Darpex - 2021

District Level Philately Exhibition Darpex - 2021 was organized at Darbhanga from 3rd to 5th September 2021. During this exhibition two special covers were issued.First cover issued on 3rd September on newly commissioned Darbhanga Airport and the other one on 5th September on the Mithila Cultural Symbols. 

Cover Code: BH/12/2021

 Cover Code: BH/13/2021

Courtesy: Lalit Kumar Mishra, Patna.

Panchkula Special Covers

Two Special cover were released on 15th August 2021 at Panchkula featuring the Phulkari and Basmathi Rice.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Award of President's colour Naval Aviation.

A Special Cover Award of President's Colour Naval Aviation was released at Dabolim of 5th September 2021.

Courtesy: Kasinath.R, Tanjavur.

Namma Vijayanagara

A special cover was released to spread information about Vijayanagara on 16th August 2021 at Hosapete.and to commemorate the event of "Launch of Namma Viajayanagara supplement".

Vijayanagara Empire was one of most flourishing, powerful Empires in India between the 13th and 16th Century. Vijay Karnataka, the largest read daily in Karnataka, celebrates the creation of Viajayanagara, the 31 st District in the state and dedicates a special daily supplement in the name of 'Namma Vijayanagara'. The daily, hopes to bring back the glory of the Empire to today's Kannadigas.

Cover Code: KTK/24/2021

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru.

Igor Emmanuelovich Grabar

Russia Post issued a souvenir sheet to celebrate 50th birth anniversary of artist Igor Emmanuelovich Grabar on 12th March 2021 featuring his painting Frost. Sunrise (1941, V.P. Sukachov Irkutsk Regional Art Museum) and his portrait.

Aplique (Khatwa)

A Special cover on Aplique (Khatwa) art form of Madhubani was issued at Madhubani (Bihar) on 26th August 2021.

Cover Code: BH/09/2021

Courtesy: Lalit Kumar Mishra, Patna

Waghya Ghevada

 A Special cover on the Waghya Ghevada was released at Koregaon on 13th August 2021.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Solapur Special Covers

Three special covers were released at Solapur on 26th August 2021 on the Solapur Pomegranate, Solapur Chaddar and Solapur Terry Towel.

National Lighthouse Day

A Special cover was released at Kaup on 21st September 2021 to celebrate the National Lighthouse day.

The Lighthouse tower in Kaup was built in the year 1901 on a 12 meter high rock in the sea shore. At the time of commissioning, the tower was painted in white colour, but in 1935 the painting scheme was changed to black and white bands. It is a circular masonry tower with a total height of 34 meters.

Cover Code: KTK/25/2021

Courtesy: K.Sridhar, Mangalore.

Sandur Lambani Embroidery

 A Special cover was released on the Sandur Lambani Embroidery on 31st August 2021 at Sandur.

The Lambani in Sandur region follow an animistic religion & worship nature. They embellish the cloth with embroidery. decorative borders. mirrors, shells and coins. The designs, motifs and colours are inspired by images from their nomadic lifestyle, folk tradition and rituals. Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra is striving hard to help these artisans to develop this art in an organised way. the organisation owes its existence to the initiative and involvement of Sandur Manganese and Iron Ores Limited(SMIORE) 

 

Cover Code: KTK/25/2021

Shahi Litchi and Sujai Embroidery of Bihar

A set of two covers on Shahi Litchi and Sujai Embroidery of Bihar was released on 25th August 2021 at Muzaffarpur.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Flowers of Russia - Irises listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

Russia Post released a set of 4 Irises listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation on 16th March 2021.

Leathery iris (Iris scariosa) — the species grows in the Astrakhan, Volgograd regions, the Republic of Kalmykia, in the eastern and north-eastern parts of the Stavropol Territory.
Iris vorobievii (Iris vorobievii) found in Primorsky Krai only in the south of the Khasansky district.
Iris acutiloba (Iris acutiloba) — found only in the Republic of Dagestan in the area of the Sarykum barkhana near the village of Kumtorkala, 12 km west of Makhachkala.
Tiger iris (Iris tigridia) — occurs in the Altai Territory, the Altai Republics (the village of Chechulikha-the classic location), Tyva, Khakassia and in the southern part of the Krasnoyarsk Territory (Sayan and Kurtushibinsky ranges).

The flora of Russia is one of the most important components of nature, which is represented by a combination of various plant communities growing on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Iris is a genus of perennial rhizomatous herbs in the family Iris. The flower got its name in Ancient Greece after the goddess Iris, who as the messenger of the gods descended on the rainbow to the earth, so the word " iris "in Greek means"rainbow".

Iris has xiphoid leaves, usually collected at the base of the stem in bundles. Flowers of various shades (in most species from blue to purple or yellow), single or in inflorescences. The bases of the petals coalesce into a tube, inside of which there is nectar. In their appearance, the flowers vaguely resemble the flowers of orchids. In central Russia, irises bloom from the end of May to July.

The genus of irises has about 250 species distributed in Europe, Asia, North America, North Africa; the largest number of them falls on the countries of the Mediterranean, South-West and Central Asia. In Russia-40 species found in various habitats; 10 of them are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

Rao Jaimal Rathore

India Post released a stamp of Rao Jaimal Rathore on 17th September 2021 to celebrate his 515th birth anniversary.

Sikki Grass Products of Bihar

Two Special covers were released on the Sikki Grass Products of Bihar on 24th August 2021 at Dharbanga.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Tirur Vettila

 A Special Cover on Tirur Vettila (betel leaf) was released on 13th September 2021 at Tirur.

Tirur Vettilas is a leaf of Betelvine belonging to Piperaceae family which is an ever greed perennial creeper with glossy heart shaped leaves and it is valued both for its mild, stimulant action, digestive and medicinal properties. It is mainly cultivated in 26 Panchayats coming under 6 blocks of Malappuram District in mainly two systems - Ottakodi and Koorrakkodi. Tirur Vettila is known to be with high euginol content and hence have potential use in food flavours and medicines.

Cover Code: KL/16/2021

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Sirsi Supari

A special Cover of Sirsi Supari was released on 30th August 2021 at Sirsi.

Sirsi Supari, the areca nut sourced from Sirsi area has unique features.It  has round and flattened coin shape and the cross sectional reveals a distinct texture colour and taste. Geographical Indication is granted to the betalnut of this area taking into consideration these unique qualities.

Cover Code: KTK/28/2021

Yuvaraj Singh Foundation.

A Special Cover was released to celebrate 9th Anniversary of the Yuvaraj Singh Foundation on 9th September 2021 at Nizamabad.

Appemidi Mango

 A Special cover was released on the Appemidi Mango of Shivamogga on 31st August 2021.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

500th Plenary session of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

Russia Post released a stamp of the 500th Plenary session of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on 3rd March 2021 depicting the plenary session of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly and the coat of arms of the Russian Federation.

GI tag Products - Bhopal

A set of 3 Special Covers were released at Bhopal on 17th August 2021 on the GI tag products of  Bhopal, like Jhabua Kadaknath Black Chicken Meat, Ratlami Sev and leather toys of Indore.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

GI tag Special Covers - Bengaluru (2)

 A Set of  5 covers (out of 10) were released on 31st August 2021 at Bengaluru are as follows:

 

Coorg Coffee: 

Coorg Arabica coffee is grown at an elevation of 750- 1100m MSL of Kodagu district in Karnataka. The special characteristics of washed Arabica coffee (parchment coffee) from Coorg, are its pleasant aroma with a hint of floral note and dark chocolate aftertaste while the un-washed Arabica Coffee, has strong fruity, cherry characters. The coffee Plantations bustle with honey bees.

 

KTK/35/2021

 

Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee:

Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee is grown specifically in the region of Chikmagalur district, the "Coffee Land of Karnataka", The perfect roast expresses distinctive flavour profile with pleasant aroma, mild acidity, strong body with a hint of floral note. Chikmagalur's forests and wildlife sanctuaries are abundant with beautiful peacocks.

 

KTK/36/2021

 

Baba Budan Giri: 

Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee is grown specifically in the central portion of Chikmagalur district in Karnataka. It is believed that Saint Bababudan brought seven "magical" beans from Yemen and planted them here.These Arabica coffees ripen slowly and are selectively hand-picked and processed by natural fermentation. The cup exhibits full body, acidity, mild flavour and striking aroma with a note of chocolate. Deers are often spotted here grazing alongside plantations abundant with full bodied Arabica coffee.

 

KTK/37/2021

Mysore Silk: 

The Brand 'Mysore Silk' began in 1912 being the brain-child of His Highness, the then Maharaja of Mysore Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, for use by the members of the Royal Family only. It is a “GI" registered, only Mysore Silk Industry in the country to undertake the complete process of reeling and weaving of Silk Fabrics. Marking 109 glorious years of journey, producing pure silk crepe sarees with unique gold zari border up-holding the quality and heritage. KSIC Mysore Silk Sarees are made of the finest quality of natural silk yarn which gives an extraordinary luster. KSIC-Mysore Silk Sarees are a memorable selection for unforgettable occasions.

KTK/38/2021

Kolhapuri Chappal: 

Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd., was established by the Govt. of Karnataka in the year 1976 with the main objective of overall development of leather industry in Karnataka and upliftment of socio-economic conditions of the scheduled caste leather artisans in the State. The Corporation is well known by its brand L1DKAR. Kolhapuri chappals also known as "Kolhapuris' are Indian handcrafted leather footwear which are locally tanned using vegetable dyes.

KTK/40/2021

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru.

Jadeshwar Van

A Special cover on Jadeshwar Van was released on 14th August 2021 at Ahmedabad by the Social Forestry Division.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Meter Franking and Two Special Cancellations of Moksha Saptami & Paryushan Parva

Two different meter franking was released  at Hubballi Post Office of Dharwad Postal Division, Karnataka on 18th August 2021 and 4th September 2021 on famous Jain festivals. Two special cancellations and two picture postcards have also been issued by the office of Senior Superintendent of Post Offices Dharwad on these occasions.First meter franking and special cancellation was provided on 18th August 2021 on the occasion of Moksha Saptami. Second meter franking and  special cancellation was provided on 4th September 2021 on the occasion of Paryushan Parva.

Courtesy: Sudhir Jain.

GI Tag Special Covers - Bengaluru.

 A set of 5 GI Tag Special covers were released in Bengaluru on 31st August 2021.

 

Mysore Sandal Soap:

The industrial extraction of sandalwood all from sandalwood trees started in the princely slate of Mysore in 1916. By learning the art of blending perfume and soap with sandalwood oil, the Government Soap Factory, introduced the first sandalwood soap under the brand name MYSORE SANDAL SOAP in the-veer 1918.
Government Soap Factory after its incorporation as Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd. J Public Sector Undertaking by Government of Karnataka, in the year 1980, continued the legacy of manufacturing MYSORE SANDAL SOAP. which is a century old brand and the only soap in the world made from 100% pure natural sandalwood oil.
The Geographical Indication gives Intellectual property ownership over the brand, its manufacturing process and its quality.

KTK/30/2021

 

Bangalore Blue Grapes :

Bangalore Blue grapes are found growing in Bangalore Rural district covering Doddaballapur, Devanahalli, Nelamangala and Hoskote region only. The berries are small sized, dark purple in colour, ovoid, seeded with thick skin and have a blend of sour and sweet taste. They are mainly used for making juice and wine with 16-18% total soluble Sugar. The Juice is purple colored, clear and pleasantly flavoured.

KTK/31/2021

Bangalore Rose Onion :
The Bangalore Rose Onion is grown in and around Bengaluru district. The special characteristic of this variety is its high pungency making it ideal for pickling. This Rose Onion is rich in protein, phosphorous, iron and carotene. It is widely exported to the South East Asian countries.

KTK/32/2021

Devanahalli Pomelo:

The "Devanahalli Pomelo" (Chakkota) combines acidity and sourness with sweetness giving it a distinctive taste and colour which is why Mahatma Gandhiji after tasting wanted this variety to be saved for future generations. It is grown by farmers in Devanahalli taluka in Bengaluru Rural District.

KTK/33/2021

Mysore Agarbathi :

The Ancient scriptures mention Dashanga & Dhoopa as sacred offerings to God. Agarbathies were invented as a convenient form to make these offerings. Agarbathies are traditionally handicrafted product from Karnataka (formerly known as Mysore State). The tradition of making hand rolled agarbathies is unique to the region. Several natural ingredients like Halmaddi (ailanthus malabaricum) and Sandalwood (sandalum album) were found abundantly in the Mysore State which led to the practice of agarbathi manufacturing which became a part of the culture and tradition of this region

 KTK/34/2021

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru.

Hadagali Mallige

 A Special cover of Hadagali Mallige (Jasmine) was released on 31st August 2021 at Huvinahadagli.

Hadagali Mallige is known for its rich fragrance and shelf life. Locally known as “Vasane Mallige”, (fragrant Jasmine), it is grown mainly in Hoovina Hadagali and surrounding areas in Bellary district and Vijayanagar Districts of Karnataka.Botanical description Plant is small shrub with little scandent nature. Leaves are simple, thick, margin folded upside, slightly pubescent. Flowers are borne in axillary cymes. Flower with long corolla tube around 1 cm (0.39 in) long. Petals 7, spreading, white in colour.

The sandy red soil prevailing in this region is ideal for cultivation of Hadgali Mallige. The dry weather and good water supply also adds to the congenial environment for the cultivation of this crop. It is propagated mainly through cuttings.Planted directly in the months of July–August on the onset of monsoon. The flowering season spreads up to six months.Flowers are highly scented and possess good essential oil recovery (0.24 to 0.42%). The flowers are used for extraction of essential oil.

 Cover Code: KTK/26/2021

Courtesy: Shafath A.R., Ranebennur.

National projects of Russia - Digital Economy

Russia Post issued a special stamp on 26th February 2021 depicting a digital map of Russia, blockchain technologies, projected income growth, as well as the logo of the national project "Digital Economy"

The national project "Digital Economy" is aimed at accelerating the introduction of digital technologies in the economy and social sphere, which will create conditions for high-tech business, increase the country's competitiveness in the global market, strengthen national security and improve the quality of life of people.

Postcards on Yoga Day.

 A bouquet of Special cancellation postcards on Yoga Day with cancellation from different Head Offices were released and is available at Mangalore Philatelic Bureau.