Children's Day Stamp Design Competition by India Post

Children's Day Stamp Design Competition by India Post

Theme - Nest

Last Date of Entry : 30 October 2017

BRASILIA 2017 - Specialized World Stamp Exhibition

BRASÍLIA-2017 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition is being held at Ulysses Guimarães Convention Center, Brazil From 24th to 29th October, 2017. Mr Ajay Kumar Mittal is the National Commissioner from India.  All the results have been declared and available at following link :

http://www.stampbrasilia2017.net.br/assets/pdf/BRASILIA-2017-Palmares_by-CLASS.pdf    ( By Class)

http://www.stampbrasilia2017.net.br/assets/pdf/BRASILIA-2017-Palmares_by-COUNTRY.pdf   ( By Country)


Congratulations to all  Winners

 Ajay Mittal, Lallan Singh, Ilyas Patel, Shubhrajyoti Behera, Avinash Sharma, Dinesh Sharma, Mohanchandran Nair

BRASÍLIA-2017 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition Results of seven exhibits from India

Traditional Philately Class
Ajay Kumar Mittal: Indore State Postal System
Gold 90

Thematic Philately Class
Lallan Singh, Hows and Whys of Birds
Vermil 80

Ilyas Patel, The Story of Building Bridges - An Index of Human Civilization
Large Silver 75

Youth Philately Class
Shubhrajyoti Behera, Wonders of Nature - Conserve it or lose it
Large Silver 76
Avinash Sharma, Olympic Games
Vermil 80

Philatelic Literature Class
Dinesh Chandra Sharma, Philately as a Teaching tool
Silver Bronze 65

Mohanachandran Nair, Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin
Bronze 63

-Ajay Kumar Mittal 
National Commissioner, India.

New stamps from India - India Russia Joint Issue

India - Russia Joint Issue 

Date of Issue : 26 October 2017

India Post released India-Russia joint issue commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The issue comprises  a set of two stamps of Rs 5 and Rs 25 and a Miniature sheet of Rs 25 featuring Folk Dances - Bhavai dance of Rajasthan and  Beryozka dance of Russia .

World Food Day 2017 stamps from UNPA

16 October - World Food Day

Date of Issue : 16 October 2017

UNPA issued a set of 6 stamps on 16th October 2017 to commemorate World Food Day.

World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. The day is celebrated widely by many other organisations concerned with food security, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

My recent covers...

 Cover from Latvia

Latvia’s first satellite Venta-1

Venta-1 is a nanosatellite developed by Ventspils University, Latvia equipped with two Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers, a laser retroreflector and an optical imager. The spacecraft weighs about 7.5 Kilograms and is 40 by 40 by 5 centimeters in size. This  satellite was launched  with    India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C38  from the First Launch Pad (FLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota on 23rd June 2017.

Thanks to EN Limanski, Riga - Latvia

4 October - World Animal Day

Thanks to GA Zameer, Bangalore

New Stamp from India - 3 Kumaon (Rifles)

100th Raising Day - 3 Kumaon Rifles Regiment

Date of Issue : 23 October 2017

India Post released a commemorative stamp  on 3 Kumaon Rifles Regiment. This Regiment celebrated its  100th Raising Day on 23rd October 2017. 

The Kumaon Regiment is one of the most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The regiment traces its origins to the 18th century and has fought in every major campaign of the British Indian Army and the Indian Army, including the two world wars. Kumaon gets its recruits from Kumaonis of Kumaon division and Ahirs from the plains. 

Source : Indian Philatelists Forum

Recent Stamp from India - Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji  International Airport

Date of Issue : 15 October 2017

India Post issued two commemorative stamps and a MS featuring Chhatrapati Shivaji  International Airport  on 15th October 2017.

Happy Diwali

Greetings on Deepawali

Wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous Deepawali !

Hong Kong Shopping Street

 Date of Issue : 19 September 2017

Hong Kong Post  issued of a set of special stamps on the theme "Hong Kong Shopping Streets", together with associated philatelic products, on September 19,2017.

     Lauded as a shopping paradise, Hong Kong is home to many distinctively themed shopping streets. This set of six stamps on "Hong Kong Shopping Streets" issued by Hongkong Post is an introduction to some of these shopping spots with their quintessentially local flavours. A visit to these shopping streets is both a treasure hunt and a journey into their unique local history and culture.

     In Mong Kok, shops in the Goldfish Market (denomination of $1.70) are festooned with different kinds of fish contained in plastic bags hanging in rows, while those in the Flower Market (denomination of $3.70) are filled with a wide array of products including fresh local flowers, many of which are from countries around the world, as well as artificial flowers and potted plants. Chinese Medicine Street (denomination of $2.20) in Sheung Wan is over a century old and remains a major Chinese herbal medicine wholesale centre in Hong Kong. In Yau Ma Tei, the Jade Market (denomination of $2.90) houses hundreds of jade stalls offering a rich variety of merchandise in all price ranges, while the wholesalers in Kitchenware Street (denomination of $3.10) sell all manner of kitchen utensils ranging from tableware, cutlery, pots, pans and baking tools to bamboo steamers for dim sum and iron moulds for Hong Kong-style egg waffles. Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market (denomination of $5) is the major wholesale fruit market in Hong Kong and has been accorded Grade 2 Historic Building status.

     To echo the stamp theme, the borders of the stamp sheets are embellished by patterns of products characteristic of these shopping streets.

Club News

Macau 2018

MACAO 2018, 35th Asian International Stamp Exhibition 

Anil Suri has been appointed as National Commissioner for India of the MACAO 2018, 35th Asian International Stamp Exhibition to be held from September 21 to 24, 2018 in Macao, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

The Asian International Stamp Exhibition is a continental philatelic exhibition established by Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) aiming to develop the philately industry in Asia and Australia region. The first such exhibition was held in Bangalore, India, in 1977.

It is the first time that the exhibition held in Macao. Philatelists from 32 FIAP member nations will display their collections and join the philatelic contest. The overseas postal administrations and philatelic dealers will participate in this event and hold sales booths. During the exhibition period, there are theme day, philatelists’ seminars, stamp designer autograph sessions and family workshops, etc.

MACAO 2018, being a specialized exhibition, the participation is open only in the following exhibition Classes: FIAP Championship, Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Thematic, Youth, One Frame, Literature and Modern Philately only. However, the one frame exhibits of Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Maximaphily, and Revenues can also participate in One Frame class.

The participation fee for Competitive Classes (except Youth Philately, Literature and One Frame) will be USD80 per frame. The fee for participation in Literature is USD80 per exhibit. The fee for participation in One Frame is USD100 per exhibit. There is no participation fee for Youth Philately Class.

The Exhibit Application forms and the detailed rules of exhibition (IREX) are available for download at http://www.macao2018.org.mo/eng/home.html#

The duly filled Forms along with a copy of the first page of the exhibit should be submitted to Anil Suri, Khushal Villa, E-70, Kalkaji, New Delhi - 110 019 by December 31, 2017.

Anil Suri may be contacted by email anilksuri@email.com and mobile +919811176908 for any further information on MACAO 2018.

Source : Stamps of India

   

New Stamp from India - Nana ji Deshmukh

Nanaji Deshmukh

Date of Issue : 11 October 2017

India Post released a commemorative postage stamp on Nanaji Deshmukh on 11 October 2017.

Image Source : Stamps of India

New Special Cover

World Animal Day
4 October 2017, Bangalore

Special Cover on World Animal Day was brought out by CUPA on October 4th 2017 in Bengaluru.The mission of World Animal Day is "To raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe."

Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), founded by Miss Crystal Rogers in 1991 was built on a formidable mission to make the world a better place for all animals. We are delighted to mark this occasion, which is celebrated in different ways in every country, irrespective of nationality, religion, faith or political ideology, via release of the exclusive World Animal Day 2017 special covers. Through increased awareness, education and participation, we can create a world where animals are always recognised as sentient beings and the undeniable respect and balance in the human-animal relationship.

Learn more about CUPA on www.cupabangalore.org

- Suresh.R, Bengaluru

New Stamp from India - Rapid Action Force

Rapid Action Force 

Date of Issue : 7 October 2017

On 7th October,2017: A commemorative postage stamp on RAPID ACTION FORCE  was issued by India Post.

Stamp Design Competition : Children's Day 2017 by India Post

12 October - National Philately Day

12 October is celebrated as Philately Day by India Post. Stamp exhibitions and other philatelic activities are organized by Deptt of Post on this day.

Philately Day Celebrated on Gorakhpur (UP)

Photo Courtesy : Ashwani Dubey, Gorakhpur

Philately Day in  Philatelic Bureau GPO Lucknow

Photo Courtesy : Ramesh Chandra Prajapati, Lucknow

Philately Day in Mumbai

Photo Courtesy : Surendra Kotadia, Mumbai

Pure Silver Stamp from Post NL

PostNL honours Dirk Kuyt with silver postage stamp

Date of Issue : 21 September 2017

Pure Silver postage stamp issued by Netherlands Post on 21st September 2017 to honour famous Dutch Footballer, Dirk Kuyt .The postage stamp has the ‘Registered Mail’ designation, and may therefore be used to send letters as registered mail.

PostNL has commissioned the Royal Dutch Mint to manufacture the postage stamp, which is made from pure silver. The stamp, in a deluxe storage box, is available for €25 via www.postnl.nl/kuijt. The stamp will be produced in a limited run of 2,500 copies. 

Stephan van den Eijnden, PostNL’s Mail Netherlands Commercial Director, praises Kuyt: “He’s a multifaceted top footballer. A sporting superstar who reached the pinnacle of his career, but also a family man, a networker and a natural leader. I’m happy that we’re able to honour him with this special stamp.”

Philatelic Seminar during INPEX 2017

Philatelic Seminar by Royal Philatelic Society London

2nd December 2017, Mumbai

Seminar by The India Study Circle for Philately

30 November - 4 December 2017, Mumbai

World Post Day

9 October - World Post Day

World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October. The event was declared by the 1969 Universal Postal Congress in Tokyo as a means to mark the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union's (UPU) creation in 1874.

The purpose of World Post Day is to bring awareness to the Post's role in the everyday lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development.

Special Cover released in Trivandrum on World Post Day

Courtesy : Sreejesh Krishnan, Trivandrum

India Post released sets of 5 commemorative postcards, 5 commemorative inland letters and 5 commemorative envelopes with images of Postal Heritage Buildings - Delhi GPO, Mumbai GPO, Shimala GPO, Kolkata GPO, and Patana GPO on the occasion of World Post Day.


New Commemorative Inland letter card

New Commemorative  Inland Letter Card featuring, Shimla GPO motiff,  issued today on 9th October, 2017.

Courtesy : Vinod Sabharwal, New Delhi

Jewish customs and traditions

Date of Issue : 12 September 2017

Here is a beautiful set of stamps issued by Israel Post on 12 September 2017 .The holidays celebrated in the Hebrew month of Tishrei are among the most important of the entire Jewish year. This stamp series presents three of the special customs associated with this festive period, emphasizing customs that are carried out in the dark. 

Selichot Prayers

In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the Days of Judgment, when people's actions are examined and their fates for the next year are determined. Jews are required to scrutinize themselves as these festivals approach, to mend their ways and ask forgiveness for their sins. Over the years, a set of special prayers called Selichot has been compiled, and are recited during the days leading up to the Days of Judgment. Selichot prayers are recited for the last time on the night before Yom Kippur Eve, but begin at different times based on different ethnic traditions. Sephardim and Yemenite Jews begin reciting Selichot prayers on the first day of the month of Elul, while Ashkenazim begin a week before Rosh Hashanah. Selichot prayers are traditionally recited in the hours of darkness after midnight. In the past, a synagogue official would walk around the town to awaken congregants when it was time to recite the Selichot, knocking on windows and calling out loudly: Get up to recite Selichot!

Building a Sukkah

During the seven days of the Sukkot festival, religious Jews move most of their activities from their homes to a temporary structure called a Sukkah, where they eat all their meals and even sleep at night. This serves as a reminder of the way Jews lived during the exodus from Egypt. There are many rules that define how the Sukkah must be built and how it should be covered with branches so that it remains a temporary structure, as required in order to perform the mitzvah. It is customary for all members of the family to participate in building and decorating the Sukkah. Traditionally, building the Sukkah begins at night after the end of Yom Kippur, as the start of a first mitzvah immediately after atoning for sins of the previous year. 

Second Hakafot

Shemini Atzeret, also known as Simchat Torah, is celebrated at the end of the seven days of Sukkot and marks the last day of the annual cycle of reading the Torah. On the eve and on the morning of this festival it is customary in synagogues to take the Torah scrolls out of the Ark and to carry them around the platform at least seven times. The whole congregation participates in these Hakafot (encirclements), singing and dancing with the Torahs. In the evening at the end of Simchat Torah additional Hakafot take place outside the synagogue, with music and an even larger crowd of participants. These Second Hakafot are mentioned among the customs of Isaac Luria (known as Ha'Ari Hakadosh) in Safed in the 16th century and from there they spread among the communities in Eretz Israel. In 1940 Rabbi Frankel, the Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, turned the Second Hakafot into a popular tradition conducted outside many synagogues.