Hey there, friends! I hope you’re all doing well. We’ve officially waved goodbye to the scorching heat of May and June, and now the monsoon season has graced us with its presence. It’s definitely a relief and brings a sense of calm.
I wanted to share some updates with you all. Last month, I started a series with the intention of sharing my latest finds and some interesting information about them. Well, this month has been quite eventful, especially in my home state. We have a new commemorative stamp and a special cancellation that I’m eager to talk about in their respective sections of this blog. So, let’s take a moment to explore these together. Your company on this journey is much appreciated!
Stamp Collection Highlights
Stamp#1: World’s Longest Stamp (Kyrgyz Post)
The stamp issued on January 30th by Kyrgyz Express Post, one of Kyrgyzstan’s postal administrations, holds the remarkable title of being the longest postage stamp globally, measuring 184 millimeters (7.2 inches) in length. This unique stamp showcases a picturesque expanse of Kyrgyzstan’s Chaar-Tash mountain range, effectively commemorating the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development.
This particular year was declared as such by the United Nations, following the initiative proposed by the government of the Kyrgyz Republic. The stamp’s design serves as a tribute to this significant theme, as nearly 90 percent of Kyrgyzstan’s expansive territory is situated at altitudes exceeding 4,900 feet above sea level.
The stamp’s intricate artwork was conceptualized by Daria Maier, utilizing illustrations contributed by Vladislav Ushakov. The actual printing process was undertaken by Nova Imprim of Moldova, using full-color offset lithography techniques to capture the vivid beauty of the mountainous landscape.This article mentions your favorite hats at super low prices. Choose from same-day delivery, drive-up delivery or order pickup.
Stamp#2: Windrush – 75 years (Royal Mail)
To remember 75 years since the Windrush generation came to the UK, the Royal Mail made 8 special stamps on June 22, 2023. These stamps are like pictures that show respect to the people who first came on the ship MV Empire Windrush. They helped make the UK’s history.
The stamps look very nice and show how important these people are. I really like the cricket stamp in this set because I collect things about cricket, and this stamp is a nice addition to my collection.
Philatelic Cover Highlights
Cover#1: Cricket Cancellation Cover
Karnataka Postal Circle issued a special pictorial cancellation on 26th June 2023 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of India’s First Cricket World Cup Win. The beautiful postmark featured a line art of the Prudential Cup with two players batting and bowling on the field. This cancellation was available for one day at all four philatelic bureaus, i.e., Bangalore, Belagavi, Mysuru, and Mangalore. I have received the following covers with the cancellation posted on the date of issue.
Cover#2: World’s Longest Stamp on Cover
The Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic issued a postage stamp on the theme “International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development” on January 30th, 2023. Kyrgyz Express Post declared it to be the longest stamp in the world. Though there is some controversy, as the length of the world’s largest stamp is 185mm, just slightly more than this stamp’s length, which is 184mm.
I attempted to purchase the stamp from the official site of Kyrgyz Post and fortunately received the stamps inside this exquisite envelope. This envelope was adorned with several beautiful commemorative stamps, including the one I had ordered.
Cover#3: National Doctor’s Day Cover
In India, National Doctors’ Day is celebrated every year on July 1st. This day has been commemorated for the past 32 years to honor the legendary and renowned doctor Bidhan Chandra Roy, paying tribute to his remarkable contributions in the healthcare field. Dr. Roy, born on July 1st, 1882, and passing away on July 1st, 1962, made significant strides in the medical domain.
In celebration of this day, the Karnataka Postal Circle released a special pictorial cancellation on July 1st, 2023, at all four philatelic bureaus. Several covers were posted on the date of the cancellation’s issuance to mark the occasion.
Cover#4: World Zoonoses Day Cover
World Zoonoses Day is observed annually on July 6th to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases, which are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans. On this date in 1885, Louis Pasteur, a distinguished French scientist, successfully administered the first vaccine for a zoonotic disease. This momentous achievement is commemorated each year to highlight the significance of addressing and preventing such diseases.
In honor of the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s groundbreaking accomplishment, the Karnataka Postal Circle issued a special pictorial cancellation on July 6th, 2023, at all four Philatelic Bureaus operating under this circle.
Cover #5: World Population Day Cover
World Population Day is observed globally on July 11th each year to raise awareness about the urgency and significance of population-related issues. On this day in 1987, the world celebrated “Five Billion Day” as the global population reached 5 billion. Witnessing the impact of this event in creating public awareness, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) took the initiative to officially designate July 11th as World Population Day. The first celebration of World Population Day took place on July 11th, 1990, with participation from more than 90 countries.
To commemorate this important occasion, the Karnataka Postal Circle issued a special pictorial cancellation at all four philatelic bureaus.
Cover #6: International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem Cover
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed annually on July 26th. This day serves to increase awareness about the significance of mangrove ecosystems, which are considered unique, special, and vulnerable. It aims to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation, and responsible utilization.
To mark and honor this day, the Maharashtra Postal Circle issued a special pictorial cancellation at all six philatelic bureaus, namely Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik, Nagpur, and Panaji.
Cover #7: 50th Meeting of GST Council Special Cover
To achieve the “one nation, one tax”, government of India implemented Goods and Services tax (GST) on 1st July 2017. With the implementation of GST many indirect taxes like excise duty, service tax, VAT etc. by state and central governments were replaced. On 11th July 2023, 50th meeting of GST council was held at New Delhi under the chairpersonship of the Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. To commemorate this event a special cover and a customised My stamp was released by Chief Post Master General, Delhi. Following cover was posted from New Delhi post office on the 1st day of it’s issue.
Cover #8: International Tiger Day 2023 cover
The Odisha Postal Circle issued a special postmark to commemorate International Tiger Day 2023. They released it at the Bhubaneswar GPO philatelic bureau. Even though it was a holiday because of Muharram, the GPO staff still worked together and assisted stamp collectors in getting special envelopes with the stamp that were actually used for mailing.
Postcard Highlights
Last month I received several beautiful postcards from postcrossing and some friends in India, which includes may firsts…
Postcard #1: The first postcard I received quickly became one of my favorite postcards for various reasons. Firstly, it is the very first card I have received from this beautiful country, and what makes it even more unique is the presence of their official postcrossing stamp. The stamp itself is a true work of art, exuding a captivating beauty. It is worth mentioning that Belpochta, the esteemed postal operator in Belarus, recently released their second postcrossing stamp on January 3rd, 2021.
This new design, created by the talented Marina Vitkovskaya, incorporates traditional Belarusian elements such as folk embroidery and the enchanting blue color scheme. And last but not the least, the postcard is from the theme of Harry Potter, another reason to get added in my favorite.
Postcard #2: This particular postcard is a delightful Tilly postcard, making it an instant standout in my collection. Its unique design and attention to detail immediately caught my eye. Though I have heard about the Tilly postcards, designed by Jacques Tilly, but this is the first added to my collection. This card was designed on the Aachen, 27th largest city of Germany. This city is known for Aachen Cathedral, the first UNESCO world heritage site in Germany.
What made this postcard extra special were the stamps used. The stamps on this postcard belong to the “Childhood Heroes” series, featuring characters from the renowned detective series “The Three Investigators.”
Postcard #3: A special postcard to celebrate the inaugural General Body Meeting of Postcrossing Welfare Society of India.
The postcard displays signature of all founding members, beautifully showcasing PSOI logo at it’s center. This postcard was sent from Prayagraj HQ with Kumbh Mela Stamp marking a significant postcrossing achievement in India.
Pictorial Postmarks
Though most of the cancellations released in July 2023 are shared in covers section of this blog. Still I could not get commercially used cover for some of the cancellations. Besides them, I also received some older cancellation on yellow postcards.
Postmark #1: Assumpta Convent High School, Sarzora
This postmark was released by Maharashtra postal circle on 7th July 2023 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Assumpta Convent High School. It was released by Sr. Supdt of Post Office, Goa Division at Chinchinim Post office.
Postmark #2: NZ2023
During NZ2023, International Stamp Exhibition at Auckland, Department of Posts, Govt. of India released 4 pictorial cancellations on Indian themes. I received these cancellations as a gift from one of my friend who participated in the very exhibition and was present there in person.
New Release By India Post
Stamp #1 Sardar Antaji Mankeshwar Gandhe
Sardar Antaji Mankeshwar Gandhe, a visionary leader and freedom fighter, is honored with a commemorative stamp released on 4th July 2023. His unwavering commitment to India’s independence struggle and his pioneering efforts in rural development have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Stamp #2 High court of Orissa
On April 1, 1936, as Orissa was granted separate provincial status, the necessity for an independent High Court was emerged. So The Orissa High Court Order of 1948, issued on April 30, 1948, under Section 229(1) of the Government of India Act, 1935, culminated in the formal inauguration of the Orissa High Court on July 26, 1948. Residing in Cuttack, the court operates with a judge strength of 27, epitomizing a legacy of legal evolution and administrative adaptability. To commemorate 75 years of High Court of Orissa, Department of Posts, issued a stamp on 26th July, 2023
Stamp #3 G20
In a significant tribute to India’s G20 Presidency, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled special commemorative postage stamps. These releases took place during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The stamps are inspired by India’s G20 logo and the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ emphasizing global unity and shared future.
The first ₹20 stamp, featuring ‘seven hands,’ signifies the collective strength and cooperation of G20 nations under India’s leadership, aligning with the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’ The second postage stamp, valued at ₹20, is rendered in gold, mirroring India’s cultural heritage and diversity, with inspiration drawn from the national flower, the lotus, as depicted in the G20 Presidency Logo. Its seven petals symbolize unity across seven continents.
As we bring this blog to a close, I extend my gratitude for your visit. Your feedback is invaluable to me. Kindly share your thoughts on what resonated with you and areas that might have left room for improvement in this post. Your suggestions are warmly welcomed. Thank you for your time and engagement.