I've got mail: Part One
Peeking Inside My Mailbox
This newsletter has, on and off, been a space for me to explore my many passions; books, cooking, culture, economics, and more. Today, I thought I’d dive into yet another of my interests through this medium: philately.
A few years ago, I happened to open an envelope addressed to my sister (I have no sense of privacy, clearly). At thirteen, I didn’t expect much more than a letter inside. But to my surprise, it was packed with stamps. I remember thinking, “Why are there stamps inside the envelope? Aren't they supposed to be stuck on top?” That was the last time I asked such a naive question, well, at least when it comes to stamps!
Month after month, I noticed these envelopes arriving for my sister, each filled with stamps. There were stamps on mini pictures (that’s what I called "miniatures", I was kind of close!) and fancy-designed envelopes. I couldn’t wrap my head around why there were stamps on the outside and then more envelopes inside (yes, I know now they’re called First Day Covers). I was a total noob.
I don’t remember how long I waited before I asked my dad, or, more accurately, demanded, that I wanted to receive these lovely packages too. My father, who had happily passed down this hobby to my sister, was more than excited and instantly said yes!
That “yes” led to my first trip to the general post office, or any post office, really. And since then, I think I can confidently call myself a budding philatelist. Through this series, I’m excited to share some of the lovely postal treasures that have made their way to my mailbox, and, of course, a little something about each one.
Although I’ve been passionate about philately for years, it wasn’t until recently that I joined the Post Crossing Society of India (PSOI), a community of incredibly knowledgeable and passionate collectors. My membership came about by chance, thanks to a fellow collector I met unexpectedly. In just a few months, the PSOI community has helped elevate my collection to a whole new level.
One of my recent highlights as a member was getting my hands on the world’s longest stamp, issued by Sri Lanka to honour the Sri Dalada Perahera in Kandy. The stamp itself is impressive, featuring detailed illustrations of the Perahera: elephants in elaborate costumes, traditional dancers, and scenes from the procession. As striking as the stamp was, I realised I didn’t fully understand the cultural significance behind it, a gap I wanted to fill.
The Sri Dalada Perahera, held annually in Kandy, is among Sri Lanka’s most revered festivals, celebrating the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. This relic, believed to be a tooth of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD and has since become a symbol of spiritual authority and national identity, enshrined in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
Sri Lanka’s deep connection with Buddhism dates back over 2,300 years, making it one of the oldest Buddhist countries in the world. The Sacred Tooth Relic, in particular, holds immense religious and cultural significance. Its presence at the Temple of the Tooth draws devotees who believe the relic embodies the Buddha’s essence, symbolizing both sovereignty and spiritual legacy.
The Sri Dalada Perahera, held during the month of Esala (mostly July or August), is a magnificent ten-day festival that transforms the city. The procession includes beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and elaborate floats, all in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The highlight is the display of the relic itself, ceremonially carried in a gilded casket atop a majestic elephant, surrounded by a vibrant display of devotion.
As the procession moves through Kandy’s streets, it’s accompanied by torchlight, music, and chanting, creating a sense of reverence and celebration. This grand event not only showcases Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage but also underscores its ancient ties to Buddhism.
Now, thanks to my fellow PSOI members, this stunning stamp is more than just an addition to my collection—it’s a window into the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka itself.
Most collectors have themes they focus on, and for me, it’s sports. Right now, I’m eagerly awaiting the official Paris Olympics 2024 stamps from La Poste, my friend has managed to source them for me, and I can’t wait to add them to my collection. While I wait for my precious cargo, India’s recent Paralympic achievements have been a reason for celebration, especially with the stellar performance by the Indian contingent.
When I heard that India Post would be honouring the medalists with 28 dedicated picture postcards, I was thrilled. For any collector, this release is a dream, each postcard showcasing our champions, capturing their moments of pride and determination.
What makes this release even more meaningful is that it coincided with Antyodaya Divas, a day focused on supporting and uplifting the most marginalized. This coincidence beautifully mirrors the spirit of the Paralympic Games, where each athlete’s journey is marked by resilience and overcoming obstacles. The launch on this day adds an extra layer of significance to the postcards, honouring both athletic excellence and the values of inclusion and empowerment.
In a world that frequently celebrates the conventional, these postcards highlight the extraordinary, reminding us that every individual has the potential to achieve greatness. By linking this series to Antyodaya Divas, India Post has created a memorable tribute that honours both the athletes and the values they represent, ensuring their stories of courage continue to inspire generations to come.
One of the aspects that truly drew me to join the Philatelic Society of India (PSOI) are their small gestures that foster connection. Upon becoming a member, I was delighted to receive welcome postcards from fellow members. Each card brought me joy, serving as a reminder of the beauty in taking a moment to pause in our fast-paced lives. In a world dominated by technology, picking up a pen to send a handwritten note is a meaningful way to share a piece of ourselves. There’s truly nothing like the thrill of finding a postcard in the mailbox, a little surprise that brings warmth to the day.
Among these thoughtful welcome postcards, one particularly stood out, it commemorated World Postcard Day 2024. This day, celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts around the globe, invites everyone to appreciate the charm of this simple yet powerful piece of paper. On this occasion, many engage in sending postcards to friends, family, and even strangers through postcard exchanges, sharing glimpses of their lives and cultures in return. Schools, libraries, and post offices across the country host events that bring people together, allowing younger generations to learn the art of handwriting—a skill that feels increasingly rare in our digital age.
What resonated with me most about the World Postcard Day card was its theme: The Timeless Magic of the Post. This theme beautifully captures the essence of what makes sending and receiving postcards so special. In a world dominated by instant communication, there’s something enchanting about the physicality of a postcard arriving in the mail, a tangible reminder that someone is thinking of you.
There is so much more to explore and discover, and I’m excited to take you along on my journey of collecting and learning. I hope reading about my experiences brings you as much joy as I feel when I open the mail I receive, if not more!
Until next time,
Tanvi