Monthly Archive: May 2023

INDIA | Gopinath Bordoloi

Gopinath Bordoloi

Gopinath Bordoloi (6 June 1890 – 5 August 1950) was a politician and Indian independence activist and politician who served as the 1st Chief Minister of Assam from 1946 to 1950. He was also the chairman of North-East Frontier Tribal areas and Assam Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas Sub-Committee. He was a follower of the Gandhian principle of non-violence as a political tool. Due to his unselfish dedication towards Assam and its people, the then Governor of Assam Jayram Das Doulatram conferred him with the title “Lokpriya” (loved by all).

INDIA | McLeodganj – Mani Prayer Wheel

McLeodganj Mani Prayer Wheel

McLeodganj S.O. – 176219
Himalayas and Mani Prayer Wheel
Date of Introduction : 26-11-2022

This is a MANI prayer wheel. It is filled with thousands of Alokiteshwara Mantras “OM MANI PADME HUM“. By turning this wheel once, one earns merit equal to recitation of the mantras filled inside the wheel. Always remember to turn it clockwise.

INDIA | Foot Sculpture of Sant Mirabai

Loutolim S.O. – 403718
Big-Foot Sculpture of Sant Mirabai
Date of Introduction : 12-10-2018
Postmark : 10-05-2023

The Ancestral Goa museum/ exhibition is situated in the small village of Loutolim. It is privately run by an artist called Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares. The giant 14 meter sculpture of Sant Mirabai carved in 30 days by MJA Alavres has been cited in the Limca book of records for being the longest laterite sculpture in India.

INDIA | Reis Magos Fort

Reis Magos S.O. – 403114
Reis Magos Fort
Date of Introduction : 13-12-2021
Postmark : 09-05-2023

Reis Magos Fort surrounded by sturdy laterite walls studded with typically Portuguese turrets, was erected in 1551 to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. It was enlarged subsequently on different occasions and finally re-erected in 1707.

INDIA | Bridal Costumes – Gujarat

Bridal Costumes of India
Date of Issue : 12-02-2023

The Gujarati bridal saree is called as a Panetar. Gujarati brides prefer to wear the traditional cream/ white and red saree for the wedding rituals. Many brides also choose Panetar style wedding lehenga choli that is made in white/ cream and red colors. Kundan necklace, heavy Jadau earrings or Jhumkas, also known as ‘kan ni butti’ in Gujarati, rings, Nathani or nose ring, armlets, hand ornaments, anklets, bangles, hair ornaments and Maang tikka or the forehead jewelry comprising of the entire array of jewels the bride adorns herself with.

Gujrati Brides also wear fine Bandhani sarees during their wedding ceremonies. One such glorious Bandhani saree is called as Gharchola – which is traditionally made in the colors of red/ maroon and green with Bandhani work and metallic and thread embroidery.

INDIA | Basilica of Bom Jesus

Vehla Goa S.O. – 403402
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Date of Introduction : 09-10-2020
Postmark : 04-05-2023

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a famous church located in Old Goa, which is about 10 kilometers from the city of Panaji, the capital of the Indian state of Goa. The church was built in the late 16th century and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India.

The name “Bom Jesus” means “Good Jesus” or “Infant Jesus” in Portuguese. The church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary who arrived in Goa in 1542 and is believed to have converted thousands of people to Christianity in the region. His body is preserved in a silver casket inside the church and is brought out for public viewing every ten years.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus has a simple yet elegant exterior with a semi-circular dome and two bell towers. The interior is adorned with beautiful paintings and frescoes, including a large mural depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The altarpiece is made of marble and features scenes from the life of Christ.

One of the unique features of the church is its floor, which is made of marble and inlaid with precious stones. The floor contains several tombstones, including one belonging to the founder of the city of Macau, China.

The church has undergone several restorations over the years and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It is a popular tourist attraction and a place of pilgrimage for Christians from around the world. This church is considered to be one one of the best examples of Portuguese Colonial architecture in India.