New Special Cover

 

26 June 2024 : Jaunpur Imarti : Jaunpur (UP)

Jaunpur Imarti

Postal Department organized a 'Special Cover and Cancellation’ release program on GI product on 26 June 2024  at Hindi Bhawan, Jaunpur. The chief guest of the program, Postmaster General of Varanasi Region, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav released a Special Cover and Cancellation on 'Jaunpur Imarti', the first GI product of Jaunpur district that has received Geographical Indication.

Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav said that along with its historical value, Jaunpur has also been rich in terms of cuisine. The history of Jaunpur's Imarti dates back to the British rule period (about 200 years). It is in high demand in the country and abroad. In view of its geographical uniqueness, it has been granted Geographical Indication by the Government of India on March 30, 2024. It is the first product of Jaunpur to receive this status. Mr. Yadav said ,The special cover on it will lead to its global branding and wide publicity. This also takes forward the Prime Minister's concept of 'Vocal for Local'. The Postal Department has an important role in transmitting India's rich heritage to the next generations through postage stamps and special covers, said Mr. Yadav.

Postmaster General Mr. Krishna Kumar Yadav said that 34 products around Varanasi have received GI. This is the highest in any region of the world. These GI products have an annual turnover of about twenty-five thousand crores and 20 lakh people are directly and indirectly benefited.

Postmaster General Mr. Krishna Kumar Yadav also added that Jaunpur Imarti is completely different from ordinary Imarti. It is specially cooked on low flame and the ingredients used in it include Desi Sugar (Khandsari), Desi Ghee and Urad Dal. It is so soft that it melts in the mouth.

Superintendent of Post Offices Parmanand Kumar said that the said special cover with Cancellation issued on Jaunpur Imarti will be available at Jaunpur Head Post Office and Varanasi Philatelic Bureau for Rs. 25/-.

-Parmanad Kumar, Jaunpur (UP)

12 months 12 stamps from Spain

Date of Issue : 1 July 2019

This beautiful stamp issued by Spain Post issued on 1st July 2019 features province of Albacete. The stamp has a beautiful and very unique design to attract any stamp collector. It has been designed in such a way that it depicts the province of Albacete in every respect. It fits into many themes like tourism, culture, cuisine,flag, architecture and many more. It is a beautiful  item for thematic collectors !

12 Months, 12 Stamp - Albacete

June kicks off with the sawdust carpets made by the residents of different communities in the province of Albacete, covering the streets with a spectacular multicoloured veil in celebration of Corpus Christi.

This month, the “12 months, 12 stamps” issue is dedicated to the province of Albacete, situated at a vital crossroads making it a strategic communication point between Andalusia, the Levante region and Spain's central massif. The few known facts of its origins talk of an old castle from the Caliphate period. It is the nucleus of the Arab Al-Basit that would give its name to the city, of which the only remains are some ceramics found next to the current County Council building. During Medieval times the zone was the scene of many battles between the Christians and the Muslims until Albacete castle was conquered in 1241. The following year, Pelayo Pérez would conquer Chinchilla, and Albacete would become a village under its jurisdiction.

The letter A is formed by several elements that, like a kaleidoscope, reveal different parts of the province.

The novel “Don Quixote” clearly shows Cervantes’ delight at the cuisine of Albacete. Today, the kitchens of Albacete still cultivate this tradition, producing an abundance of wonderful traditional Manchego dishes such as atascaburras: Popular on snowy days in Albacete, especially in the mountains, containing de-salted cod and olive oil; garlic, hard boiled eggs, potatoes and walnuts have since been added to the original recipe. This dish resembles a mousse, with the texture of mashed potatoes and a hearty flavour.

Miguelitos are sweets typical of the village of La Roda in Albacete province , carefully made by hand from fine puff pastry with a custard filling, dusted with icing sugar.

Nowadays they come with all sorts of different fillings: chocolate, white chocolate, and more, although the most popular is still the original custard version.

For centuries, Castilla-La Mancha’s steel production has been regarded as a benchmark, and people still refer to Toledo steel and Albacete knives. Their secret continues to be guarded zealously by the artisans and industries of Castilla-La Mancha. Knife production is one of the most important local trades, with artisans creating durable pieces which stay sharp for a long time.

Alcalá del Júcar Castle: From a distance, Alcalá del Júcar offers a spectacular view: the houses are arranged on terraces on top of an extremely high hill, around the fortress constructed by the Almohads in the 12th - 13th centuries. It is a fine example of Islamic architecture, with a pentagonal keep and two small, circular towers in three storeys. Remains of the old wall surround the fortress. It is interesting to consider that previously there Iberian and Roman settlements here, which also chose the hill as a point of vigilance and defence.

Chinchilla de Montearagón Castle: The colossal moat carved out of the rock that surrounds the castle is a dizzying 10 metres wide and 6 metres deep. Rebuilt in the 15th century, it allows us to experience a castle adapted to the use of artillery, which was introduced into warfare around that time. The castle grounds are surrounded by masonry walls, with narrow arrow slits, and cylindrical towers on the corners. We can still see the remains of these walls, from the Muslim era and later, and two gates: the Door of Devils and the Door of Traitors. Juan Pacheco, Marquis of Villena, ordered the castle built over the Arab fortress “Xerif El-Edrisi”. Chinchilla de Montearagón boasts other medieval wonders such as coats of arms and practically untouched mansions, as well as Iberian and Roman archaeological remains.

The stamp is completed by a strip of crimson, the colour of the provincial flag, along the lower edge.

Dutch Treats...

Date of Issue : 19 June 2017

Here is  a beautiful set from Netherlands Post featuring Dutch delicacies. If you visit Netherlands don't miss these lovely delicacies !  On the stamp sheetlet 'Dutch treats "the following typical Dutch treats are shown: 

Bossche bulb, Limburg flan, Drents Krumkake, Frisian sugar, Zwolle balls, Gouda stroopwafel, Zeeland bolus, Groningen eierbal, Amsterdam onion and Tielse fairground cake. 

On the stamp sheetlet 'Dutch treats "the following typical Dutch treats are shown: 

Bossche bulb, Limburg flan, Drents Krumkake, Frisian sugar, Zwolle balls, Gouda stroopwafel, Zeeland bolus, Groningen eierbal, Amsterdam onion and Tielse fairground cake. 

Most foods are also outside the area of ​​origin for sale, but some do not. So Zwolle balls are available in the city of origin. The ten treats are chosen in consultation with the Knowledge Intangible Heritage Netherlands in Utrecht. The ten treats with full-screen color photos appear Dutch delicacies on the stamp. Each delicacy is held in the picture with one or two hands, in most cases combined with a dish, plate, bowl, cloth, box or jar. The person behind it is visible, but not pictured recognizable. All pictures run through the tabs above and below the stamps. Each delicacy is depicted in the center of the picture and each stamp has been given his own background color. On the tabs in addition to the postage stamps is a brief description.The stamps itself is listed right below the name of the delicacy.

Stamps for sweet lovers - Traditional Portuguese desserts

Date of Issue : 16 May 2017

The history of Traditional Portuguese Desserts can be likened to a poem composed of words as simple as the ingredients used in the majority of recipes included in this  philatelic issue devoted to this sweet theme. These beautiful tempting stamps were issued by Portrugal Post on 16th May 2017.

 Water, eggs, sugar, milk and wheat  are a starting point for many creations, transforming, in the experienced hands of  pastry chefs, into sumptuous desserts, prodigious in shape, delicate in texture and surprising in flavour. Like the best poems of simple words, through the alchemy of cooking, be it a simple chemical interaction or beautiful divine inspiration, the bringing together of these ingredients results in exceptional desserts that do not allow us to forget the places they were created and the people who made them or with whom we savour them. They penetrate our beings and we are never again able to escape from the memory of how they tasted. Just like the most beautiful poems that cause us to over flow with emotion, traditional Portuguese desserts fill our hearts with sweetness transformed into happy feelings.

Huelva - Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2017

Date of Issue : 20 January 2017

Here is a beautiful stamp issued by Spanish Post featuring famous Spanish Cuisine. As in previous years, a province of Spain has been chosen as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy during 2017. This year, Huelva has been selected.

For the first time a coastal province has been chosen. The jury has recognized the cuisine of the sea, all those products that every morning arrive in boats to the market where they are selected to become exquisite dishes.

It is worth to mention about white shrimp, coquinas and puntillitas, or cuttlefish, a select ingredient to prepare dishes such as meatballs.But Huelva is not only sea, also, its products of interior like the ham of Jabugo, the slaughterings of the Mountain range of Aracena; Also the famous strawberries known in the whole world.

The vegetable garden offers us typical dishes like chickpeas with spinach, beans "enzapatás" or the game dishes and mushrooms of the area as the gurumelos. But not everything is to eat, Huelva also has wines worthy of mention as the Orange Wine of the County of Huelva that owns the Denomination of Origin.

The pastries also give  irresistible recipes such as chestnut stew, "pulleys" or snowy eggs.

The stamp includes the image of the logo of Huelva Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2017, which forms a fan with some of the typical products of the place: choco, ham, strawberries, prawns and wine. On a white background, these products take all the protagonism on a trace of black ink, sepia, that always gives a touch of elegance to the dishes.

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.

Delicious Nordic Food Culture

Nordic Kitchen

 Iceland

Date of Issue : 16 February 2016

Finland

: 

Date of Issue : 22 January 2016

The Karelian pasty is a traditional baked product familiar to all Finns, suitable for both everyday life and festive moments. The motif of the stamp  is a tray full of freshly baked, golden brown Karelian pasties. 

The pasties on the stamps form a continuous pattern in the 10-stamp sheet, resembling water-lily pads or stones in the water. The roots of the Karelian pasty are in northern and eastern Karelia, from where the pasty tradition spread throughout Finland after the Second World War.

Karelian pasties are a popular snack you can buy at any grocery store, and the baking skills are passed from one generation to the next. The Karelian pasty is covered by the European Union's food name and product protection.The Karelian Pasty stamp is part of the 2016 Nordic stamp series, the theme of which is Nordic culinary culture.

Denmark

Danish Food 

The well-known classic from the Danish lunch table have now been honored with two stamps as part of the joint Nordic issue Nordic Food Culture. As has been the tradition for many years, the postal companies in the eight Nordic countries issue stamps with a joint theme every other year. This time, the choice has fallen on food, with each country selecting dishes which are currently popular in the country in question.

The Stjerneskud is one of Denmark’s best- known lunch dishes and it appeared on one of the stamp issue called “Nordic Food Culture”. In all its simplicity, it consists of one poached and one fried plaice fillet arranged on a piece of white bread and topped with prawns, mayonnaise, caviar, asparagus and a slice of lemon.

“In the past, the Stjerneskud was known in the restaurant business as a Tout de Paris, and in fact parts of the dish can be traced back to the French restaurant cuisine in about 1900″, explains food historian Else- Marie Boyhus.

Even though many Danes, in particular those living in northern Jutland, love the Stjerneskud, it has not been widely recognized by leading chefs. The renowned chef John Price did not hesitate to call the dish a “pig’s trough”, while chefs Rasmus Kofoed and Søren Ledet were once fired from the Hotel d’Angleterre in Copenhagen, ostensibly because they refused to serve Stjerneskud to guests. These days, however, the dish is popular fare at many village halls and also at countless restaurants, both as a starter and as a lunch dish.

On the second stamp of the issue “Nordic Food Culture” the fish specialty Sol over Gudhjem, or Sunshine on Gudhjem, appeared. This dish was developed as the island of Bornholm’s contribution to the open sandwich culture which emerged in Denmark during the second half of the nineteenth century. Freshly smoked herring is served on grainy rye bread garnished with chopped onion, chives, radishes and topped with a raw egg yolk in an onion ring.

For many years, the hot-smoking technique was a good and stable source of income for the islanders, who sold the freshly smoked fish to the fish exporters. It was naturally important that the perishable fish were cooked while they still tasted fresh, preferably within 24 hours. Today, there are still many herring smokeries on Bornholm, and Sol over Gudhjem features prominently on the menus of many of the restaurants on the rocky island.

Stamp on World Food Day

 

Date of Issue : 16 October 2015

The Croatian Post Ltd. Mostar  issued a commemorative postage stamp on 16th October 2015.This postage stamp celebrates a day which was established by member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979. The theme of World Food Day for the year 2015 is “Social protection and agriculture: breaking the cycle of rural poverty” in order to emphasize the importance of measures that are being taken with the goal of reducing rural poverty and creating an approach to food and resources for buying food.

Researches show that a small number of countries through history has experienced a rapid economical development and poverty reduction, and that there has not preceded an agriculture development.

Agriculture is not only an economic activity. It is a way of life, coexistence with nature, heritage of our ancestors and a cultural distinction. Its non-material contribution is immeasurable in preserving ecological bio-diversity, managing water resources and protecting habitation, landscapes and the earth.

The most essential role of agriculture is solving the world famine problem, most commonly in rural areas. And the only way of solving this problem is that inhabitants of rural areas produce enough of their own food or that they have enough money to buy that food.

That is why support is necessary at all levels, in order to encourage economic and technical cooperation in between non-developed countries and developing countries. It is especially necessary to stimulate participation of rural women in activities that affect their everyday life activities. (Željka Šaravanja)

Hong Kong, China Malaysia Joint Issue …

 

Local Food

Date of Issue : 9 October 2014

Hong Kong is a renowned international food capital, whereas Malaysia is a popular destination for foodies as a multicultural gourmet hub. Tourists are drawn to both places for their unique gastronomical landscapes. This joint issue features authentic local food of Malaysia and Hong Kong and celebrates the distinctive culinary cultures of these Asian neighbours.

 

Hongkong Post announced that a set of special stamps entitled “Hong Kong, China – Malaysia Joint Issue on Local Food” will be launched on October 9. The stamp issue consists of four stamps that depict local dishes of both countries.

As the Chinese saying goes, food is of paramount importance to all of us. By learning more about the food culture of a country, we can gain an appreciation of the customs and traditions of the local people. For Hong Kong’s 13th joint issue with other postal administrations, Hongkong Post and Pos Malaysia are jointly issuing a set of four stamps on local food that can be found in the two places.

These stamps showcase the unique local culinary delights that reflect the distinctive cuisines and food tastes of these two Asian neighbors, including the egg waffle and Poon Choi in Hong Kong and Nasi Lemak and satay in Malaysia. The stamps are adorned with images of the bauhinia and the hibiscus (Bunga Raya), the floral emblems of Hong Kong and Malaysia respectively, on an ink-splash background.

Club News

Chamundipex 2014, Mysore : 24th - 26th September 2014.

Chamundipex 2014, South Karnataka Regional Level Philatelic Exhibition was held from 24th - 26th September 2014 at Auditorium of Postal Training Centre, Nazarbad, Mysore.

On 24th September two special covers were released. One Cover was on Royal Durbar of Srikanatadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar at Amba Vilas (Mysore Palace), 1953-2013. The cover was released by Her Highness Pramoda Devi Wadiyar. Sri M. S. Ramanujam, Chief Postmaster General. Karnataka Circle, Bangalore presided over the function.

Second Cover was issued on 75 years of Bewoor Building (Mysore Head Post Office). The two floor heritage building has been named after Gurunath Venkatesha Bewoor, who was the first Director-General of Post and Telegraph Department in 1934.

 

A set of 10 Picture Postcards depicting the rich Heritage of Mysore was also released on 24th September 2014 by the President of Mysore Philatelists’ Association Shri Dwarkanath. The photos depict the front and back of the folder of the Mysore Heritage set of 10 postcards pack.

On 25th September 2014, two Special Covers were released. One cover was on 100 years of Karanji Mansion (Postal Training Center Building).

 

Second cover was issued on Vajra Mushti Kalaga (Special event of Mysore Dasara). Vajra Musti ("thunder fist" or "diamond fist") refers to a knuckleduster-like weapon and also a form of Indian wrestling in which the weapon is employed.

On 26th September 2014, two Special Covers were released. One cover was on Silver Jubilee Celebration of Adithya Institute of Management & Information.

Second cover was issued on 10 Years of Bombe Mane. Ramsons Kala Pratishtana, founded in 1995 C.E. by Sri D. Ram Singh.

Courtesy : Indian Philately Digest

Nutella–the famous chocolate spread on stamp

 

Date of Issue : 14 May 2014

Here is new stamp from Italy on world famous chocolate spread Nutella. This is a wonderful stamp for food , cuisine and gastronomy theme

Nutella, the world’s favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread, turns 50 this year. To celebrate this milestone, Ferrero, the company that makes Nutella, has asked fans to share their most memorable moments that involve the beloved hazelnut spread.

On NutellaStories.com, fans of the brand are invited to submit all kind of content: photos, videos or text reminiscing funniest or most touching anecdotes spent with Nutella.

Nutella was established on April 20, 1964 by Italian company Ferrero. The creator of the spread was Michele Ferrero, son of Pietro, the company’s founder, who developed the secret recipe and came up with the catchy name by joining the English word for hazelnut and abbreviating it as “nut” with the Latin suffix “ella.”

To mark the occasion, the Italian Postal Service  issued a special stamp to celebrate 50 years of  Nutella.

Mama Sita Reyes - Culinary Icon

 

Date of Issue : 11 May 2014

Here is a block of 4 beautiful stamps from Philippines Post issued on Culinary Icon of Philippines, Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes. She introduced flavors of Philippines to the world. It is a  wonderful set for those collecting stamps  on Cuisine and Gastronomy themes.

Philippine Postal Corporation issued stamps featuring Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes. Teresita “Mama Sita” was born in Manila on May 11, 1917. She was the eldest daughter of the founder of Aristocrat Restaurant. Mama Sita grew up in a social milieu of Divisoria- Navotas and larger culture along Manila Bay. Being the eldest among 12 Siblings, expanded with orphaned cousins, Mama Sita took the chores of marketing and cooking with her mother. With Mama Sita’s children having grown-up, she regularly traveled to the far reaches of the world to learn and savor its various cuisines.

She concluded that indeed Filipino food can stand out among the best. Thus, arose Mama Sita’s vision of bringing the flavors of the Philippine Island to the World and fulfilled through Mama Sita’s mixes and sauces. The rest is history. Mama Sita Reyes is now a culinary icon, a simple Filipina, Kababayan, Ina at Kusinera.

New Special Cover

A special cover was released at the inauguration of Srinagar Philatelic Bureau on 5 march 2014.

: Sreejesh Krishnan - Trivandrum

Live Healthy with good food…

 

LIVE HEALTHY !  ROMANIAN TRADITIONS

Date of Issue : 18 April 2014

Here are new stamps from Romania Post on healthy food. Approaching in the wide range of philatelic themes, an issue of public interest concerning a balanced nutrition, Romfilatelia develops a new project dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, by introducing into circulation the postage stampsissue: Live healthy! Romanian traditions.

Customary for a healthy and varied alimentation, the products illustrated on these postage stamps suggest the idea that by consuming locally prepared traditional dishes in a proper combination, while avoiding at the same time overeating, this philatelic issue gives the message : Live healthy! Romanian traditions, and also the doctors recommendations that eating in excess can have health consequences.

The four postage stamps of the philatelic issue illustrate some of the traditional dishes that can be found on Romanians’ tables on Holidays.

The postage stamp with the face value of Leu 1 reproduces the image of an assortment of cozonac and red eggs.

The postage stamp with the face value of Lei 3.60 reproduces the image of an assortment of fish on fir-tree branches.

The postage stamps with the face value of Lei 4.50 and Lei 8.10 reproduce the images of roasted lamb with season vegetables, and traditional dairy products.

It’sTea Time……

 

 Food in Singapore

Date of Issue : 8 February 2012

Here are new stamps issued by Singapore Post on local tea time snacks.This stamp issue offers a quirky tribute to Singapore's savoury and delectable local tea time snacks by giving them a fresh fun look.

Featuring Singapore's popular local tea time snacks in a colourful and cartoonish way, this set of four stamps entitled Local Tea Time Snacks (S$2.66) will add a cheerful touch to cards, letters and packets, as well as a smile to the recipient's face. These snacks can be easily found in eateries all around the island: Lapis Sagu (1st local), Kueh Dadar (S$0.50), Bao or Chinese bun (S$0.80), and Kueh Tutu (S$1.10).

All first day covers will be cancelled with a special Local Tea Time Snacks postmark.

Press Clippings

G – Phila Science - Stamp exhibition on Science theme in Gorakhpur

 

: Ashwani Dubey - Gorakhpur

Stamps on Ice Cream….

 

 

Date of Issue : 12 May 2011

Swedish Post issued a set of 5 stamps on 12 May on unique theme ice Creams.It is very hot all over India. . I hope Readers would like this cool post in hot Summer ! Till Nexta Post….Have a nice time !

Permanent Pictorial Cancellations

Tamil Nadu

Durgaha Sharif, Nagore

Permanent Pictorial Postmark  4 - Nagore Dargah Sheriff

Date of Inauguration of PPP - October 10, 1976

Nagore is located 4 Km north of Nagapattinam. The postmark depicts the golden dome and two of the five minarets. A Dargah is a Sufi shrine built over the grave of a revered religious figure, often a Sufi saint. The term is derived from a Persian word which can mean, among other uses, "portal" or "threshold". Many Muslims believe that dargahs are portals by which they can invoke the deceased saint's intercession and blessing. The Dargah in Nagore is of 16th Century saint, Hazrat SYED SHAHUL HAMEED QADIRI ( QADIRI ) QADIR WALI, attracts mllions of pilgrims to this land irrespective of caste, creed and religion. The 14-day Kandhuri Urs (also spelled Kandoori or Kandhoori) festival, dedicated to the saint, is held there annually, during when the shrine is illuminated with candles or strings of electric lights.

: Kasinath R.,Thanjavur email : kasinath80@gmail.com
Blog : My Watercraft Philately - http://shipthemegallery.blogspot.com/