Philatelists across India are calling on the national postal service to better reflect the nation's vibrant cultural tapestry by issuing a greater number of commemorative stamps dedicated to festivals, including Christmas. They argue that the current focus on personalities overshadows the rich potential of India's diverse celebrations.
A Sparse Philatelic Record for Festivals
Experts point out that the issuance of stamps marking Christmas has been remarkably infrequent over the past decades. Only four Christmas-themed stamps have been released in recent times, with two coming from the Department of Posts (DoP) in 2008 and the last one as far back as 2016. While a handful of stamps have celebrated Diwali, Pongal, and other festivals, their numbers pale in comparison to the steady stream of stamps featuring prominent personalities.
"India’s population of 150 crore is a multitude of cultures and people of varied faiths. Hence, India Post needs to release more stamps on various festivals, such as Christmas," emphasized M R Ramesh Kumar, a senior philatelist. He added that India Post has a golden opportunity to explore themes like science, environment, freedom fighters, and festivals more vigorously.
Goa Exhibition Highlights Cultural Potential
The recent Goapex stamp exhibition in Goa served as a platform for this pressing appeal. Collectors there urged India Post to harness the charm of Goa's unique culture and festivals through philately. Aslesh Kamat, President of the Goa Philately and Numismatics Society, noted that while people may not recognize personalities from other states, they universally connect with festivals.
"Goa has a diverse culture and if more stamps are released on it, thousands of tourists could use them and fetch revenue for the department," Kamat stated. He recalled that the last stamp specifically focusing on festivals was released a long time ago and was merely a composite design featuring four different celebrations.
Innovation and Engagement for a New Generation
With the use of traditional postage on a downward trend, philatelists are advocating for creative strategies to revitalize interest. They cite the United States, which leads in the number of Christmas stamp releases, as an example where innovation successfully boosts sales.
"Innovation in the design of stamps, encouraging Gen Z — they do love old things — to write letters and postcards can make philately vibrant again," suggested Kamat. Alongside festivals, experts like Kumar also see a need for stamps on themes such as astronomy, biodiversity, climate, and heritage to educate and engage the public.
The collective message from the philatelic community is clear: it is time for India Post to tap into the nation's festive spirit and cultural wealth, creating stamps that tell a more colorful and inclusive story of India, while also opening up new avenues for revenue and relevance in the digital age.
