Sindhu Darshan Festival

Upper reaches of the Sindhu, Seal of Indus Valley Civilisation & line from Rig Veda

The mighty Sindhu (Indus) river, symbolizes the power and permanence of the ancient
Indian Civilization which evolved over a period of thousands of years. The archaeological
discovery of the Indus Valley civilization which flourished along its banks has reinforced the
antiquity of the Indian Civilization.

A great trans-Himalayan river, Sindhu is one of the longest rivers in the world, having a
length of 2900 Km. The name "Sindhu" is mentioned in the 'Rig Veda', the earliest chronicles
of ancient India and is the source of the country's name. It rises in south-western Tibet near
Man sarovar lake at an altitude of 16000 ft., enters India near Demchok in Ladakh (Jammu &
Kashmir) and is soon joined on its left by its first tributory, Zanskar. Further down, other
streams like Shyok, Shigar, Hunza and Gilgit join the Sindhu bringing water from
glaciers east of Nanga Parbat. Sindhu finally flows west, crosses the Kashmir border near
Batalik and enters Paki stan. The ancient epic 'Ramayana' gives the title, 'Mahanadi '
to Sindhu, to denote 'the mighty river'. In the 'Mahabharata', the Sindhu is reverentially
mentioned along with the other two holy rivers, the Ganga and Saraswati. References to the
Sindhu are also seen in many ancient literary works such as Kalidasa's 'Raghuvamsa'. The
Rig Veda, has various descriptions of this mighty river. The sound of the rapidly cascading
Sindhu is said to reverberate to the skies and the river is compared to a thundering bull.

The project 'Sindhu Darshan', was started to focus attention on the heritage of the ancient
Indian Civilization and Culture that 'Sindhu' symbolizes. It aims to celebrate the Sindhu as a
symbol of this country's ethnic diversity and to promote communal harmony. Further,
attention is sought to be focussed on cultural and topographical beauty of the landscape of
Ladakh. These aspects are sought to be blended in the design of the First Day Cover which
also carries inscription of the hymn 'mantra', chanted by Buddhists in the area, a prayer in
praise of God. The stamp depicts a landscape in the upper reaches of the Sindhu with an inset
of the famous 'Vrishabha' (bull) seal of the Indus Valley Civilization and a line, from the 'Rig
Veda', describing the Sindhu.
The Department of Posts was happy to issue this special stamp on the 'Sindhu' so irrevocably
a bond with the country's glorious ancient civilization, on the occasion of the Sindhu Darshan
Festival (Abhiyan).

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of
India

Issue Date
:
28 July 1999

Pongal Festival, Tamilnadu

Aspects of Pongal
India is a land of festivals and many of the great festivals are related to the traditional
agricultural activities of its people. Pongal, one of the most important festivals, particularly of
the Tamil people, is a thanksgiving ritual for a bountiful harvest which is celebrated with
great joy by one and all.

This festival follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on the same days each year. The actual
festivities of Pongal begin on 13th January and lasts for four days. From an astronomical
standpoint, this is an important period because this is the time when the sun enters the
Northern Hemisphere. The sun traverses from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of
Cancer via the Equator from 14th January to 14th July, and this movement is termed as
Uttarayan (summer solstice). The festival also marks the withdrawal of the North East
Monsoons.

The first day of the Pongal festival is called Bhogi. The highlight of the day is the bonfire
into which old items like rugs, mats, papers, clothes, etc., are consigned, marking the
beginning of a new life.

The second day is 'Pongal', the most important day, when great importance is given to the
Sun. Decorative motifs called 'Kolams' (Rangoli) are drawn on the floor by the women-folk,
generally with rice flour. In the early morning, the family members gather outside their
houses and cook sweet rice, known as 'Pongal', in clay pots. The overflowing pot is perceived
as an auspicious sign of abundance and prosperity and excites the people to raise a chorus'
Pongal O Pongal'. Specialities of the day include the Venpongal (salty dish) and Chakkarai
Pongal (dish made withjaggery). The celebration of 'Makar Sankranti' in other parts of India
coincides with Pongal.
The third day is dedicated to cattle and is called Mattu Pongal. The cattle are gaily decorated
with beads, bells and flowers -their horns painted and capped with gleaming metals. A cattle
procession is taken out and people offer fruits and other goodies to the animals. However, in
many places, the main attraction of this day is the bullfight (Jallikattu) in which young men
participate with enthusiasm to show their skill and courage. The aim of the sport is to seize
the reward, which is put in a cloth and tied to the horns of the bulls.

Kaanum Pongal is the fourth and final day of the festival. After so many days of
merrymaking, people take things easy on this day. The spirit of sharing with all, animals and
human alike, is embodied in the rituals associated with Kaanum Pongal. Resembling the
North Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, when the sister ties a Rakhi on the wrist of the
brother as a token of love and in return for protection, this day also celebrates the bond
between siblings.

In essence, the festivities of Pongal mark a reaffirmation of traditional values revolving

around family and sharing.

The Department of Posts honours this great tradition and also shares in the happy festivities
by issuing this commemorative stamp on Pongal.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of
India

THAI PONGAL

T
h
a
i

P
o
n
Thai Pongal is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Tamil people[3][4] in the Indian state
g Tamil Nadu, the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry,[5][6] and the country of Sri Lanka,[7][8][9]as
of
a
well as Tamils worldwide, including those in Malaysia,[10][11] Mauritius, South Africa,[12][13] United
l
States, Singapore,[14] Canada[15][16] and UK.[17] Thai Pongal corresponds to Makara Sankranthi, the
harvest festival celebrated throughout India.
(
The day marks the start of the sun's six-month-long journey northwards (the Uttaraayanam). This
also
H
corresponds to the Indic solstice when the sun purportedly enters the 10th house of the Indian
zodiac
Y
Makara or Capricorn. Thai Pongal is mainly celebrated to convey appreciation to the Sun
P
E
R
L
I
N
God for a successful harvest. Part of the celebration is the boiling of the first rice of the season
consecrated to the Sun - the Surya Maangalyam.[18]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Pongal

Issue Date
:
12 January 2006

Fairs of India

Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan Sonepur Fair, Bihar

 Carnival, Goa Baul Mela, West Bengal

PUSHKAR FAIR

The Pushkar Fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) or locally Pushkar ka Mela is an annual five-day
camel and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one
of the world's largest camel fairs. Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, it has become
an important tourist attraction. Competitions such as the "matka phod", "longest moustache",
and "bridal competition" are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists.[1]
In recent years the fair has also included an exhibition cricket match between the local Pushkar
club and a team of random foreign tourists. The Imperial Gazetteer of India mentions an
attendance of 100,000 pilgrims in early 1900s.[2]

Thousands of people go to the banks of the Pushkar Lake where the fair takes place. Men buy
and sell their livestock, which includes camels, cows, sheep and goats.[2] The women go to the
stalls, full of bracelets, clothes, textiles and fabrics. A camel race starts off the festival, with
music, songs and exhibitions to follow. Between these events, the most waited for is the test of
how the camel is able to bring the items. In order to demonstrate, the men go up on the group
of camels one after another.

It is celebrated for five days from the Kartik ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, the full moon day
(the 15th) of Kartik (October–November) in Hindu calendar. The full moon day is the main
day and the day, according to legend, when the Hindu god Brahma sprung up the Pushkar Lake,
thus numerous people swim in its sacred waters.
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pushkar_Fair

SONEPUR CATTLE FAIR

T
h
e

S
o
n
e
Originally, the venue of the fair was Hajipur and only the performance of the puja used to take
p
place at the Harihar Nath temple of Sonepur. However, under the rule of the Mughal Emperor
u
rAurangzeb, the venue of the fair got shifted to Sonepur. The temple of Harihar Nath is believed
to have been originally built by Lord Rama, on his way to the court of King Janak to win the
C
hand of Mata Sita. It is further said that Raja Man Singh later got the temple repaired. The
a
Harihar Nath temple, as it stands today, was built by Raja Ram Narain, an influential person
t
during
t the late Mughal period.[4]
l
Gajendhra
e Moksha legend is associated with the temple in Sonepur. It involves the story of
king Indrayamuna and the Gandharva chief Huhu, who were turned into an elephant and a
Fcrocodile respectively by the curse of great sages Agasthya and Dewala muni. One day the
aelephant's leg was caught by the crocodile.It is said that the location was in Nepal. It is said
ithat both of them fought hard for many years with their herds and while fighting,they came to
r
the place near this temple. But ultimately the King Elephant weakened and took the lotus flower
from
( river in its trunk and prayed to the supreme god Vishnu (Hari) to save him. Vishnu heard
his prayer and cut down the crocodile with his Chakra. But the touch of the chakra released
Huhu from the curse. Vishnu also released Indrayamuna from his curse and took him to his
H
Yabode Vaikuntha.
P
ESince Sonepur is situated at the convergence of the sacred rivers Ganges and Gandak, the
R
Hindus regard it as a holy site. One of the purposes of the people visiting the Sonepur Cattle
L
Fair,
I
apart from the fair, is to take a holy dip at the convergence and pay respects at the
Hariharnath
N Temple.
K

"
h https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonepur_Cattle_Fair
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:
BAUL
/
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.
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The Baul (Bengali: ববউল) are a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal which includes Indian
State of West Bengal and the country of Bangladesh(they are completely extinct there now).
Bauls constitute both a syncretic religious sect and a musical tradition. Bauls are a very
heterogeneous group, with many sects, but their membership mainly consists of Vaishnava
Hindus and Sufi Muslims.[1][2] They can often be identified by their distinctive clothes and
musical instruments. Not much is known of their origin. Lalon Fokir is regarded as the most
important poet-practitioner of the Baul tradition.[3][4][5] Baul music had a great influence on
Rabindranath Tagore's poetry and on his music (Rabindra Sangeet).[6]

Though Bauls comprise only a small fraction of the Bengali population, their influence on the
culture of Bengal is considerable. In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in the list of
"Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baul

Issue Date
:
27 February 2007

Festivals of India

Goddess Durga, Kolkata

 Deepavali Lamps Elephants & Procession, Dussehra, Mysore

DIWALI

Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern
hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere).[3][4] It is an official holiday
in Fiji, Guyana, India,[5] Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and recently Sindh Province in Pakistan. One of the most
popular festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over
evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.[6][7][8] Its celebration includes millions of
lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in
the communities and countries where it is observed.[9] The festival preparations and rituals typically
extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new
moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika in Bikram Sambat calendar. In the Gregorian
calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices.[10] On Diwali
night, people dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside
and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of
fertility and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow,[11] then a family feast including mithai (sweets),
and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks a major
shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.[12]
The name of festive days as well as the rituals of Diwali vary significantly among Hindus, based
on the region of India. In many parts of India,[13] the festivities start with Dhanteras (in Northern and
Western part of India), followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Deepavali on the third
day, Diwali Padva dedicated to wife–husband relationship on the fourth day, and festivities end
with Bhai Dooj dedicated to sister–brother bond on the fifth day. Dhanteras usually falls eighteen
days after Dussehra.
On the same night that Hindus celebrate Diwali, Jains celebrate a festival also called Diwali to
mark the attainment of moksha by Mahavira,[14][15] Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the
release of Guru Hargobind from a Mughal Empire prison,[16] and Newar Buddhists, unlike the
majority of Buddhists, celebrate Diwali by worshipping Lakshmi.[17][1
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

VIJAYADASHAMI

Vijayadasami (Sanskrit: ববजयदशবব), also known as Dussehra (Sanskrit: दशहবব), is a

major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navratri every year. It is observed on the full moon
day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of
September and October.[3][4][5]
Vijayadasami is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of
the Indian subcontinent.[1][6][3] In the eastern and northeastern states of India, Vijayadashami marks
the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon to help
restore Dharma.[3][7] In the northern, southern and western states, the festival is synonymously
called Dussehra (also spelled Dasara, Dashahara). In these regions, it marks the end of "Ramlila"
and remembers god Rama's victory over the demon Ravana, or alternatively it marks a reverence
for one of the aspects of goddess Devi such as Durga or Saraswati.[1][4][5]
Vijayadasami celebrations include processions to a river or ocean front that carry clay statues of
Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, accompanied by music and chants, after
which the images are immersed into the water for dissolution and a goodbye. Elsewhere, on
Dussehra, the towering effigies of Ravana symbolizing the evil is burnt with fireworks marking evil's
destruction. The festival also starts the preparation for one of the most important and widely
celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after the Vijayadashami.[8][

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayadashami

Issue Date
:
07 October 2008

Rath Yatra Puri

 Rath Yatra

The world famous Car Festival of Puri popularly known as 'Rath Yatra', 'Gundichi Yatra' and also
'Ghosla Yatra -is the biggest and the grandest car festival of all, having given the word "juggernaut" to
the English language. The festival commemorates Lord Jagan nath's (Lord Krishna) annual visit to his
aunt's home, alongwith his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from his abode (main temple) to
Gundicha Temple where they remain for nine days. This mammoth and spectacular Rath Yatra is
held on 'Asadha Sukla Dwitiya' (June July) every year at Puri, the temple town in Orissa. It is both a
religious and a cultural event.

On the Rath Yatra day, the three presiding deities, decorated richly are taken out from the temple
precincts in an elaborate ritual procession to their respective chariots in a traditional ceremonial
manner, known as 'Pahandi', and pulled through the streets of Puri to Gundicha Temple by thousands
of pilgrims who congregate at Puri for this annual event from all over the country and abroad.

These chariots are made every year with the wood specified for the purpose, which is brought
customarily from the ex-princely state of Dasapalla by a speciali t team of carpenters who have
hereditary rights and the privilege of making the chariots resembling the temple structures.

The chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosh. It has 16 wheels and the colours of the
fabrics that cover the roof of the chariot are red and yellow. The chariot of Lord Balabhadra is known
as Taladhwaja. It has 14 wheels and the colour of the fabrics is red and green. Devi Subhadra's
chariot is called Deva Dalan/Darpa Dalan and is decorated with red and black fabrics. Sudarshan is
seated by the side of Subhadra in her chariot.

Madanmohan, a representative deity of Jagannath sits in the chariot of Lord Jagannath. Two other
small idols of Ram and Krishna take their seats in the chariot of Balabhadra. The three chariots are
moved to a temple known as 'Gundicha Ghar'at a distance of about 3 KMs from Jagannath Temple.
The chariot of Balabhadra is pulled first followed by those of Subhadra and Jagannath.

The ninth day marks the return Car Festival day when the chariots along with the deities are brought
to the Lions gate area of the Jagannath Temple. An important ritual performed on the 5th day (starting
from and including the day of Car Festival) is known as 'Hera Panchanii', when Goddess Laxmi is
believed to proceed to Gundicha Ghar to see her Lord. On the evening of the 1Oth day the deities are
adorned with gold ornaments and dressed gorgeously in their respective chariots parked in the Lion's
gate area. On the same day another ritual called 'Hari Sayan Ekadasi' is performed. On the 12th day
of the bright fortnight, another important ceremony known as 'Adharapana Bhog' (a sweet -drink) is
offered to the deities. On the evening of the following day, the deities are taken into the temple in a
traditional procession amidst a gathering of thousands of devotees.
After the festival, the chariots are broken and bits are used for firewood in the kitchens or sold to
pilgrims as relics. New chariots are made each year according to the specifications contained in the
temple's manuals. The assembled multitude from all over India, the thunder of music and percussion
and the decorated chariots provide an unforgettable experience, to the believer and the bystander.

A glimpse of Lord Jagannath on the chariot is considered to be very auspicious and saints, poets and
scriptures have repeatedly glorified the sanctity of this special festival. The sanctity of the festival is
such that a touch of the chariot or even of the ropes with which these are pulled is considered enough
to confer the results of several pious deeds or penance for ages. In fact, on this occasion, the chariot,
the wheels, the grand avenue, all are believed to become one with Lord Jagannath himself.

In the words of Kathopanishada "Atmanam rathinam viddi sareeram rathamevatu Buddhim tusaarat
him viddhi marah pragrahamevacha", i.e., "The body is the chariot and the soul is the deity installed in
the chariot. The wisdom acts as the charioteer to control the minds and thoughts". The Rath Yatra is
thus a symbol of man's journey through life as a spiritually evolving being.

India Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the Rath Yatra.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India

RATHA YATRA (PURI)

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for this annual event from all over the country and abroad. It is also broadcast live on many Indian,
foreign television channels as well as many of the websites telecast jagannath ratha yatra live.[2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratha_Yatra_(Puri)

Issue Date
:
12 July 2010

URS FESTIVAL, AJMER

The Urs festival is an annual festival held at Ajmer, a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan,
which commemorates the death anniversary of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, (founder of the
Chishtiya Sufi order in India).[1] It is held over six days and features night-long
dhikr/zikr qawwali singing. The anniversary is celebrated in the seventh month of the Islamic lunar
calendar. Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine from all over India and abroad.

The sixth day of the Urs is regarded as the most special and auspicious. It is called “Chhati
Sharif”. It is celebrated on the 6th Rajab between 10:00 A.M. and 1:30 p.m. inside the Mazaar
Sharif. Shijra is read by duty bound Khadims of Moinuddin Chishti, and then there
is Fariyad (prayers).
Just before the Qu'l (conclusion of Chhati Sharif), Badhaawa (a poem of praise) is sung at the
main entrance of the shrine by Qawwals.
Badhaawa is a recitation accompanied only by clapping; no musical instrument is played. It was
composed by Syed Behlol Chishty, an ancestor of the present day Khadim community. After its
recitation, the ceremony of the Qu'l comes to an end, and Fatiha is recited. The end of the
ceremony is marked by firing a cannon at 1:30 p.m.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urs_festival,_Ajmer

Issue Date
:
27 May 2012
Issue Date
:
25 July 2012

NABAKALEBARA- 2015
 Shri Jagannath Dham Puri

 The term Nabakalebara is an ancient ritual associated with Lord Jagannath

Temple of Puri when the Idols
ofLord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan are replaced by a new set of
Idols.

 It is believed that a year which has two months (Adhikamasa) of Ashadha as per
the Hindu Calendar is auspicious for conducting the ceremony. This usually occurs every
twelve to nineteen years. The Deities are made from a special type of Neem wood known
as Daru Brahma. Preparations for the ceremony start in the month of Chaitra. The last
such ceremony took place in the year 1996. 2015 is the year when the ceremony will take
place next.

 Jirna Bera Parityaga literally means leaving the old deity and consecration of new one.
As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new
material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.

 The above philosophical view is applied to Shri Jagannath. According to different secret
protocols followed from time immemorial in the temple, provision exists for changing of the
deities. As the deities are made up of Neem tree basically, along with Musk, Sandalwood
and many other rare combinations, they undergo change ofVigraha before the adhika
ashaadha ends.

 No ordinary Neem tree can be used to make the deities. Certain well defined criteria must
be satisfied by the tree before it is labelled a Daru Bramha fit for making the deities.
Locating the four holy trees requires divine intervention. As per long-standing tradition the
Priests of the Jagannath Temple (Puri) worship Maa Mangala at the Kakatpur Mangala
Temple. It is said the Goddess appears to them in their dreams revealing the location of
the holy trees.

 Puri geared up for Nabakalebara 2015 after the sacred trees were located. The trees are
cut down after appropriate ritual observance and the logs are then transported by small
carts pulled by devotees all the way to the temple at Puri. Starting at an auspicious hour
with the fullest of secrecy the logs are carved into deities within the Temple premises. On
the midnight of Adhika Ashadha Krishna Chaturdashi the Tattva Padartha is
transferred from the old deities to the new deities. Bramha or tattva padartha is a super
natural thing. After this, the new deities are worshipped and the old deities buried in the
sand, (Koili Baikuntha) inside the temple premises. Apart from the regulation associated
with the selection of tree, there are various rituals associated with locating the same and
bringing it to the temple premises.
  Elaborate rituals, numerous myths and several celestial incidents are attached to this
auspicious affair. The exact procedure of the transformation of images have been
mentioned in the Sanskrit manuscripts written on palm leaves which are kept in the
temple. Only the three head priests of the temple have the sole responsibility of reading
and interpreting them.

 On the morning of the second day the new deities are seated on the alter, the “Ratna–
Singhasana”. On this second day, the daily routine of the temple finally begins again,
after a lapse of nearly 58 days. Sweet-smelling flower garlands and new garments are
given to the new deities, food is offered, and puja is done. Devotees can again come
inside for darshan. And on the third day the new deities emerge from the temple for the
biggestChariot Festival. The Nabakalebara draws millions of people from across the
world to Puri, and is one of the biggest festivals in the country.

NABAKALEBARA 2015

The Nabakalebara 2015 is a celebration of the ancient ritual of the Nabakalebara associated
with most of the Jagannath Temples when the idols of
Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan are replaced by a new set of idols; the last
such festival of events was held in 1996. It is a festival the period of which is chosen according to
the Hindu Calendar conforming to the astrological planetary positions.[1] The festival during 2015
involves several schedules, and it has started from 23 March with Banajaga Yatra (a process of
search to select the neem tree to make new images to replace the old ones) and will conclude
with Rathayatra followed Sunabesa (adorning the new images of gods with golden attire) on 27
July, with many other rituals being held in between on specific dates.[2] More than 5 million devotees
are expected to participate in these rituals held in and around the temple complex of the Jagannath
Temple, Puri, Odisha.[

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabakalebara_2015

Issue Date
:
17 July 2015