Thailand Post Stamps illustrating the Jataka Tales and celebratingAsalha Puja Day
Did you know Series (19): Postage
stamps from Thailand commemorating the Buddhist Jataka Tales (Part II):
(This
is Part 2 of a four-part article narrating four Jataka tales based on a set of
stamps brought out by Thailand Post)
Stamps celebrating the Asalha
Puja Day issued in 1996:
5) Mahosadha Jataka, 6)
Bhuridatta Jataka, 7) Canda-Kumar Jataka and 8) Narada Jataka
Asalha
Puja or “Asanha Bucha” in Thai is a
Theravada Buddhist festival which takes place on the full moon of the eighth
lunar month, falling on various dates in the month of July every year. It is
also called the “Dhamma” or “Dharma Day”.
This
celebration is held to commemorate Buddha’s first sermon in which he set out to
his five former associates, the doctrine that had come to him following his
enlightenment. This sermon was the first structured discourse given by the
Buddha after his enlightenment and contained the essence of all his subsequent future
teachings.
At the end of the sermon, one of his five friends
Kondanna recounted his understanding of what the Buddha had said and requested
for permission to become Buddha’s disciple. This was followed by a simple
ordination process, thus starting the first order of Buddhist monks.
The Four Noble Truths:
The first sermon is referred to by Buddhists as “setting into motion the Wheel
of Dharma” and is Buddha’s teaching summarized for his followers in the four
noble truths – “dukkha” or suffering,
“tanha” or craving, “nirvana” or the state beyond suffering
& craving and “the eightfold path”
which leads to nirvana, which is a state beyond any suffering and craving.
All
schools of Buddhist philosophy centre around the principal doctrine of the
“Four Noble Truths”.
This
day is observed by presenting offerings in temples and listening to sermons.
The
following day is called “Wan Khao
Phansa” and is the first day of the Thai “vassa”, the Thervada Buddhist’s “Rains retreat”. “Vassa” (in Pali, an ancient Indian
language, prevalent during the time of Prince Siddhartha – the Buddha) stands
for Rain or “Varsha” (in
Hindi). Vassa heralds the beginning of a three lunar months annual retreat
observed by the Thervada Buddhists.
For the duration of Vassa, “Bhikhus” or monks remain inside
monasteries practicing intense meditation. At the same time other adherents to
the Buddhist faith refrain from eating meat, alcohol and smoking tobacco.
The
number of years a monk has spent in monastic life is counted by the number of
vassas he has observed. Vassa begins on the first day of the waning moon of the
eigth lunar month (the day after Asalha
Uposatha or Dhamma Day) and ends on “Pavarana” day when all monks come before the community of monks or
“Sangha” and atone for any
offences they may have committed during the Vassa. Vassa is followed by “Kathina” in which the monks who have
undergone the Vassa are honoured by the other practitioners of Buddhism and
given gifts and robes.
This
practice originated when the Buddha ordered his disciples to observe a
pre-existing practice during the rainy season in which holy men avoided travel
for a three-month period in order to avoid damaging crops growing in the
fields. Another significance is attached to this festival, wherein, Buddha’s
son Rahul was said to have been born during this period. It was after his birth that the Buddha
gave up all his Royal worldly trappings and set out to attain spiritual
enlightenment and the meaning of life.
The
second set of four stamps contained in the above stamp album. The inscription
below the stamps states “Important Buddhist Religious Day (Asalha Puja Day)
Postage Stamps 1997 illustrating Mahosadha Jataka, Bhuridatta Jataka, Canda-Kumar
Jataka and Narada Jataka
5) Mahosadha Jataka –
(Mahosadha –the clever sage) – The Perfection of Wisdom:
The
illustration on the above 3 Baht stamp celebrating Asalha Puja Day shows Mahosadha
representing the Kingdom of Mithila, talking to Kevatta, the Chief Emissary of the
besieging army of several Kings, while discussing the terms of their detailed
meeting outside the city fortifications shortly thereafter. Also seen on this
stamp are images of the standards of the two armies and soldiers on both sides
of the wall keeping guard.
King
Vedeha of Mithila once had a scary dream in which he saw four columns/pillars
of fire arising from the four corners of the World. Suddenly, a fifth flame,
the size of a firefly arose which gained in dimensions till it engulfed all the
other pillars of fire. He also saw that hundreds of people passed through these
pillars of fire without any physical harm.
Perplexed,
he consulted four of the wisest sages of his kingdom about the meaning of his
dream. These men interpreted the dream to mean that they (the four wisest men)
represented the four pillars of fire and a fifth sage would soon appear who
would surpass them all in his wisdom.
On
the same day, the Bodhisattva or the future Buddha was conceived in the womb of
Lady Sumana, the wife of a wealthy merchant. At the same time a thousand other
sons were conceived in the families of other rich men so that the Bodhisattva
could be properly attended to by these sons.
In
time, Sumana gave birth to the Bodhisattva who at birth was the colour of gold
and he was named Mahosadha. In his hand, he clasped a medicinal herb which
caused a painless birth for his mother and which cured all the sick persons
among those who had gathered to see the infant.
Mahosadha
was extremely wise and by the age of seven, he demonstrated architectural
skills, which would later save the kingdom from destruction. He also, built a
great hall with many rooms and surrounded it with lakes covered with lotus
blossoms, where he would dispense advice to petitioners who needed aid.
His
fame reached King Vedeha who decided to call Mahosadha to his court. The four
wise sages were sent to fetch him, but they recalled the prophecy arising out
of the King’s dream and did not want anyone to hasten their fall from grace in
the King’s court.
Overcome
with jealousy, they plotted Mahosadha’s downfall and devised riddles and trials
to keep the Bodhisattva from ever reaching the King’s court. Nevertheless, they
were taken aback when the boy solved all their riddles and trials and had to be
admitted to the King’s court.
For
many years Mahosadha advised the king in spiritual and temporal matters.
However, the four wise men plotted devious ways to bring about his downfall,
which Mahosadha thwarted at every step.
Around
this time several Kings of India united under the leadership of a wicked sage
called Kevatta and set out to conquer the whole of Bharat (present day India).
Mahosadha had sensed such a plan and sent out spies within Kevatta’s hordes, so
that when the invading army laid siege to Mithila, Mahosadha was ready.
Kevatta’s
hordes felt that they had caught the city off-guard when they herd the sounds
of merry-making festivities from within the city. Encouraged by the apparent
lack of preparedness by the city’s inhabitants, they first decided to cut off
Mithila’s water-supply. Mahosadha responded by having huge fountains to be
built from which water flowed out of the city in large quantities.
Realizing
that Mithila had deep wells and a large store of water, the Kings next
attempted to starve the city into submission. As a retaliatory measure,
Mahosadha got huge quantities of food dropped over the walls, saying that Mithila
had more than it could use and this food was a gift from its citizens to feed
the enemy army which might be hungry.
Next the invaders stopped all fuel from
entering the city but once again Mahosadha caused great pyres of wood to be
burned in the moats surrounding the city (remember that there being no
electricity or global warming at that time, burning firewood was the norm)
demonstrating that he had an enormous surplus of fuel. Thereafter, there were a
few armed attacks on Mithila which the city’s defenders easily repulsed.
Finally,
Kevatta planned to approach the city gates with a plan to meet Mahosadha
outside the gates where Mahosadha would have to salute him as he was the older
of the two. The plan was that whoever did obeisance first was deemed to be
conquered.
Mahosadha realized that as
per tradition, he would have to greet the elder sage first, but, having learnt
of his greed through his spies that Kevatta was very greedy, Mahosadha stepped
outside the city gates with a large glittering octagonal gem and pretending to
offer it to his arch-enemy, he dropped it to the ground. As Kevatta knelt down
to pick up the jewel, Mahosadha held his shoulder blades and back with his
hands so that he could not stand up and shouted for all to hear “Rise, teacher,
rise! I am young enough to be your grandson! Please do not pay obeisance to me”.
On hearing these words the assembled army thought that all was lost and Kevatta
had been subdued by Mithila and fled.
Kevatta
then withdrew to the city of his Chief King, Culani and devised a new scheme to
subdue Mithila. He perfected a plan to lure Kind Vedeha into sending a proposal
for marrying Culani’s daughter. Vedeha fell into Kevatta’s trap and proposed to
go to Culani’s kingdom to marry his daughter.
But, Mahosadha preempted the King
by going to Culani’s kingdom himself sometime before Vedeha’s expected arrival.
He built a splendid palace for King Vedeha on the outskirts of Culani’s capital
which had underground tunnels with marvels never seen before. It was
embellished with beautiful paintings and statues of beautiful women etc. The
tunnels spanned the mounth of the river Ganges on one side and the Royal palace
where Culani’s daughter lived on the other.
On
the appointed day, as Vedeha waited in this palace to meet his bride-to-be he
became aware of a large contingent of Culani’s soldiers gathering outside.
First he asked his four wise sages as to what was happening, and when all they
could offer as advise was to commit suicide instead of being captured by the
enemy, he turned to Mahosadha. Mahosadha after pretending to be clueless at
first as the King had chosen to talk to the four wise men over him, later
revealed that he had built this tunnel underneath the palace.
Vedeha
and his courtiers escaped through the tunnel to the river Ganges, while
Mahosadha’s soldiers moved towards the Royal palace through the tunnel and
later emerged out of it, pretending to be forces loyal to Culani. Extolling the
riches placed inside the tunnel they persuaded the princess and her attendants
to enter it as the city feared an attack from its enemies. They complied with
this.
Meanwhile,
Mahosadha’s soldiers looted the treasures inside the palace and sent the
princess back with King Vedeha to Mithila on a fast barge. He then returned to
the palace he had built with his soldiers. Meanwhile, Culani learnt of his
daughter’s disappearance and sought out Mahosadha. His loyal soldiers
discovered the secret tunnel and found their way to the palace Mahosadha had
built. As soon as they reached the mouth of the tunnel, Mahosadha leapt upon
Culani shouting as to who was the Emperor of the whole of India, forcing Culani
to acknowledge King Vedeha as his emperor.
Vedeha married Culani’s daughter and
they forged a grand alliance between their kingdoms, while Kevatta was banished
and heard of no more. Mahosadha through his clever strategies had brought
lasting peace to all the kingdoms in India without any bloodshed.
6) Bhuridatta Jataka –
(Bhuridatta the Naga Prince) – The perfection of Morality:
The
illustration on the above 4 Baht stamp celebrating Asalha Puja Day shows the
huntsman and his son disturbing the Naga Prince Bhuridatta’s Meditation, as he
is coiled around an abandoned anthill, capturing him and holding him in the
basket shown on the side.
Far
below the fields and forests lived the Nagas – magical serpents who could
assume human shapes. (They were called the “Icchadhari
Nagas” – meaning they can turn into human shape at will). They lived in
great opulence and from time to time left their realm to mingle with human
beings. Their greatest enemy was the “Garuda”, a giant bird, which would wait
for the Nagas to emerge from their underground kingdom and capture the Nagas
for eating them.
Once
a hungry Garuda caught a Naga in its claws, but the Naga was able to coil
himself around a banyan tree. However, the strength of the Garuda was so much
that the tree got uprooted and the big bird flew on with its prey in its claws.
After the Garuda had devoured the Naga, he remembered that the banyan tree had
sheltered the hut of a hermit.
Fearing that a misfortune might befall him, the
Garuda sought out the hermit and was told by the hermit, that, he would suffer
no misfortune as he had not committed the act knowingly. The Garuda,
nevertheless, felt it his duty to compensate the hermit in some way. Therefore,
he told the hermit the words of a magic snake charm of great power and gave him
a fan behind which to chant it.
The
hermit had no use for the charm and gave it to his servant Alambayana who was
also a snake charmer. Alambayana went to the river Yamuna in the hope of
capturing a mighty naga who would grant him a precious “nagamani” (the jewel which grants all desires). He chanced upon a
group of Naga youth and began chanting the mantra. The Nagas fearing the effect
of the “mantra” on them, fled, leaving behind a “Nagamani”. Alambayana took the jewel and on his way, met a huntsman
and his son.
Several
years ago, the huntsman had missed an opportunity to possess the Nagamani. He had chanced upon a few
nagas having a party at night. On espying the huntsman the Naga maidens fled
leaving behind a princely snake coiled around an anthill, who identified
himself as Bhuridatta, the Prince of the Nagas. The Bodhisattva, in this
incarnation, was named after the god Datta because of his wisdom and
goodness. He wanted to become an ascetic
by leaving his wives and palace behind and every night he coiled himself around
this anthill where he used to meditate, vowing that anyone could take his skin
or muscles or bones or blood. In the morning ten Naga maiden attendants used to
escort him back to the realm of the Nagas.
Bhuridatta
did not want anyone to know about his place of meditation and invited the
huntsman and his son to experience the luxuries of the Naga kingdom, but became
restless after a year and wanted to return home. Bhuridatta offered to give him
the Nagamani only, if, he promised to
stay behind. But, he was eager to return home to his wife and did not take up
Bhuridatta on his offer.
Now,
on seeing the jewel with Alambayana, he wanted to have it. For this purpose, he
was even willing to divulge the secret of Bhuridatta’s kingdom and his place of
meditation and how Alambayana could gain all the wealth of the Nagas.
The
huntsman’s son tried to dissuade him from divulging the secrets of the Nagas,
mentioning that Bhuridatta would give him all the riches, if he himself asked
for them. However, he paid no heed and exchanged information on Bhuridatta’a
meditation place, with the Nagamani held by Alambayana. Immediately, upon his
getting it, the Nagamani, slipped through the huntsman’s hand and disappeared
through a crack in the earth to be reclaimed by the world from where it had
come.
Meanwhile,
Alambayana captured the meditating Bhuridatta, crushed his bones and forced him
into a basket. Bhuridatta suffered great pain but felt no anger towards
Alambayana.
Alambayana
took Bhuridatta to a nearby village where he made him dance, assume various
shapes etc for the villagers’ amusement.
Meanwhile,
one of the brothers of Bhuridatta, Sudassana, disguising himself as an ascetic
and a sister who disguised herself as a frog hidden in Sudassana’s matted hair
searched everywhere for Bhuridatta and found him in Alambayana’s custody
performing for the entertainment of villagers. Sudassana rushed to Bhuridatta
and they wept at Bhuridatta’s ordeal.
Alambayana thought that the ascetic had
been bitten by Bhuridatta but Sudassana assured him that no harm would come to
him as his snake was not poisonous. He also mentioned that he could not be
harmed by any venom in the world. Alambayana challenged Sudassana to show his powers.
Sudassana asked his sister to spit three drops of poison in his palm, threw it
on the ground, which exploded with great force. Alambayana was scared out of
his wits at the ascetic’s powers and released Bhuridatta forthwith. He went
back to his kingdom and continued to practice his meditations and went to
heaven at the end of this lifetime.
7) Canda-Kumar or Khandahala Jataka – (Canda-Kumar
the honourable Prince) – The Perfection of Patience:
The
illustration on the above 6 Baht stamp celebrating Asalha Puja Day shows Canda-Kumar
sitting on the sacrificial pyre. Sakka, the King of the Gods is striking the sacrificial
pyre area with his thunderbolts with the King’s Royal umbrellas falling down
and the citizens running helter-skelter, fearful for their lives.
Prince
Canda-Kumara (an incarnation of the Bodhisattva) of Pushpavati near Benaras was
well known for his patience and fairness in solving disputes throughout his
Father King Ekaraja’s kingdom. He even assisted his father in such matters.
Nevertheless, an unprincipled courtier named Khandahala had the King’s ear in
all matters spiritual and temporal.
Khandahala
contrived to be appointed as a judge though he was dishonest and unfair and was
bent on putting Prince Canda-Kumar down.
On
one occasion, Canda-Kumar overturned a judgment pronounced by Khandahala and
restored some unjustly seized properties to their rightful owners. Khandahala
was looking for an opportunity to put the Prince in a bad light.
Once
King Ekaraja had a dream in which he saw a glorious bejeweled heaven populated
by celestial beings. On waking up, he was seized with a desire to enter this
World. He asked Khandahala whether he knew how the King could visit this place.
Khandalaha pounced upon this opportunity for taking revenge on Canda-Kumar. He
told the King that, several beasts, sons, queens and merchants would have to be
sacrificed through a proper ritual to please the Gods, after which the King
could go to the Heaven he had dreamt of.
The King immediately gave orders to
prepare for such a sacrifice outside the city walls. Canda-Kumar cautioned his
father against Khandalaha’s nefarious designs and offered himself to be
sacrificed if the King would let the intended victims go free. All the King’s
family members, courtiers & citizens begged the King not to do so but
Khandalaha’s intrigue was woven so firmly around the King, that he was bent
upon carrying out the evil man’s nefarious plans. On Khandalaha’s insistence,
several citizens were also rounded up to be sacrificed.
On
the appointed day, the platform for the sacrifice was erected. The pyre was
made ready. Horses, bulls, rounded up citizens and Canda-Kumar were brought to
the sacrificial pyre. Canda-Kumar’s wife prayed to the Gods in Heaven to stop
this sacrifice.
Sakka,
the King of the Gods was enraged and appeared as a mighty thunderbolt overhead
and struck at the Royal umbrellas with a flaming aureole. There was such a
havoc wreathed at the sacrificial spot that everyone ran helter-skelter. The
King escaped on his elephant but the crowds stopped him. The crowds caught
Khandalaha and beat him to death. They would have beaten the King to death as
well, but Canda-Kumar stopped them.
The mob forced the King to go into exile
and crowned Cada-Kumar king. His rule was long and peaceful, worthy of a future
Buddha.
8) Narada Jataka – (
Narada, the great Brahma) – Perfection of Equanimity:
The
illustration on the above 7 Baht stamp celebrating Asalha Puja Day shows Ruja,
the King’s morally conscious daughter praying to the
Bodhisattva Narada, the present Brahma who is descending from Heavens to visit
her father, the King and guide him back to the path of righteousness.
King
Angati of Videha had 16000 wives (wonder how he managed them) but only one
daughter –Ruja whom he was very fond of and lavished all kinds of gifts on her.
He even distributed alms and gold coins among the poor on regular basis in her
name.
Once, when a major festival dawned
on full moon day, he asked his courtiers on how to celebrate the festival. One
General suggested conquering new lands, another suggested feasting &
dancing, another suggested visiting an ascetic possessing great wisdom in his
forest dwelling & seeking his advice, the last suggestion which the King,
given his charitable nature, liked very much.
The King got into his lavishly
decorated chariot and went to the forest to meet the sage called “Guna” (or accomplished). The King asked
him several questions relating rules of conduct, administrative matters etc.
Guna was actually an ignorant ascetic and knew only half-truths. He gave the
king bad advice, including attacking his enemies, not giving alms to the people
and telling him that there was no Heaven and Hell, but the present World.
The
General who had been advocating a military campaign was pleased. The King
stopped giving alms and alienated his subjects. When some days later, his
daughter asked him for gold coins to be donated to the public, he told her that
he had already stopped this practice. She pleaded with him and warned the King
that Guna had not given him correct advice. The King was unmoved by her
arguments. Ruja prayed to the Gods in Heaven to bestow some sense on her
father.
The
Bodhisattva, whose name was Narada, and he was the Great god Brahma of that
time, dressed as an ascetic came to King Angati’s court. He introduced himself
as the great Brahma come from Brahma Heavens and cautioned the King that he was
committing several sins & would find a place in hell.
The King challenged
him by saying that if there was a heaven and hell, why doesn’t the ascetic lend
him 500 gold pieces and if there was a hell, the King would return double the
amount to the ascetic. Narada warned him again saying that if the King was a virtuous
man, he would willingly lend him the 500 gold pieces, but a man like the King
following false doctrines was heading for not one hell but 1000 hells where he
will be tortured in innumerable ways.
The King suddenly became fearful and
begged for the ascetic Boddhisatva's forgiveness who counseled the King to learn the
rightful path from his daughter to earn his salvation.
(These stamps are from the collection of
Jayant Biswas. Stamps scanned and article researched & written by Rajeev
Prasad)
Links to other Postage stamps posts from Thailand:
1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)
2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)
3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)
4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales (Part IV)
Links to other Posts on Buddhism and DR. B.R. Ambedkar on this Blog:
5) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution"
6) Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar : Father of the Indian Constitution, Eminent Political Leader, Philosopher & Freedom Fighter (14.04.1891-06.12.1956)
1) Historical First Day Covers on Post Cards compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle on Post Independence India
2) For Part I of the DYKS (32) "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" (Part I) - Description of 16 birds with picture postcards)
3) For Part II of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)
4) For Part III of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas" please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)
5) Two Series of Postage Stamps issued during the reign of George V: Inauguration of New Delhi in 1931 and Silver Jubilee of the reign of George V in 1935 compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle
6) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015.
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2016:
1) Special India Post Cover carried in a dedicated Hot Air Balloon flown during the II International Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Pollachi, Tamilnadu, released by Tamilnadu Circle of India Post in January 2016
2) "Vibrant India": Postage Stamps issued by India Post on this theme
3) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nasik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 1) Spl. Covers on Pandu Leni Caves and Smt. Kusum Dhirubhai Mehta released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 16.01.2016
4) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.2016: (Part 2) Spl.Covers on Kalaram temple and Nashik "Grape City & Wine Capital of India" released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 17.01.2016
5) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 3) Spl. Covers on "Nashik Dhol" and "Dr. Anand Gopalrao Joshi" released by Maharashtra postal Circle on 18.01.2016
6) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post
7) Celebrating 75 Years of setting up of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal : Commemorative Postage Stamps brought out by India Post.
8) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06 - 09.02.2016: (Part 1): Spl. Covers on "Indian Dak Runner" & "The PUNPEX-16 logo" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 06.02.2016
9) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 2): Spl. Cover on "Butterflies of Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016
10) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 3): Spl. Cover on "Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016
11) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 4): Spl. Cover on "Migratory Birds of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh" released on 07.02.2016
12) "Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib": Spl. Cover released by HP Postal Circle, of India Post
13) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai
14) "Jal Mahotsav" on the River Narmada from 12-21.02.2016: Spl Cover issued by the Department of Posts, India
15) "Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv", Ujjain 22.04.2016-21.05.2016: MAPPEX-2016 Spl Cover released by Postmaster General, Indore Region, India Post on 07.02.2016
16) Unique Handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh: MAPPEX 2016: A Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General , Indore Region, Indore, on 05.02.2016
17) Golden Jubilee of The Statesman Vintage & Classic car Rally": Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi on 28.02.2016
18) Mahamaham Kumbha Mela Festival, Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu: February 13-22, 2016. Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai, India Post.
19) "Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli " in New Delhi: "UTSAV 2016"- A Special cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 17.02.2016
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:
1) 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil - A set of four stamps issued by India Post.
2) Commemorative Stamps on "Swachh Bharat" Mission
3) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"
4) Commemorative Stamps on "Indian Ocean & Rajenda Chola I"
5) International Day of Yoga - "Commemorative Stamps & Coins"
6) India-France - 50 Years of Space Co-operation - Commemorative Stamps
7) Commemorative Stamps on 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of "Engineers India Limited"
8) Bicentenary of the "Old Theological Seminary" (OTS) Kottayam, Kerala
9) Commemorative stamps issued on Nabakalabera (Jagannath Temple, Puri)
10) Commemorative stamps issued on an Indian Game called "Sagol Kangjei" originated in Manipur, from which Polo was adapted all over the World
11) Samrat Ashok - Commemorative Stamps issued on the legendary Emperor of Ancient India
12) Women Empowerment - Commemorative Stamps
13) Baba Amte - Commemorative Stamps
14) Did You Know Series (4): A sample of the beautiful stamps brought out by Department of Posts, India
15) 10th World Hindi Conference held at Bhopal - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts India
16) 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak War: Commemorative stamps issued by Department of Posts, India.
17) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution"
18) The "Charkha" or the Spinning Wheel: Commemorative stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India
19) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India
20) 50th Anniversary of the Border Security Force (BSF): Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India
21) 3rd India- Africa Forum Summit at New Delhi - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts, India
22) Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL): Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post.
23) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.
24) India-Singapore Joint issue: 50 Years of Bilateral Relationship: Two Commemorative Stamps issued by India-Post.
25) Celebrating 60 years (Golden Jubilee) of EEPC India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.
26) Centenary of the setting up of the Zoological Survey of India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
27) Celebrating Children's Day on November 14th - Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post.
28) Musicians of India - Commemorating Classical Musicians of India by issue of Stamps by India Post.
29) Sumitranandan Pant (poet and writer) : Commemorative postage stamps issued on him by India Post
30) Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of the IDSA, New Delhi: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
31) 100 Years of Return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915: Commemorative postage stamps issued by India Post
32) Commemorating Alugumuthu Kone, one of the first Freedom Fighters against the British: Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post
33) Centennial of the Patna High Court of Judicature: Commoemrative Stamps issued by India Post
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013:
1) Commemorative Postage stamps on the "Wild Flowers of India" issued by India Post.
2) 100 Years of Indian Cinema: 50 commemorative stamps issued by India Post.
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2011:
1) Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.100/- issued on Mahatma Gandhi on Khadi Cloth for the first time ever by India Post.
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2010:
1) Princely States of Indore, Sirmoor, Bamra and Cochin : Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post
List of Commemorative Stamps issued in 2007:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:
1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)
2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)
3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)
4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales
Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):
1) Forever Stamps: A Series of Stamps commemorating the "US Civil War 1861-1865"
Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey:
1) "Man of Steel": A Superman movie. Jersey post stamps commemorating a local lad Henry William Dalgliesh who played Superman in the Movie
Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:
1) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal guidepost/landmark in Liberty and Freedom: A miniature stamp sheet issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau
Postage Stamps issued by New Zealand Post:
1) ICC Cricket World Cup - 2015 14 Commemorative Stamps issued with the theme "Have A Ball"
1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)
2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)
3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)
4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales (Part IV)
Links to other Posts on Buddhism and DR. B.R. Ambedkar on this Blog:
5) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution"
6) Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar : Father of the Indian Constitution, Eminent Political Leader, Philosopher & Freedom Fighter (14.04.1891-06.12.1956)
7) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
8) "Deekshabhoomi": The place of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's initiation into Buddhism: Two Commemorative stamps of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- denomination issued by India Post on 14.04.2017
Links to posts on Indian Post-Cards:8) "Deekshabhoomi": The place of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's initiation into Buddhism: Two Commemorative stamps of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- denomination issued by India Post on 14.04.2017
1) Historical First Day Covers on Post Cards compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle on Post Independence India
2) For Part I of the DYKS (32) "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" (Part I) - Description of 16 birds with picture postcards)
3) For Part II of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)
4) For Part III of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas" please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)
5) Two Series of Postage Stamps issued during the reign of George V: Inauguration of New Delhi in 1931 and Silver Jubilee of the reign of George V in 1935 compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle
6) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015.
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2016:
1) Special India Post Cover carried in a dedicated Hot Air Balloon flown during the II International Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Pollachi, Tamilnadu, released by Tamilnadu Circle of India Post in January 2016
2) "Vibrant India": Postage Stamps issued by India Post on this theme
3) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nasik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 1) Spl. Covers on Pandu Leni Caves and Smt. Kusum Dhirubhai Mehta released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 16.01.2016
4) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.2016: (Part 2) Spl.Covers on Kalaram temple and Nashik "Grape City & Wine Capital of India" released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 17.01.2016
5) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 3) Spl. Covers on "Nashik Dhol" and "Dr. Anand Gopalrao Joshi" released by Maharashtra postal Circle on 18.01.2016
6) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post
7) Celebrating 75 Years of setting up of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal : Commemorative Postage Stamps brought out by India Post.
8) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06 - 09.02.2016: (Part 1): Spl. Covers on "Indian Dak Runner" & "The PUNPEX-16 logo" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 06.02.2016
9) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 2): Spl. Cover on "Butterflies of Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016
10) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 3): Spl. Cover on "Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016
11) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 4): Spl. Cover on "Migratory Birds of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh" released on 07.02.2016
12) "Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib": Spl. Cover released by HP Postal Circle, of India Post
13) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai
14) "Jal Mahotsav" on the River Narmada from 12-21.02.2016: Spl Cover issued by the Department of Posts, India
15) "Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv", Ujjain 22.04.2016-21.05.2016: MAPPEX-2016 Spl Cover released by Postmaster General, Indore Region, India Post on 07.02.2016
16) Unique Handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh: MAPPEX 2016: A Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General , Indore Region, Indore, on 05.02.2016
17) Golden Jubilee of The Statesman Vintage & Classic car Rally": Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi on 28.02.2016
18) Mahamaham Kumbha Mela Festival, Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu: February 13-22, 2016. Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai, India Post.
19) "Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli " in New Delhi: "UTSAV 2016"- A Special cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 17.02.2016
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:
1) 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil - A set of four stamps issued by India Post.
2) Commemorative Stamps on "Swachh Bharat" Mission
3) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"
4) Commemorative Stamps on "Indian Ocean & Rajenda Chola I"
5) International Day of Yoga - "Commemorative Stamps & Coins"
6) India-France - 50 Years of Space Co-operation - Commemorative Stamps
7) Commemorative Stamps on 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of "Engineers India Limited"
8) Bicentenary of the "Old Theological Seminary" (OTS) Kottayam, Kerala
9) Commemorative stamps issued on Nabakalabera (Jagannath Temple, Puri)
10) Commemorative stamps issued on an Indian Game called "Sagol Kangjei" originated in Manipur, from which Polo was adapted all over the World
11) Samrat Ashok - Commemorative Stamps issued on the legendary Emperor of Ancient India
12) Women Empowerment - Commemorative Stamps
13) Baba Amte - Commemorative Stamps
14) Did You Know Series (4): A sample of the beautiful stamps brought out by Department of Posts, India
15) 10th World Hindi Conference held at Bhopal - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts India
16) 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak War: Commemorative stamps issued by Department of Posts, India.
17) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution"
18) The "Charkha" or the Spinning Wheel: Commemorative stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India
19) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India
20) 50th Anniversary of the Border Security Force (BSF): Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India
21) 3rd India- Africa Forum Summit at New Delhi - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts, India
22) Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL): Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post.
23) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.
24) India-Singapore Joint issue: 50 Years of Bilateral Relationship: Two Commemorative Stamps issued by India-Post.
25) Celebrating 60 years (Golden Jubilee) of EEPC India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.
26) Centenary of the setting up of the Zoological Survey of India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
27) Celebrating Children's Day on November 14th - Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post.
28) Musicians of India - Commemorating Classical Musicians of India by issue of Stamps by India Post.
29) Sumitranandan Pant (poet and writer) : Commemorative postage stamps issued on him by India Post
30) Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of the IDSA, New Delhi: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
31) 100 Years of Return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915: Commemorative postage stamps issued by India Post
32) Commemorating Alugumuthu Kone, one of the first Freedom Fighters against the British: Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post
33) Centennial of the Patna High Court of Judicature: Commoemrative Stamps issued by India Post
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013:
1) Commemorative Postage stamps on the "Wild Flowers of India" issued by India Post.
2) 100 Years of Indian Cinema: 50 commemorative stamps issued by India Post.
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2011:
1) Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.100/- issued on Mahatma Gandhi on Khadi Cloth for the first time ever by India Post.
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2010:
1) Princely States of Indore, Sirmoor, Bamra and Cochin : Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post
List of Commemorative Stamps issued in 2007:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:
1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)
2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)
3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)
4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales
Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):
1) Forever Stamps: A Series of Stamps commemorating the "US Civil War 1861-1865"
Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey:
1) "Man of Steel": A Superman movie. Jersey post stamps commemorating a local lad Henry William Dalgliesh who played Superman in the Movie
Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:
1) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal guidepost/landmark in Liberty and Freedom: A miniature stamp sheet issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau
Postage Stamps issued by New Zealand Post:
1) ICC Cricket World Cup - 2015 14 Commemorative Stamps issued with the theme "Have A Ball"
Harshit Raj has commented:
ReplyDelete"Really nice work."
Thank you, Harshit.
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