New Special Covers from Jammu and Kashmir

  

20 September 2026 : Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, Katra : Katra

Lieutenant Governor J&K Shri Manoj Sinha,released a Special Cover on 20 September 2026, titled “Global Symbol of Faith” issued by the Department of Posts in honour of the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine to further promote and showcase its rich heritage and universal appeal. The special cover was released in the presence of Shri Sagar Hanuman Singh, Chief Postmaster General, J&K Circle, Sachin Kumar Vaishya Chief Executive Officer CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and other dignitaries.

18 September 2026 : Ladakh Seabuckthorn : Leh

The Department of Posts, Jammu & Kashmir Circle released a Special Cover on Seabuckthorn, a GI-tagged product of the Union Territory of Ladakh, to commemorate the International Seabuckthorn Conclave 2026, organised under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme.

The Special Cover was released by Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. The ceremony was attended by Shri Shurb Singh, IAS, Divisional Commissioner; Shri Keshvendra Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Ms. Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, Technical Education and Skill Development; Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS, Administrative Secretary, PDD, PD&MD, Industries and Commerce, and Managing Director, SIDCO; Shri Sonam Nurba, Director, Industries and Commerce, Union Territory of Ladakh; and Shri Arvind Kher, Superintendent of Post Offices, Ladakh Postal Division.

15 September 2026 :Gonbo Rangjon : Zanskar

The Department of Posts, Jammu & Kashmir Circle — Ladakh Postal Division today released a Special Cover featuring “Gonbo Rangjon” meaning “Throne of Gonbo”, is a sacred, standalone mountain peak in Zanaskar, to commemorate the 11th edition of the Zanskar Festival 2026. The Special Cover was formally released by Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh in the presence of Shri Haniefa Jan, Member of Parliament, Ladakh; Dr. Jafeer Akhoon, Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC Kargil; Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Union Territory of Ladakh; Shri Arvind Kher, Superintendent of Post Offices, Ladakh Postal Division.

- Neelam Chandel. Shimla

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)

New Special Covers

 Mysore Betel Leaf : 20 March 2022 : Bangalore

Mysuru betel leaf is being cultivated from the period of Maharajas of Mysuru in palace gardens as well as in villages surrounding Mysuru taluk. These leaves are heart shaped and texture of the leaves is very smooth. The presence of black clay soil with moderate rainfall and temperature makes Mysuru betel leaf unique to that particular locality. The Government of India has granted GI Tag No. 34 to Mysuru Betel Leaf on 30th January 2006.

Ganjifa Cards : 20 March 2022 : Bangalore

Traditionally hand-painted by artisans, Ganjifa cards of Mysuru hold historical importance besides holding aesthetic and artistic value. This unique fine art form blends the exquisite art of miniature painting and craft, with cards typically based on epic themes giving them an exclusive look and feel. The artistic skill of this traditional craft is seen in its adoption of designs with minute details. These cards arc made in different sizes and shapes. The epic Ramayana has 28 to 1008 cards whereas Dasavatara has 120 cards. The Govt of India has granted GI Tag No. 60 to Ganjifa Cards on 28 March 2008.

Karnataka Bronzeware : 20 March 2022 : Bangalore

The craft is practiced in Bengaluru, Kolar, Chitradurga and Mandya districts of Karnataka. Religious idols; temple bells, vessels, lamps and other ritual wares are cast in bronze. This craft is an amalgamation of art and science in creating poetic rendering of gods. The craftsman who makes the images in bronze are known as stapathies. The uniqueness of Karnataka Bronzeware was recognized and granted Geographical Indication in the year 2006 by Government of India under GJ indication no. 62.

 Prof H.S Bhat- Doyen of Indian Urology : 1 March 2022 : Kodiyalbail

Prof. Hattangadi Shashtdhar Bhat (1921-2010) is regarded as the Doyen of Indian Urology who had laid the foundation for growth and development of urology in India. This special cover is released in grateful remembrance of his contributions, during the decennial year of Department of Urology, Kasturba Medica I College. Mangaluru.

 "We for Kannada" (Kannadakkagi Naavu)  : 30 December 2021 : Bangalore

Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka, on the eve of 66'" Karnataka Rajyothsava celebrations, aims at popularising Kannada language and culture through a unique campaign "We for Kannada" (Kannadakkagi Naavu). Department of Posts is proud to be associated with this campaign through release of this special cover.

- Suresh R. : Bangalore : email : suresh.hobbies@gmail.com