Vesakha festival…

 

 

 

Today is Buddha Purnima also known as Vesakha or Vesak. Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti or Vesākha is the most sacred occasion for the Buddhists. As per Hindu Mythology Lord Buddha is believed to be the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. One among the most important festivals, Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaishaaka lunar month (that corresponds to the month of April-May).

This is a special day when Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautum Buddha. Initially Buddhism spread from India and gradually assimilated into many foreign cultures, therefore Buddha Purnima is celebrated in many different ways all over the world.

In most of the Buddhist countries the cities, villages, roads, streets, temples and houses are brightly illuminated with colorful Lanterns, electric lights and beautiful decorations. In India, pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya to attend the Buddha Purnima celebrations. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive look and is decorated with colorful flags and flowers.

On this day devout Buddhist and followers wear only white clothes. They gather in their Viharas or temples before dawn for the ceremonial, honorable- hoisting of the Buddhist Flag and the singing of hymns in praise of the Holy Triple Gem: The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sagha (his disciples). On this day, the Buddhists free birds and animals from cages, distribute fruit and clothes to poor and sick.

Offerings in form of incense, flowers, candles and fruits are made before Lord Buddha’s Statue. These symbolic offerings are to remind followers that just as flowers- fruits will parish after a short while, the candles and incense sticks would burn out, so the life is subject to decay and destruction.Followers should reaffirm faith in the five principles called 'Panch Sheel'. These are- not to take life, not to steal, not to lie, not to imbibe liquor or other intoxicants and not to commit adultery.

In most of the Buddhist countries the villages, roads, streets, temples and houses are brightly illuminated with color Lanterns, electric lights and colorful decorations. In India, pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya to attend the Buddha Purnima celebrations. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive look and is decorated with colorful flags and flowers.

Read More…

Read : Vesak

Special Covers from Bihar..

 

Delicacies of Bihar

Nalanda Stamp Festival , Bihar Sharif

 

 

Gaya Stamp Festival

: Ashwani Dubey - Gorakhpur

From our Readers

Picture with Ramanujan stamp

 

While searching for philatelic acknowledgements to Srinivas Ramanujan, I found the above imagery. Here I could not identify the building and what this imagery stands for? If anyone could identify this picture ???

: Anil Nawlakhe – Pune  email : anil_nawlakhe@yahoo.com

Cancellation on Kabir

Here is a sp cover   with cancellation on Kabir issued some years ago at Sant Kabir Nagar near Gorakhpur.  If anyone has the cover with clear cancellation , may send scan for publication.

: Sandeep Chaurasia -  Gorakhpur

New Special Cover

 

Stamp EXPO – 2012 , Patna 

Folk Painting of Bihar

 

Stamp Booklet : Faces of Buddha

:Ashwani Dubey from Patna

Club News

Advertise in “Year Book of Indian Philately”

Dear Friend,

You must have seen a couple of editions of the “Year Book of Indian Philately” and must have liked them. The feedback and responses are very encouraging. We are inspired to do better and more, and trust us, you will find every next issue of the Year Book more informative, more interesting & more preserving. You must also have realized that a lot of hard and sincere work is required to make this happen. Another vital resource which is required for this type of task is the finances.

At the moment we are making all the shortages good by ourselves, but we wish to break-even at the least to sustain the work. Philately is our passion and we do not mind spending for it, but rising costs of production / publication have forced us to look out for the alternates and helping avenues.

In this context we take this opportunity to request you to please look around you and see if any advertisements are available around you or your influences, which can be secured for your favorite publication - the “Year Book of Indian Philately”. This will help us immensely to do further better and to our fullest capabilities for the promotion of this great hobby.

Rates for the advertisements can be sent / negotiated on hearing from you.

We have added a novelty to this request for advertisements. We will provide the advertiser, copies of the Year Book editions (any of his choice), worth equal to the value of the advertisement he provides, (T&C applied). This translates into absolutely no spending on account of the advertisement published in the Year Book. He will have the opportunity to recover the entire cost of the advertisement by selling the copies allotted to him in the process.

Now, is there still any reason to shy away from this “never before” opportunity to advertise in a world class journal?

Do we need to mention here that your advertisement in the Year Book of Indian Philately will reach a large number of serious and capable segments of the Philatelic fraternity the world over and will be preserved as a ready reference for the times to come? In every sense of the word this is an unique & unparalleled opportunity for an advertiser of any reputed product or service, philatelic or otherwise.

It will not be out of context to mention here that every time the Year Book has participated in any competitive exhibition, it has won an award there. Medals at the INDIPEX 2011 at New Delhi, at PHILA NIPPON 2011 at Yokohama in Japan, at CHINA 2011, at Wuxi in China and at SINE 2011, again at New Delhi, are among the latest laurels.

We look forward for a positive, encouraging and prompt response from you.

Thanking you, sincerely,

Madan Middha

Editor / Publisher

For advertisement in “Year Book of Indian Philately” Contact Mr Madan Middha   email : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

 

UPHILEX- 2011 begins…

 

10th UP Philatelic Exhibition begins today at Lucknow. A special Cover was released at the inaugural ceremony featuring Kapilvastu,  First 30 years of Stay Place of Gautam Buddha. The cancellation depicts peacock.

Kapilvastu, UP : First 30 years of Stay Place of Gautam Buddha

: Ashwani Dubey  from Lucknow

My Stamp at UPHILEX -2011

LUCKNOW: Giving a personal touch to your letters would not be a difficult task any more, as the office of the chief post master general, UP circle is all set to introduce 'my stamp'.

Giving details about this facility, director headquarters, postal services UP, Sachin Kishor said, "My stamp is basically a personalised stamp and it is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions such as engagements, birth of a baby, or to send as greetings to loved ones and friends." He added that the concept was launched during the National Philately exhibition. "UP would be having the facility for the first time," he said.

Officials informed that the service would be available during the 10th annual UP Dak Ticket Exhibition ( UPHILEX-2011) starting December 16. The venue for the event is Lalit Kala Akademi, regional centre Lucknow. They said that getting a personal stamp would be easy. "The applicant will have to pay Rs 300 for which he would get 12 photo stamps. These stamps would be printed by the postal department and valid across the world," said Kishor.

The stamp would be printed on several template having different themes. The template contains a proper stamp having a worth of Rs 5 along with a space for the applicant's photograph which will be clicked During Indiplex held in Delhi, six themes were designed. These were trains, aeroplanes, wildlife, panchatantra, Sun signs and Taj Mahal.

Source : Times of India

INDONESIA 2012 WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP

 

 

INDONESIA 2012 WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP

INDONESIA 2012: International Philatelic exhibition will  be held under the patronage of FIP from 18 to 24 June 2012 at Jakarta Convention Center. The exhibition will be known as  INDONESIA 2012 WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP.

 Mr. S. Sahoo, is National Commissioner for India. His address is:- D-3, BJB Nagar, Bhubanshwar 751 014 Email: sahadevas@yahoo.com  

Due to technical problems, there will be a delay in the bulletin and hardcopies of Entry Form + Inventory List of the INDONESIA 2012 World Stamp Championship to be sent to all countries by the organizing committee.

The organizing committee of INDONESIA 2012 WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP has rescheduled the deadline for sending the entry form. THE CLOSING DATE IS ON 15TH DECEMBER 2011. On that date the entry form should already arrive to the Organizing Committee.

New stamp from South Korea

 

Millennial Anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana

Date of Issue : 23 September 2011

A thousand years ago, work commenced on Korea's first woodcut Tripitaka, the "Chojo Daejanggyeong" or "the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana." Tripitaka (Daejanggyeong) is the collection of "Gyeongjang (Sutra Pitaka)," the compilation of Buddha's utterances, "Yuljang (Vinaya Pitaka)," the record of Buddhist precepts and "Nonjang (Abhidhamma Pitaka)," the translation of what Buddha said. It was during the Goguryeo era in the 4th century that Buddhism was first introduced to Korea. It steadily developed over the eras of Baekje and Silla to reach its heyday during the Goryeo era. With the background of this Buddhist culture and in the face of the frequent invasions by the Khitan, Goryeo's excellent scientific technologies, the art of printing and economic power were combined to create "Tripitaka Koreana," which embodies Goryeo people's desire to overcome those invasions through the mercy of Buddha.

Work on the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana began in the 2nd year of King Hyeonjong's reign (the year 1011) during the Goryeo dynasty and its first engraving on woodblocks was accomplished in the 4th year of King Seonjong's reign (the year 1029). The engraving resumed in 1046 and was completed in 1087. Based on the Gaebopan Tripitaka (the year 971) during the Northern Song dynasty, the world's first woodcut Tripitaka, as well as referencing a selection of other Tripitakas in circulation during those days, the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana was created as Goryeo's own unique Tripitaka.

The superb cultural and academic foundations of those times resulted in the great feat of manufacturing "Gyojang," the collection of Scriptures and Commentaries on the Tripitaka – the only one in the world. Currently, about 3,000 fascicles of the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana exist, holding a high bibliographical value. As the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana, stored at the Buin Temple in Palgong Mountain located in Daegu, was destroyed by fire in 1232 when Mongols invaded Korea, Jaejo Daejanggyeong (the Second-edition Tripitaka Koreana) was created from the 23th year (the year 1236) to the 38th year (the year 1251) of the reign of King Gojong of the Goryeo dynasty, which finally completed the 240-year-long, mammoth project of Tripitaka Koreana. This Second-edition Tripitaka Koreana, more commonly called Palman Daejanggyeong, was designated, along with its Depositories (Janggyeong Panjeon), as a UNESCO Memory of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage, respectively, in recognition of its cultural excellence.

In celebration of the millennial anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana, various events are being held this year including international workshops. In addition, a new step leading to the next millennium is being undertaken through the database work on the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana.

Celebrating the Millennial Anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana is one of Korean proud cultural heritages. A commemorative stamp will be  issued on 23 September 2011 that features "the 15th volume of Yugasajiron (Yogacaryabhumi sutra)" and "Eojebijangjeon" engraving -- the printed papers of the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana.

 

New stamp on Buddha from Hong Kong….

 

Date of Issue : 2 August 2011

World Heritage Site - Hong Kong Dunhuang Grottoes

Hongkong Post’s stamp sheetlets on Mainland Scenery are a feast for the eyes with magnificent landscapes and majestic architecture. The tenth and last series presents the Dunhuang Grottoes, a cultural legacy that has enjoyed worldwide fame for centuries.

Hong Kong Post issued a beautiful Miniature sheet on 2 August 2011 featuring  Hong Kong Dunhuang Grottoes. These are famous all over the world for magnificent Buddha Caves. Its The Mogao Caves were declared a World Heritage in 1987.This souvenir sheet is a delight for Buddha stamp collectors.

 

 

Dunhuang Grottoes

Situated in Dunhuang County of Gansu Province, the Dunhuang Grottoes consist of five main cave sites, namely the Mogao Caves, Western Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, Eastern Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, Yulin Caves and Caves of the Five Temples. Of them, the Mogao Caves are the oldest in history, grandest in scale and richest in content.

Located in a cliff-face on Mount Mingsha, 25 kilometres southeast of Dunhuang County, the Mogao Caves are sanctuaries for world-renowned sculptures and murals. They showcase a millennium-long anthology of Buddhist art, with the earliest dating back to the first year (366 AD) of the Taihe Period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The 492 caves found still standing are a treasure trove of over 2,000 painted statues and 45,000 square metres of murals with 4,000-plus paintings of flying Apsaras. The Mogao Caves were declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The upper half of the stamp sheetlet captures the magnificent vista of the Mogao Caves, while the lower half depicts a Buddhist mural found inside one of the caves. The vibrant colours of the painting still show despite the ravages of time. The flying Apsaras on the right and left are delineated in silver, lending a touch of elegance and fluidity. Built on the external wall of Cave No. 96, the Jiucenglou (nine-storeyed building) featured on the top of the stamp is the tallest structure in the Mogao Caves. By accentuating the enchanting Buddhist art against the spectacular caves, the stamp sheetlet celebrates the glorious works of art of Dunhuang.

Special Covers

Tamil Nadu

Date of Issue : 29 December 2008

SIPAGOLD’06

Ashwani Dubey – Gorakhpur

Club News

Stamp exhibition on Buddhism in Leh

India Post will host a stamp exhibition  in  Leh (Jammu & Kashmir)  from Sep. 1-5 during Leh Festival. 5 special covers are proposed to be released  during the exhibition. The exhibition will display some special exhibits on Buddhism. The collectors of Buddha theme who intend to display their exhibits in this exhibition may kindly contact Mr. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, Jammu & Kashmir Circle at the earliest.

Clown Care – best way to treat patients

 

Date of Issue : 27 June 2011

Hi ! Israel Post issued a wonderful stamp featuring Clown Care on 27 June 2011. Clown care is a way of treating patients by humor, games and clowning as well as giving them required medicines in order to cheer patients' spirits and enable them to get well soon. It is the best way to treat patients and make them to smile and forget their illness ….it would be really nice if it is used in every child’s hospital. This is all for today…Till Next Post..Have a Nice Time !

Clown care..

The image of a clown entertaining a sick child in hospital that appears on this stamp has become the symbol of clown care in Israel and around the world.

In the 1970's Dr. Patch Adams, considered to be the founder of clown care, was determined to change doctors' patronizing attitude toward their patients and to get them to see those patients as people, not just as cases. Patch Adams claimed that combined treatment of both the body and the spirit is the best way to defeat disease. He utilized a lot of humor, games and clowning in order to improve patients' spirits. The highly successful 1998 film 'Patch Adams', starring Robin Williams, portrayed his work.

A number of years after Patch Adams began his mission, real clowns from the Big Apple Circus began visiting children's wards in New York hospitals. Adams' message spread quickly and today medical clowns operate in most countries around the world, working in conjunction with medical teams.

Clown care came to Israel in 2000, with Shlomi Algosi considered to be the first Israeli medical clown.

New Philatelic Issues from Israel Post, June 2011

Improving Tomatoes through Breeding

 

Butterfly Booklet from Israel Post

Israel Post has recently issued a beautiful stamp  booklet  of butterfly stamps.

Special Covers

Bihar

Ashok Stambh ( Vasishali)- Wheeler Senate Hall Patna

BIPEX 82 – 8.2. 1982

: Ashwani Dubey - Gorakhpur 

New Stamps from Sri Lanka…

 

 

 

Date of Issue : 15 May 2011

Sri Lanka Post issued a set of four stamps and MS on 15 May 2011 to commemorate famous Vesak festival commonly known as Buddha’s Birthday.

Vesak

Vesak is an annual public holiday observed traditionally by practicing Buddhists in South Asian and South East Asian countries like Nepal, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan and India. Sometimes informally called “Buddha’s birthday,” it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment Nirvana, and passing (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha.

In Sri Lanka the Vesak Festival is celebrated as a religious and a cultural festival in Sri Lanka on the full moon of the month of May, for two days.

During these two days, the selling of alcohol and flesh is prohibited by government decree. As a symbolic act of liberation, birds, insects and animals are released in huge numbers.

Celebrations include various religious and alms giving activities. Electrically lit pandols called toranas are erected in various locations in Colombo and elsewhere, most sponsored by donors, religious societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 Jataka Katha or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha.

In addition, colourful lanterns called Vesak koodu are hung along streets and in front of homes. They signify the light of the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. Many devout Buddhists wear simple white dresses on Vesak Day and spend the whole day in temples with renewed determination to observe the observance of the Eight Precepts of Buddhism.

Vesak celebration also means making special efforts to bring happiness to the people in more straightened circumstances. Food stalls set up by Buddhist devotees called dansälas provide free food and drinks to passersby. Groups of people from various community organisations, businesses and government departments sing bhakti geet or Buddhist devotional songs. Colombo experiences a massive influx of public from all parts of the country during this week.

Bridges and Culverts of Sri Lanka

 

Date of Issue : 27 May 2011

Image Source : Pradip Jain, Patna

Festivals of India - Buddha Purnima

 

 

Greetings on Buddha Jayanti

The festival of Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Gautam Buddha in 563 BC. The most important of all the Buddhist festivals, Buddha Purnima is considered the most auspicious of all the days in the year. Although there are minor regional variations in the way Buddha Purnima is observed, the festival is generally observed by lighting oil lamps before the image of the Buddha, by reciting prayers or reading from the scriptures. Meditation and offerings of flowers, silk scarves, incense and fruit are also part of the worship rituals.Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) and Bodhgaya (Bihar) are, in particular, known for the Buddha Purnima celebrations which are held in these two cities.

Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti is known as Visakhapuja in Thailand, Makha Bousa Festival in Laos and Vesak in Sri Lanka. Here are some exhibt pages from our distinguished reader Dr Eli Moallem of Israel that feature stamps on Great Buddha Festival from Thailand, Laos and Sri Lanka.

Visakha Puja - Thailand

Makha Bousa Festival - Laos

Vesak – Sri Lanka

Vesak Day - Philippinies

Permanent Pictorial Cancellations

Gujarat

Chamrdharini, Vadodara

Sasangir

: Vijay Modi – Himmat Nagar, Gujarat e mail : vijay_idom@rediffmail.com