTO-POSTAL FEATURES IN THE VEDIC
DŪTA SYSTEM
Though no formal postal department existed, the concept of the official messenger laid the intellectual foundation for later systems:
Mahajanapada diplomatic networks
Mauryan-era suvaraṇṇabhūmi messenger
routes
Horse-relay stations and pigeon posts
Early Indian postal traditions
Vedic and epic messenger traditions
symbolically shaped the earliest foundations of India’s postal heritage.
CONTINUITY INTO EPICS AND CLASSICAL
NARRATIVES
MAHABHARATA
The epic formalizes the role of the
messenger.
RAMAYANA
Hanuman embodies the ideal messenger.
Sundara Kāṇḍa – His mission to Lanka
shows loyalty, intelligence, courage, and diplomatic skill.
These epic examples reflect the fully
matured dūta tradition rooted in the Vedas.
CONCLUSIONS
The Vedic dūta stands as one of
India’s earliest symbols of structured communication—trustworthy, respected,
protected, and authoritative.
Far beyond a courier, the dūta was the
living representative of the sender, a bridge across communities and realms.
From Vedic hymns to epic diplomacy,
his legacy marks the first step in India’s long journey toward organized
messenger networks and the rich postal heritage that followed.
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE
This article is not an academic or
highly technical paper meant only for specialists. It has been written for
ordinary Indian philatelists, with a sincere aim: to awaken pride in India’s
ancient and continuous tradition of communication, one of the oldest living
traditions in the world. Many great civilizations have disappeared with time,
but Indian civilization continues—still speaking, writing, and communicating as
it has for thousands of years.
-Dipok Dey: email: dipokdey38@gmail.com
Book Review
The Postal Legacy of India’s Matchbox and Allied
Trade
By Sushil Mehra
The Postal Legacy of India’s Matchbox and Allied Trade : Author : Sushil Mehra : Pages 84 : Type : Coffee Table Book :Paperback : Editon 2026: Publisher and Copyright Holder : Sushil Mehra : Price : Rs 950 : Contact : email : gaureshmehra@gmail.com Ph/WhatsApp : 9972091818
"To the casual observer, a matchbox is a disposable
utility and a postally used cover is just something that completed the journey
it intended to take. But to the collector, these objects are the DNA of a
nation’s industrial and social history. The Postal Legacy of India’s Matchbox
and Allied Trade is an exploration of the intersection between two fascinating
worlds: Postal History and Phillumeny (the study of matches).
The Postal Legacy of India’s Matchbox and Allied Trade by
Sushil Mehra is an excellent book on a truly unique and uncommon subject. Its
aim is to document the commercial perspective of the matchbox — a humble object
of daily life — and its allied trades through small artifacts. For decades, the
matchbox and related trades left behind a rich trail of postal correspondence,
illustrated covers, and postcards. These items tell a story of
entrepreneurship, artistic evolution, and the postal logistics of a bygone era.
Phillumeny is the hobby of collecting and studying
matchboxes, matchbox labels, covers, advertisements, and memorabilia.
Phillumenists will find this book especially engaging, as it focuses entirely
on material connected to the matchbox.
The book is divided into five parts. The book is divided into 5 parts. Part A, B and C shows exhibits its Plans and other pages prepared through different philatelic item related to match boxes, Puffs of the Past (Hookah Cigarettes etc) , Poor man’s smoke Beedi.
Part A: A Postal Study of Matchbox Trade of India (1905–2005)
This section shows how to curate and display postal covers
specifically related to the matchbox trade. For competitive and general
collectors alike, it offers practical guidance on building an exhibit from
related philatelic material.
Here the author traces the history of the Indian cigarette
trade during British India and the early post-Independence decades, using a
range of philatelic items.
Part C: The Poor Man’s Smoke
This part deals with the development of the Indian beedi industry through the medium of postal history.
Collecting these niche themes comes with
challenges. This section features a series of articles designed to help
collectors navigate the hurdles of the hobby.
A variety of Indian matchbox labels are featured in this
section.
The book explores many facets of the simple matchbox. While
finding material on this subject can be challenging, the author makes it
accessible by presenting a wide variety of items. The work is unique in itself.
Phillumenists, postal historians, and Collectors of open and thematic philately
will all appreciate this book. It deftly links postal history, Railway Mail
Service routes, illustrated covers, matchbox labels, beedi labels, and
cigarette advertising. It covers a topic most philatelists would never have
thought to collect. So I recommend this book for all stamp lovers as well as
Phillumenists.
- Jeevan Jyoti
Some
Remarkable Cancellations and Postmarks
The All-India Series of
1873- 84 Cancellations (Renouf Type 17f)
CALCUTTA
URBAN CANCELLTIONS
Type 17f is a duplex
cancellation. The right duplex shows two letters above with three
parallel horizontal bars on either side, below is a number with two parallel
horizontal bars on either side. The left duplex shows the name of the urban post office.
1878 Postal stationery cover from
Hatkhola (Calcutta) to Chooroo, Die obliterated by Renouf Type 17f, duplex
cancellation “HATKHOLA/ DEC 2=NW /C-1/9”, arrival mark “CHOOROO/DEC.2” on the
front.
Ca.
1878 Postal stationery cover from Wellesly Street (Calcutta) to Umritsur. The
Half Anna QV stamp obliterated by Type 17f duplex cancellation “WELLESLY.
STREET = SC/C-1/15”, B/S “1DEL/AMRITSAR/ AUG:4”
Beginners’ Section
First Successful Single-Rotor Helicopter Flight
On May 24, 1940, Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first single-rotor
helicopter.Born in Kiev, Russia (now Ukraine) Sikorsky developed an interest in
flight at the age of 11, and created a small rubber band powered helicopter by
the time he was 12.
The Wright brothers were a major influence on
Sikorsky, inspiring him to commit his life to aviation.
Sikorsky attended the St. Petersburg
Imperial Russian Naval Academy for three years and later a mechanical college.
However, in 1908 he learned of the Wright Brothers’ Flyer and Ferdinand von
Zeppelin’s dirigible. He later claimed that, “within 24 hours, I decided to
change my life’s work. I would study aviation.”
By May 1909, Sikorsky began designing
his first helicopter. However, by that October he realized that with only the
parts and knowledge he currently had, it would never fly. Sikorsky then began
designing fixed-wing airplanes. After his design won a Russian Army aircraft
exhibition, Sikorsky became Chief Engineer of the aircraft division for the
Russian Baltic Railroad Car Works. In that role he designed the first
four-engine aircraft, the S-21 Russky Vityaz, which he test piloted on May 13,
1913. At the outbreak of World War I, Sikorsky designed the first four-engine
bomber.
After the war, Sikorsky believed he’d
have more opportunities in America and moved there in March 1919. After working
as a teacher and lecturer, he established the Sikorsky Manufacturing Company.
With financial backing from composer Sergei Rachmaninoff and others, Sikorsky
created one of America’s first twin-engine aircraft. His company then became
part of United Aircraft and Transport Corporation (now United Technologies
Corporation). With that company, Sikorsky designed and built “flying boats”
including the S-42 Clipper that was used for Pan Am transatlantic flights.
Through all this, Sikorsky was still
interested in helicopters. In 1931 he filed a patent for a “direct lift
aircraft,” which he received four years later. He built his single-engine
helicopter, the VS-300, and staged its first tethered flight on September 14,
1939. After that success, he was ready to complete its first free flight on May
24, 1940.
1988 36c Igor Sikorsky
Proof card
Some mechanics didn’t believe Sikorsky’s helicopter would fly and dubbed it “Igor’s nightmare.” However, during that test flight it successfully flew up to 20 feet off the ground, traveled about 200 feet, backed up, and then landed.
Sikorsky then took what he learned from the VS-300 to design the R-4, which impressed military officials, who ordered 100 of them. In fact, the R-4 was world’s first mass-produced helicopter and one of the first American helicopters used in World War II. It was used to rescue troops in Burma, Alaska, and other areas with challenging terrain. Sikorsky went on to design subsequent models – the R-4 through R-6 – producing over 400 helicopters before the war’s end.
Since
1961, Sikorsky has provided presidents with 23 helicopters to serve as Marine
One.
The helicopters Sikorsky’s company went on to
produce were even more widely used in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In fact,
Sikorsky helicopters are still used today, including the UH-60 Black Hawk and
the Marine One Fleet that transports the president.
Turkey - 2p Asia Minor
Steam Ship Co. black on green stamp, 1868
Price :
USD 2,429
1868 2p Asia Minor Steam Ship Co. Black on green is an amazing Maritime Post stamp that is quite popular in the philatelic community. Captain Bell's Asia Minor Screw Steamship Company operated from Smyrna. This was a British venture that sent letters to several seaports in the Levant. That is why the corporation created its own adhesive stamp, which was made in green with a black writing on it. An excellent example of the 1868 2p Asia Minor Steam Ship Co. Black on green sold for $2,429 at the Corinphila auction in March 2013. The item had exceptional large margins and a blue 'Joly' handstamp cancellation (Mr. Joly ruled over the company).
New Issues from other countries
Aland
9 June 2026: Aland Photography Museum 25
Years
Estonia
16 May 2026: Estonian Association of
University Women
Faroe
Islands
26 June 2026
: 100 Years of Red Cross
Red Cross 100 Years
2026 will be a very special year for the Red
Cross in the Faroe Islands, as the humanitarian organisation celebrates its
100th anniversary.
The Faroese Red Cross is part of the world’s
largest humanitarian organisation, with approximately 17 million volunteers in
nearly every country worldwide. The Faroese Red Cross has close to 500
volunteers who carry out its mission: to help whenever the need arises.
This year has also been designated by the UN as
the International Year of Volunteers. The Faroese Red Cross fully supports
this, as the organisation experiences every day the difference it makes when
volunteers come together to help. Voluntary work creates a ripple effect, and
its positive impact can be felt both in the Faroe Islands and across the world.
The Faroese Red Cross was founded on 2 April
1926, as there was a recognised need for voluntary efforts to support people in
difficult life situations particularly in the areas of health and emergency
preparedness.
Liechtenstein
1
June 2026: Liechtenstein's Mountain World
Liechtenstein's
Mountain World
With its special sheet “Liechtenstein’s mountain world” featuring four
stamps, Philately Liechtenstein is highlighting the country's alpine character.
Four striking mountains represent the diversity of Liechtenstein's landscape
from well-known panoramic mountains to the highest point in the Principality.
The motifs are deliberately designed as simplified silhouettes.
1 June 2026 : Songs from the Attic
Songs from the Attic
With its “Music Songs from the attic” issue,
Philately Liechtenstein is dedicating itself to a special chapter of cultural
heritage: traditional folk music and its preservation for future generations.
The special stamp “S'isch egal” (face value CHF 6.80) comes in an unusual form
as a playable vinyl record. At the heart of this issue is Josef “Pepi”
Frommelt, a pioneer of Liechtenstein folk music research.
Serbia
16 May 2026:
International Family Day
International Family
Day
International Family
Day is celebrated every year on May 15, in accordance with a resolution adopted
by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, and was first celebrated in
1994. This day was established with the aim of highlighting the importance of
the family as the basic unit of society and raising awareness of the social,
economic and demographic processes that affect the lives of families around the
world.
Spain
19 May 2026:
Centenary Football Teams, Real Oviedo,
Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, Celta, Real Murcia C.F.
Spain has released special commemorative
stamps called “Centenary Football” stamps to celebrate famous football clubs
that reached 100 years of history, including Real Oviedo, Rayo Vallecano, RC
Celta de Vigo, and Real Murcia CF. These stamps are part of a philatelic
series by Spain’s postal service that honors historic football teams and their
long traditions, often showing club crests, old photos, and anniversary dates
to celebrate their importance in Spanish football culture.
Stamp of the Month
Pioneer of Flight - Joseph Montgolfier
On June 4, 1783, the
Montgolfier brothers staged the first successful public hot air balloon
demonstration, sparking interest and rapid advancements.
In 1782, Joseph Montgolfier was sitting in front of a fire when he began to wonder about the force that made the smoke and sparks rise into the night sky. He took a shirt, tied off the collar and held it above the fire. To his surprise, this force (later called Montgolfier gas) made the shirt rise.
Joseph and his brother, Étienne, had a passion for flight. They soon began experimenting in their hometown in the south of France. Their early experiments consisted of filling balloons made from paper-lined silk with hot air and watching them rise. As the experiments continued, larger balloons were used and the tests were harder to conceal.
After several failed attempts to make a bag full of hot air rise, the Montgolfier brothers gave their first public demonstration on June 4, 1783. Joseph and Étienne fashioned a balloon out of light fabric. The 28,000-cubic-foot balloon was lined with paper, coated with fireproofing, and held together with 2,000 buttons. Operating with the mistaken belief that smoke – not hot air – would cause the balloon to rise, the fire was fed with straw, wool, and old shoes. Although they didn’t understand the physics of their experiment, the balloon rose more than 3,000 feet into the air and travelled more than two miles.
The Montgolfier
brothers surpassed their initial success a few months later, on September 19,
1783. As King Louis XVI and hundreds of others looked on, a balloon lifted off
with a chicken, a duck, and a sheep aboard to test the effect of high altitude.
That November, the Montgolfiers placed two men in a 77,692-cubic-foot balloon
for the world’s first manned untethered balloon voyage. These continued
successes led to the search for more efficient ways to power the balloons.
On December 1, 1783, Jacques Charles made the
first flight in a hydrogen balloon. Two years after that, Jean Pierre Blanchard
crossed the English Channel with co-pilot John Jeffries.
Mongolia #C164-70 – pictures the Montgolfier
brothers’ balloon and several others.
That same year, Pilâtre de Rozier attempted to mimic the Channel crossing with an experimental balloon of his own design, which consisted of a hydrogen balloon and a hot air balloon tied together. Unfortunately, the heat source was too close to the hydrogen and the balloon exploded half an hour into its flight. De Rozier did not survive the experiment.
Over 100 years later, during the 1920s, ballooning reached its pinnacle with the Graf Zeppelin. Named after its designer, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the Graf (which means “Count” in German) was an aluminum-framed, lighter-than-air ship. It was 776 feet long and had a maximum diameter of 100 feet. The craft was filled with hydrogen gas, which filled 17 cells. Five Maybach motors gave it power. Flying at over 70 miles per hour, this engineering marvel was the only such airship to circle the Earth.
Zaire 1160-61 includes a stamp picturing the Montgolfier brothers’ balloon.
Balloons continued to
evolve, and records for altitude and distance were constantly broken. Perhaps
Austrian pilot Felix Baumgartner owns the most astonishing record. In 2012, he
broke the fifty-year-old records for highest manned balloon flight and highest
altitude jump. Baumgartner ascended to 127,851 feet (approximately 24 miles)
then jumped from his balloon. He was the first person to break the sound
barrier without any form of engine power. Felix Baumgartner landed safely in
New Mexico.
Philatelic
Clubs and Societies
Air Mail
Society India Foundation - https://www.airmailsocietyindia.org/
Karnataka
Philatelic Society - https://www.karphil.in/index.html
Prayag Philatelic Society
- http://www.prayagphilatelicsociety.org
Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - https://eipa.in/home
The Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society
India Study Circle -
http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic
& Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort
Philatelic Congress of India - http://www.philateliccongressofindia.com/
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Philatelic Society of India , Mumbai : http://www.psi1897.com/
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-: orissaphilatelic@gmail.com
Rainbow Stamp Club -http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.net.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com
Durgapur
Philatelic & Numismatic Society – https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3TasUbyR/
Philatelic Society of Bhopal
Madurai
Philatelist & Numismatist Association (MAPNA)
- https://madurai-mapna.blogspot.com/
Blogs & Websites
Jusqu’a
Markings and other Route Indicators
RAINBOW
STAMP CLUB
This is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com The idea of
this blog is to extend the philatelic fraternity to all corners of the world.
Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share
new ideas with other philatelists. New
Posts on recent issues, news on stamp activities, and Contributions by members
are published every day on this blog. Readers may also express their views on
any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp
Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. Readers
may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic
activities in their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
-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
-Fila Capsule May 2026
issue : e- magazine of Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneshwar
Odisha; Chief Editor: Dr Bibhudutta Mishra-email :bhanubibhu68@gmail.com
-Anathapuri
Stamp Bulletin June 2026 : Editor : Mohanachandran Nair : Anathapuri Philatelic
Association : email apa.tvpm@gmail.com
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue : SIPA, Philately Promoters, EIPA , Indian Philately,
Prayag Philatelic Society Group, Philatelic Exhibitions, WhatsApp WOPA ; Pan India Pictorial Place Cancellations ; Capt. Vijay Wadhawa-
Raipur (C.G.), Neelam Chandel- Chandigarh; Mystic Stamp Co.Timir Shah, Vadodara; Praveen Shastry, Bangalore
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, 509, Design Arcade, Chandrabani, Wildlife
Institute Road, Dehradun-248001. India .
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Happy Collecting ……….
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and
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