Thursday, January 26, 2012

Republic Day India



The Republic Day of India commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India on 26 January 1950.
The date 26 January was chosen to honour the memory of the declaration of independence of 1930. It is one of the three national holidays in India, and while the main parade, Republic Day Parade takes place at the Rajpath, in the national capital New Delhi, where the president views the parade, state capitals also have their state celebrations.

An Indian Agni-II intermediate range ballistic missile on a road-mobile launcher, displayed at the Republic Day Parade on New Delhi's Rajpath, January 26, 2004.
Greetings to all Indians and wish you all on the eve of Republic Day.

                    
Source: Wikipedia 

Friday, January 20, 2012

Free Stamps

Check out the following link :

On this site new stamp collectors can get a free packet of United States Stamps.

This non-profit site beginning stamp collectors can get a free packet of US stamps, as well as, basic stamp collecting information and links.
 
One more link for free stamps for yougsters

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Makar Sankranti


Makar Sankranti or Sankranti or Sankranthi marks the transition of the Sun into Makara rashiCapricorn) on its celestial path. Traditionally, this has been one of many harvest days in India.

Owing to the vast geography and diversity of culture in India, this festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons and in innumerable ways depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location.

Makar Sankranti, apart from a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the 'holy phase of transition'. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family, this day onwards. Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season.

All over the country, Makar Sankranti is observed with great fanfare. However, it is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different parts of the country. In the states of northern and western India, the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special zeal and fervor. The importance of this day has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. So, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical and religious significance. 
As it is the festival of Sun God and he is regarded as the symbol divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it.


Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus and is celebrated in almost all parts of India in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion. Millions of people take a dip in places like Ganga SagarPrayag and pray to the Sun God (Surya). It is celebrated with pomp in southern parts of India as Pongal, and in Punjab as Maghi. (the point where the river Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal) and

In the western Indian state of Gujarat, the celebrations are even bigger. People offer thousands of their colorful oblations to the Sun in the form of beautiful kites. The act stands as a metaphor for reaching to their beloved God, the one who represents the best. In the rural and coastal areas, cock fights are held and is a prominent event of the festival. Makara Sankranti is also to honour, worship and to pay respect to Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge). At the start of this significant event, there is also worship for the departed ancestors.

Makara Sankranti identifies a period of enlightenment, peace, prosperity and happiness followed by a period of darkness, ignorance and viciousness with immense sorrow. The six months of northern movement of the sun is followed by six months of southern movement.

Since the festival is celebrated in mid winter, food prepared for this festival is such that it keeps the body warm and gives high energy. Laddu of til made with Jaggery is a specialty of the festival. In the western Indian state of Maharashtra it is called 'Tilgul'. In Karnataka it is called 'Yellu-Bella'. In some states cattle are decorated with various colours and are made to jump over a bon-fire.

It is celebrated differently in different regions of India.

I wish a Happy Makar Sankranti to all my Friends.


Saturday, January 14, 2012

MAHAPEX 2012: Philatelic Exibition - Maharashtra Circle



A state-level philatelic exhibition ‘Mahapex 2012′ will be held in the city from January 13 to 16 with the theme ‘Stamp Mania’. The exhibition, organised by the department of posts, will include a variety of activities like release of eight special covers, seminars and workshops on philately, stamp design competition, etc. Also on display will be around 400 frames by 108 philatelists from Maharashtra and Goa.

The ‘Mahapex 2012′ will also have a unique and innovative facility called ‘My Stamp’ wherein one can get one’s own photo printed on a stamp after choosing from several template designs. The person can use these stamps officially while sending letters.

The inaugural session will begin with an inter-school ‘relay’ wherein 800 schoolchildren will walk with placards and pass it on to the next bunch of children from another school at intervals of 500 metres each. The rally will begin from the Yashwantrao Chavan academy of development administration at 8.30 am. The exhibition will remain open between 10 am to 8 pm.


Location: Shri Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune










Source: timesofindia.com

The Ultimate Guide to Stamp Collecting

Recently Mr Jacob "Coby" Crane ,one of the reader from our blog suggested a philatelic site which will be interesting read for all .Check out the link :  http://www.startlocal.com.au/articles/educational_stamps.html

You can also get in touch with Mr Jacob on his email id : jcrane@ceetutoring.com 


Thanks for sharing the wonderful site...

If any of our reader have a website to share or want to send details about themselves, collecting interests and web pages for inclusion on our blog ,please send a mail to asharprashant@gmail.com