World No Tobacco Day !

World No Tobacco Day  ! : These stamps and covers will make you quit smoking now!

31st May is observed as World No Tobacco Day all over the world ! Smokers will tell you that there’s nothing better than lighting up after a hard day’s work. But most smokers will also tell you that their greatest wish is to put an end to their nasty habit.

World Stamp Show NY - 2016

Gibraltar Post plans to put on sale Limited Edition stamp sheet commemorating the New York World Stamp Show taking place from May 28th to June 4th.The sheets are individually numbered and bares the New York World Stamp Show official logo.

World Stamp Show-NY 2016 (www.ny2016.org) is the United States’ once-a-decade international celebration of stamp collecting taking place at the Javits Center in New York from May 28 to June 4, 2016. This will be the first international stamp show to be held in New York since FIPEX in 1956.

 Mr Dhanjay Desai is national commissioner from India for this exhibition.The show brings together stamp collectors, dealers, exhibitors, postal administrations and societies from around the world together to sell, buy and discuss all aspects of the hobby known as philately. Between 250,000-300,000 visitors are expected to attend the show during the eight days it takes place.

There will be more than 4,000 entrants to the competitions from collectors in 70 countries.

Some 200 dealers will also be present, offering visitors the opportunity to buy and sell.

There will also be invited exhibits and a court of honour, giving stamp fans the chance to see some of the gems of philatelic history. Most prestigious among them will be the 1856 British Guiana 1c Magenta, bought by shoe designer Stuart Weitzman for a philatelic record $9.5m in 2014.

Several auction houses will also be hosting sales in New York during this time, including Robert A Siegel, Daniel F Kelleher and HR Harmer. Wade Saadi, the former American Philatelic Society president, is the head of the organising committee – so you know who to thank after an unforgettable trip to the Big Apple.

Around 250,000 visitors are expected over the eight-day event, which is promising to be one for the ages.

The show is a continuation of a series of international philatelic exhibitions that have taken place in the United States approximately every 10 years since the beginning of the 20th century, typically in a year ending in 6 or 7.

New stamp from India

Swami Chidananda

Date of Issue : 21 May 2016

A commemorative Stamp on Yogi and Spiritual leader, Swami Chidananda was released on the occasion of his birth centenary year at Divine Life Society (Sivanand Ashram), Rishikesh on 21st May 2016 by The Governor of Uttarakhand Dr. KK Paul. Chidananda Saraswati (b. September 24, 1916 – d. August 28, 2008) was President of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh. 

Club News

Independence Day 2016 - Stamp Design Competition

India Post has organized Stamp Design Competition on the theme of ‘Tourism in India’ for the stamp(s) to be released on Independence Day 2016.

Terms and Conditions to participate in “Independence Day 2016- Stamp Design Competition” are as follows:

1. Entries are invited for ‘Independence Day 2016- Stamp Design Competition’. The theme of the competition is ‘Tourism in India’. The participants are to make an original design on this subject (should not be copy of picture painted by someone else).
2. Any citizen of India can participate in this contest. The design could be in ink, water, colour, oil colour or any other medium (Computer printed/ printout will not be allowed). The design submitted should be such that can be depicted on the stamps in a visually appealing manner so as to be of interest to philatelic collectors.
3. Participants are free to use drawing paper, art paper or any other type of white paper of A4 size.
4. The following particulars should be written legibly on the reverse of the design:
   1. Name of the Participant*
   2. Age*
   3. Gender
   4. Nationality*
   5. Full and complete residential address with Pin Code*
   6. Phone / Mobile Number*
   7. Email ID (If available)
   * The fields are mandatory.
5. An undertaking stating that ‘The artwork submitted is original and no copyright issues are involved’ should be sent along with the entry. In case of any legal dispute related to copyright issue, Department of Posts will not be liable for the same.
6. The design should be sent through “Speed Post” only, in A4 size envelope. The participants should mention “Independence Day 2016 - Stamp Design Competition” on the envelope in which the drawing is sent.
7. The prize winning designs will be considered for use on stamps and other philatelic material. The prize money will be as follows:-
   • First prize: Rs. 10,000
   • Second prize: Rs. 6,000
   • Third prize: Rs. 4,000

The entries should reach on following address by 31.05.2016. The entries received after last date of receipt will not be entertained. 
To, ADG (Philately)
Room No. 108(B), 
Dak Bhawan, 
Parliament Street, 
New Delhi-110001

My recent Covers....

Cover from Germany

Thanks to Mr Wolfgang Beyer, Germany

Postcard  from Croatia

Thanks to Zeljko Vasilik, Croatia

Cover from Russia

Thanks to Mr EN Limanski, Moscow - Russia

Good luck to the German couple !!

Wedding Shoes

Date of Issue : 2 May 2016

The wedding is the happiest day in the life of two lovers. You say "yes" to each other. The future life is now being followed together. These must be congratulated diligently. Whether via handwritten letter or prefabricated card remains entirely up. It is important to wish the newlyweds all the best for the future together. Here is a beautiful stamp issued by German Post for the Wedding Invitation Cards and Congratulatory messages.

The Bride's shoes has always been considered the way for good luck. A well-known custom dictates: One should accumulate until the wedding so many cents, that one of the bridal shoes can be bought. According to legend, the savings will be rewarded in marriage: It has never worry about money and a lot of luck! During the wedding ceremony, it is customary for the bridal shoe is stolen and auctioned. The proceeds go to the bridal couple. He usually benefits the honeymoon. From where the newlyweds like to write postcards.

Germany has many unique wedding traditions and customs that are different for those of other European countries. To describe the uniqueness of this unique event in each person‘s life Germany Post has introduced to the stamp enthusiasts attention a special occasion stamp that boasts with its original design

A traditional wedding in Germany lasts three days, but not necessarily consecutive days. On the first day the couple is married by the justice of peace, or as in Germany called “Standesbeamte”. This is because in Germany it is not legal to marry “only” in a church ceremony. The civil ceremony takes place one week or one day before the church ceremony, and only the couple’s closest family members and friends in attendance.

On the second day there is a big, informal party called the Polterabend ‒ “the evening with lots of broken porcelain”. Friends and relatives bring old porcelain and kitchenware to smash in front of the bride and groom. The broken pieces are thought to grant them a happy, lucky life. “The German proverb ‒ ‘Scherben bringen Gluck’ ‒ which can be translated as ‘Broken crockery brings you luck’, is derived from this custom”.

On the third day the religious ceremony and reception takes place. Since the bride and groom are already married by law, they usually enter the church together and walk down the aisle together. The bride typically wears a white gown without a train. The bride often carries salt and bread as an omen of good harvest. The groom typically wears a black tuxedo and carries grain for good luck and wealth.

Let’s dive in the German world of wedding celebration with its special festive stamp by German Post!

New Special Cover

INHS Jeevanti

Department of Posts, Maharshtra Postal Circle released a Special cover on 15th April 2016 on the momentous occasion of 50 Glorious Years of service to the nation - INHS Jeevanti - Indian Naval Hospital Ship in Patient Care at AP Dabolim

- Sreejesh Krishnan - Trivandrum email : sreejesh.nt@gmail.com

New pictorial cancellation from Germany

On June 2nd 2016, a new pictorial postmark  will be issued  in 83209 PRIEN. The postmark  features a Chamois(Rupicapra rupicapra), a Marmot (Marmota marmota) and two alpine flowers.

On June 26th, 2016  another new pictorial postmark will be issued in 53909 ZÜLPICH. The postmark features a Peregrin Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and a rock formation. 

Interested philatelists may please contact Mr.Wolfgang Beyer, Vice Chairman of the German

Philatelic Collector Group ArGe Zoologie. Mail: Wolfgang.beyer1@aol.de . Postage rates: 0,90 Euro AIRMAIL, 3,40 Euro registered
AIRMAIL.

Think Green stamp from Latvia

Date of Issue : 9 May 2016

Here is a new "Think Green" Issue from Latvia . The first stamp in this issue features  the common design of Europa 2016 theme. . The squirrel depicted on the second stamp is a symbol that calls for supporting waste sorting and recycling.

The originator of Europa postage stamps is PostEurop Association, and stamps with a single logo and a common theme in this series have been issued throughout Europe since 1994. In previous years, the themes of Europa postage stamps were related to literature, natural attractions, travel, postal transport and old toys.

Ramayan theme on Joint Stamp Issue of Thailand and Indonesia

To celebrate 66th anniversary of Diplomatic Relationship between Indonesia and Thailand, both the countries issued stamps on 5th May 2016 featuring common cultural Roots between them.  The Ramayana epic, the,ancient literature inherited from India,is chosen as the theme. In Thailand, the epic is known as "Ramkien", The main story of Khon performance, while Indonesia has adopted it for the shadow puppet show Wayang. The Thai stamp design is from Mural paintings of Emerald Buddha Temple,while Indonesian stamp illustrates the canvas paintings of Kamesan. Indonesia issued self adhesive stamps, a souvenir sheet and a hologram S/S.

- Leeza Padhi - Cuttack - email : leezapadhi@gmail.com

Naturepex 2016 - National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature & Environment - Updates

National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature & Environment

30th September to 2nd October, 2016, Bhubaneswar

The National Philatelic Exhibition, Naturepex-2016 will be held from 30th September to 2nd October at KiiT International School, Bhubaneswar .

NATUREPEX-2016, Bhubaneswar is organized by the Eastern India Philatelists’ Association

with active support of the Department of Posts, Government of India with an objective to aware people for protection of nature and conserve our environment. The exhibits relating to Nature, Flora & Fauna, Environment and related subjects will only be exhibited in this exhibition.

Three Special covers, one carried cover and 10 Picture Postcards will be released during the exhibition and the Department of Post will provide special cancellation on each day of the

exhibition depicting different themes on Nature and Environment.

 CLASSIFICATION OF EXHIBITIS:

A) INVITEE CLASS: (NON COMPETITIVE CLASS).

Outstanding collections from eminent Philatelists, National organizations and collections

of the members of the Jury by invitation.

B) COMPETITIVE CLASS:

Class-1: Thematic Class,

Class-2: FDC/Special covers and Postal stationery,

Class-3: Maximaphilly,

Class-4: One Frame Exhibit [Exhibits in this class should be based on a narrow subject

that is best treated as One Frame. An extract from a past award winning multiple frame

exhibits (5 to 8 frames) to One Frame is not allowed].

Class-5: Youth Class

a. Age between 11-12 (as on 1-1-2016),

b. Age between 13-14 (as on 1-1-2016),

c. Age between 15-16 (as on 1-1-2016) and

d. Age between 17-18 (as on 1-1-2016),

Class-6: School Collections.

APPLICATION FOR ENTRY:

i) Exhibitors desirous of participating in the exhibition should apply in the prescribed form

in duplicate. The entry forms duly filled in and signed should reach the Organising

Secretary, NATUREPEX-2016, C-6, IRC Village, Bhubaneswar-751015 on or before

12.08.2016. 

The forms can also be collected from Philatelic Bureaux, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack or on NATUREPEX-2016 website, www.naturepex2016.blogspot.in

ii) Application for the Competitive Class must be for minimum of 3 frames and maximum

of 5 frames. In the Youth Class application for 2 to 4 frames may be considered.

iii) All exhibits must be accompanied by one xerox copy of each album sheet duly signed by

the exhibitor for security purpose only.

iv) Each exhibit must be accompanied by inventory of each album sheet in duplicate.

Inventory form will be supplied along with the allotment letter or can be down loaded

from NATUREPEX-2016 web site.

v) Exhibitor already received Large Vermeil and above medal in any National

Exhibition/Vermeil medal and above in any International Exhibition will not be eligible

to take part in competitive class of NATUREPEX-2016.

vi) Exhibitors must have won his/her exhibit for a minimum of two years at the time of

exhibiting.

vii) No dark colour pages will be allowed.

Scheduled dates:

Receipt of Entry Forms:         12.08.2016

Allotment of Frames:              16.08.2016

Receipt of fees:                       31.08.2016

Dispatch of Exhibit Covers     05.09.2016

Receipt of Exhibits                  27.09.2016

Return of exhibits:                   02.10.2016(after the function) at the Venue and

                                                On 03.10.2016 at the Philatelic Bureau, Bhubaneswar GPO.

All Communications, Registered letters or Remittances to be sent to:

Mr.Anup Kumar Raut,

Organising Secretary,

NATUREPEX-2016 Secretariate,

C-6, IRC Village

Bhubaneswar-751015

Mobile: 9437053336

E Mail : naturepex2016@gmail.com  

- Ajit Kumar Dash - Bhubaneswar

New Special Cover on sports

Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme 2016

Coorg, the land of the Kodavas is known as the cradle of Indian Hockey. Mr. Pandanda Kuttappa decided to bring Kodavas from all over the world under the banner of the Kodava Hockey Festival in 1997, brilliantly understood the impact the event will create when culture and sports come together in the Kodava community. The festival assumed such monstrous proportions that it found a place in the Limca Book of Records as the largest field hockey tournament in India. Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme a month-long event from 10'" April 2016 to 8" May 2016 is aimed to celebrate decades of love and passion towards the game of hockey displaying the tradition and pomp of Coorg with dignity and pride. 299 Kodava families are participating in the tournament. The special cover is released to commemorate the event.

-S. Suresh, Bangalore

Seminar of Thematic Philately in Brazil

  The third Seminar of  Thematic Philately will be held in Florianopolis, Brazil from August 6th - August 8th 2016 

 .

For this event  a very nice pictorial postmark will be issued   . The postmark is featuring  real Grouper at the Arvoredo Biological Reserve Florianopolis. August 6th - August 8th 2016 .

Courtesy: Luiz Paulo Rodigues Cunha (Chairman of FIAF) and Luis Claudio Fritzen(Organizer of the Seminar).  Wolfgang Beyer, Vice Chairman of the German Philatelic Collector Group ArGe Zoologie. 

   

Nordic Cuisine

Date of Issue : 15 April 2016

Here is a new  beautiful set of two stamps with a nice miniature sheet featuring Nordic Cuisine and sweden's floating hotel, Hurtigruten. 

Joint Nordic Issue: Nordic Cuisine

The success of New Nordic Cuisine is due to a joint manifesto for The New Nordic Kitchen. This manifesto states that food should express the purity, freshness and simplicity associated with its region of origin. The seasons should be reflected in the menu, and dishes should be based on ingredients and produce that are at their best in the particular  climate, landscapes and water. In addition, the food should combine the demand for good taste with modern knowledge of health and wellbeing.

MS featuring Nordic Cuisine and Sweden's floating hotel, Hurtigruten.

The New Nordic Kitchen requires that new applications be developed for traditional Norwegian ingredients. The new food revolution is celebrated with two stamps. Food from the restaurant Maaemo in Oslo is depicted on one stamp:

-Salt and Pepper first had champagne and appetizers on things such as ice-cold Nyr cheese and whitefish roe, purple salsify in juniper, and roasted duck. Now they had some kind of cake made from dried, salted chantarelles and dehydrated chicken leg bouillon.

Now move from Maaemo and Dagens Næringsliv’s restaurant critics to the plates to the second stamp, the lifeblood of the coast and the Sweden's floating hotel, Hurtigruten. When you go to bed, the fishermen are headed to work.

Hurtigruten itself decribes it like this: -At the same time, local fishermen in Sigerfjord in Vesterålen head out to bring in the catch of the day: Arctic char. (…) Later in the evening, in the restaurant on the table, that same Arctic char that was brought out of the sea in the morning is lying on your plate. Local and completely fresh. And while you sail on along the beautiful coastline, you get closer to the ingredients for your next meal.

NATUREPEX - 2016, Bhubaneswar

National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature and Environment

30 September - 2 October 2016., Bhubaneswar

NATUREPEX-2016, National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature and Environment will be organized by the Eastern India Philatelists’ Association with active support of the Department of Posts, Government of India from 30th September to 2nd October, 2016 at KiiT International School, Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha with an objective to aware people for protection of natures and conserve our environment. The exhibits relating to Nature, Flora & Fauna, Environment and related subjects will only be exhibited in this exhibition as per the decision taken at the Special Meeting of the Eastern India Philatelists’ Association held on 03.05.2015. The exhibition will be of 400 frames and will be competitive one.

The main theme of the exhibition is ‘Save our Nature & Environment’. This exhibition would give extensive mileage to the promotion of Philately as well as create awareness to save our environment and to preserve the endangered species in our country.

Participation in the exhibition is open to all philatelists throughout  India. Exhibitor should be a member of a registered Philatelic Society/ Association/Club.

The prospectus is under preparation, which will be published along with the entry form shortly.


For details Please visit : www.naturepex2016.blogspot.in

-Ajit Kumar Dash : Secretary, EIPA

Auction by Philatelic Society of Rajathan

Philatelic Society of Rajasthan is holding a Pan India auction on June 5, 2016.The bids shall be invited via email & whatsapp .  Details are available at following link. :

www.psrauction.wordpress.com

New Special Cover

Vaishali Special Cover

On 19^th April 2016 during Vaishali Mahotsava, Bihar Circle of India Post released a Special Cover featuring Archaeological Site – ‘Garh of Raja Vishal’. Vaishali derives its name from King Vishal of Mahabharata period.

The cancellation on this Special Cover shows the Ashokan pillar capital of ancient Kutagarasala Vihar (present days ‘Kolhua’). It is one of the best-preserved of the Pillars of Ashoka, topped by single Asiatic lion.

: Pradeep Kumar Mallik - Patna : email : mallikphila@gmail.com

Club News

Rainbow Stamp News  May 2016         

Hi !

I have just uploaded May 2016 Issue ( No.101) of Rainbow Stamp News on Blog. It is available at following links :

http://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.in/2016/05/2016-vol.html

http://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.in/ ( Indian Readers)

http://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/  ( Overseas Readers)