Greetings on Teacher’s Day

Happy Teacher’s Day !

5th September is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India. Since 1962, India has been celebrating Teachers' Day on 5th September as a symbol of tribute and honor to the contribution made by teachers to the society.

The day marks as a day of gratitude and respect to the selfless efforts of teachers. This day is also celebrated to honor Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the great teacher, academic philosopher and India's Second President as he was born on the same day in 1888. Dr. Radhakrishnan was a strong supporter of education. Instead of celebrating his birthday separately he requested to observe the day as Teachers' Day to give honor to all the teachers in India. This appeal demonstrated his love for the teaching profession and since then 5th September is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India.

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Greetings on Raksha Bandhan

 

Festivals of India – Raksha Bandhan

Today is Raksha Bandhan Greetings to all brothers and sister on this festive occasion !!

The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. 'Raksha Bandhan'  is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, of love between a brother and sister is called the ‘Rakhi’. It means 'a bond of protection', and Raksha Bandhan signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that’s evil.

 

The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month  of Shravan, on which sisters tie the sacred Rakhi string on their brothers' right wrists, and pray for their long life. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted embroidered sequins, and studded with semi precious stones.

 

Rakhi: The Thread of Love

Club News

New Special Cover from Chandigarh

Special Covers commemorating Legacy of Le Corbusier – 27th August 2015

To mark the 50th death anniversary of legendary architect Le Corbusier and to commemorate legacy of Le Corbusier, who planned Chandigarh, Punjab Postal Circle in association with Chandigarh Administration released two special covers on 27th August 2015 at Chandigarh (Special Cover approval nos. PB/02/2015 and PB/03/2015). Special covers were released by Ms. Achla Bhatnagar, Chief Postmaster General, Punjab Postal Circle and the Adviser to the Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Mr. Vijay Dev in presence of UT Home Secretary, Mr. Anurag Agarwal and other officers at the function held at Govt. Museum and Art Gallery Sector-10, Chandigarh.

Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, who was better known as Le Corbusier (b. October 6, 1887 – d. August 27, 1965), was a Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, urban planner, writer, and one of the pioneers of what is now called modern architecture. He was born in Switzerland and became a French citizen in 1930. His career spanned five decades, with his buildings constructed throughout Europe, India, and the Americas. Dedicated to providing better living conditions for the residents of crowded cities, Le Corbusier was influential in urban planning, and was a founding member of the Congrès international d'architecture moderne (CIAM).

In the 1950s, a unique opportunity to translate the Radiant City on a grand scale presented itself in the construction of the Union Territory Chandigarh, the new capital for the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana and India's first planned city. Le Corbusier designed many administration buildings, including a courthouse, parliament building, and a university. He also designed the general layout of the city, dividing it into sectors.

These two special covers are available at Chandigarh GPO at Rs. 10 each. Postage Extra.

 Courtesy – Rakesh Walia – Chandigarh, Indian Philately Digest

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New Stamp from India

 

Date of Issue : 17 July 2015

On the eve of Nabakalebara Rath Yatra 2015 a commemorative stamp on Nabakalebara 2015 was released by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas , Shri Dharmendra Pradhan at Puri on 17th July, 2015

 

Commemorative Coins

 

Nabakalebara is a festival observed in the Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri at a predefined time according to Hindu Calender. Naba means new and Kalebara is body. Lord Shree Jagannath adornes a new body during Nabakalebara. It is the re-embodiment of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan when they relinquish their old bodies and assume a new one.

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Greetings on Eid

 

 

Eid Mubarak to all  Readers of Rainbow Stamp Club !!

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Buddha Purnima

 

 

Greetings on Buddha Purnima

Today is Buddha Poornima, also known as Vesak or  Buddha Jayanti is the most sacred festivals of Buddhist. Buddha Poornima is celebrated in remembrance Lord Buddha. It is celebrated by Buddhists on different days in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and the South East Asian countries of Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia, and other places all over the world.

It falls on the full moon night in Vaisakha (according to the Hindu calendar that usually falls in April or May).Lord Buddha was the founder of the Buddhist religion and is said to be the ninth avatar of Vishnu. It was on Buddha Poornima that the three important events of Buddha's life took place i.e. his birth, his enlightenment and his death (nirvana).

The main celebrations of Buddha jayanti takes place in Bodh gaya.On this large number of Buddhist devotees from all over the world assemble to pay their respectful homage to Lord Buddha. Besides decorating the temple and area around with colorful Buddhist flags, the morning prayer, colorful procession of the Monks, worship with large offerings, distribution of sweets and snacks takes place.

In other places Prayers, sermons and non-stop recitations of Buddhist scriptures resonate in monasteries, religious halls and homes. On this day the Buddhists bathe and wear only white clothes. People offer incense, flowers, candles and fruits to the statue of Lord Buddha. They spend their entire day listening to discourses on the life and teachings of the Buddha.

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New Special Cover

 

Lathmar Holi of Mathura : 1 April 2015

 

 

A special cover was released at Mathura on famous Lathmar Holi of Mathura 1st April 2015.

- Sandeep Chaurasia – Gorakhpur

Lath mar Holi : laṭhmār holi, is a local celebration of the Hindu festival of Holi. It takes place days before the actual Holi in the neighbouring towns of Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where thousands of Hindus and tourists congregate, each year. The name means "that Holi in which people hit with sticks" .

In the sprawling compound of the Radha Rani temple in Barsana, thousands gather to witness the Lath Mar holi when women beat up men with sticks  as those on the sidelines become hysterical, sing Holi Songs and shout Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna.

 

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Happy Holi !!

 

Holi  is a spring festival also known as the festival of colours or the festival of love. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia.

Holi festival may be celebrated with various names and people of different states might be following different traditions. But, what makes Holi so unique and special is the spirit of it which remains the same throughout the country and even across the globe, wherever it is celebrated.

Wishing you all

a very Happy and Colorful Holi !!

New special Covers

SAGARPEX 2015 - SAGAR

Vithal Bhai Patel : 14 February 2015

Dr Harisingh Gaur University : 13 February 2015

Baburao Pimpalapure - 14 February 2015

 

Babu Malchand Maliya : 14 February 2015 

 

Nauradehi wildlife sanctuary : 13 February 2015

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

 

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Greetings on Makar Sankranti

 

Thai Pongal – Farmers’ Festival

Makar Sankranti also known as Pongal is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India and other countries by Hindu communities. According to the lunar calendar, when the sun moves from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn or from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana, in the month of Poush in mid-January, it commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South India. The movement of the earth from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti and as the Sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac known as Makar in Hindi, this occasion is named as Makar Sankranti in the Indian context. It is one of the few Hindu Indian festivals which are celebrated on a fixed date i.e. 14th January every year.

Makar Sankranti, apart from a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the 'holy phase of transition'. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family, this day onwards. Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season.

All over the country, Makar Sankranti is observed with great fanfare. However, it is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different parts of the country. In the states of northern and western India, the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special zeal and fervor. The importance of this day has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. So, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical and religious significance. As, it is the festival of Sun God and he is regarded as the symbol divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it.

 

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Happy Deepawali

Wishing you all a very Happy 

and 

Prosperous Deepawali !!

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Festivals of India - Dussehra

 

Greetings on Dussehra

 

Today is Dussehra also known as  Vijayadashami  or Tenth day of Navratri or Durgotsav is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in various forms, across Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The name Dussehra is derived from Sanskrit Dasha-hara literally means Dashanan ravan (Name of devil & in short Dasha and Hara (defeat)) referring to Lord Rama's victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana.The day also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demons Mahishasur. The triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, marking the victory of good over evil.

Greetings to all the Readers on the festive occasion Vijay Dashmi.

Club News

Special Cover

A special cover was released by Mr. K.K.Sharma, UT, ADVISER. Chandigarh on the occasion of Wild Life Week at Kansal Forest Rest House.

- Rakesh Walia – Chandigarh : email : rakeshwaliastamps@gmail.com

Rajasthan State is well known for its Art, Architecture , Culture, Religion etc and this Heritage is well honoured and publicized by Philately by way of Stamps, Special Cover and Cancellations from time to time. In line of this good practice, one more important event has happened which was befitting to be co-memorated by India Posts. A Jain Temple with excellent Historical Background , Sculpture and Architecture situated at Ladnun has completed 1000 years of its inception and a grand function is organised from 1st to 8th Oct 2014 at Ladnun..

Philatelic Society of Rajasthan has requested India Posts , Rajasthan Circle to provide special cover with special cancellation and ‘my stamp’ on world famous Saraswati Statue situated in temple on the occasion. The Special cover was released on 1st Oct 2014 afternoon 3.00 O'clock by SSP , Nagaur City , Sh M L Rajpurohit , India Posts , General Secretary , Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Mr Rajesh Paharia and Secretary , Ladnun Bara Jain mandir Trust Sh Subhash Patni at Ladnun PO. Members of Philatelic Socity of Rajasthan , Ladnun Bara Jain Mandir trust and India Post employees along with press representatives were present there.

Late evening about 9.00 O'clock  , Local MLA Sh Manohar Singh and President , Ladnun Bara Jain Mandir Trust Sh M P Patni re-released it for sale at venue which was covered live by Paras Channel and Ahimsa channel.

The cover with special 'Saraswati MY Stamp' of Rs 25.00 along with information sheet is available at Rs 35.00 per cover and with regular 5 Rs stamp and information sheet  at Rs 15.00 per cover. Postage at actuals is extra.

- Rajesh Paharia – Jaipur : email : shreetotal@gmail.com

 

 

New Meghdoot Cards by India Post

India Post recently released following new meghdoot cards.

: Timir R. Shah - Vadodara

 

Auction

ITS Postal Auction No.66

To download a detailed list of "ITS Postal Auction No.66" with 130 Lots of Indian stamps, Miniature Sheets, Sheet-lets with thematic sets from overseas visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/240642322/ITS-Postal-Auction-No-66-Last-Date-30-10-2014 And check some possible scans at http://www.flickr.com/photos/its_offers/

Last date to send your bids is 30th October 2014. Suraj Jaitly      Mobile: +91 98728 51244
MIG # 3464, Phase Two, Dugri Road, Ludhiana - 141 013 INDIA

email : indianthematicsociety@gmail.com

 

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Festivals of India - Ganesh Chaturthi

 

Greetings on Ganesh Chaturthi

 

Today is Ganesha Chaturthi, the great Ganesha festival, also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayaka Chavithi' is celebrated by Hindus around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is observed during (mid-August to mid-September) . It is celebrated with great enthusiasm  especially in the western India state of Maharashtra, lasts for 10 days, ending on the day of 'Ananta Chaturdashi'. Greetings to all on this festive occasion.  I am  sharing here some stamps, covers and cancellation issued by Nepal, Sri Lanka,Czech Republic, Laos   and Thailand.

Laos – 5 February 1971

Cover from Thailand featuring Hindu Gods

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Greetings on Raksha Bandhan

 

 

 

Today is Raksha Bandhan. The festival to celebrate chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister by tying a holy thread around the wrist called Rakhi. It is a bond of protection which signifies that a brother must protect his sister .

The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, on which sisters tie the sacred Rakhi string on their brothers' right wrists, and pray for their long life. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted embroidered sequins, and studded with semi precious stones.

Greetings to all Indians celebrating this festival in India and other corners of the world.

India Post issued a variety of special envelopes for the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

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