About this stamp
Katchal Island
Katchal Island, popularly known as the “Sunrise Island”, is a small yet historically significant island located in the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Positioned around 8° latitude and between 93° and 94° longitude, this island gained global attention for witnessing the first sunrise of the new millennium (1 January 2000).
Location and Geography
Katchal Island covers an area of about 174 square kilometres and rises up to 835 feet on its eastern side. The island features hilly terrain formed from calcareous sandstone during the tertiary period.
It lies along the route to Great Nicobar and near Indira Point, making it geographically important within the Indian subcontinent.
Population and Tribal Significance
The Nicobar Islands, including Katchal Island, are designated as tribal areas and are generally restricted to tourists.
- Population (1991 Census): 5,072
- Indigenous inhabitants: 2,491
- Estimated population (later years): Around 9,000
The island is home to indigenous communities who maintain traditional lifestyles.
Global Spotlight: First Sunrise of the Millennium
Katchal Island came into international focus in 1999 when the Royal Greenwich Observatory identified it as one of the first places on Earth to witness the sunrise of the year 2000.
According to global time calculations based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the first rays of the new millennium were expected to fall near this island.
This claim was further supported by:
- The Geological Survey of India
- The Hydrographic Office, Dehradun
The exact point identified lies close to Katchal Island, making it a focal point for this historic event.
Tourism and Historic Event
Due to its unique significance, the Government of India made special arrangements to allow both domestic and international vessels to anchor near Katchal Island to witness the first sunrise on 1 January 2000.
This rare event attracted global media, travel agencies, and tourists eager to experience the dawn of a new millennium.
Commemoration and Legacy
To mark this historic occasion, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the First Sunrise of the Millennium at Katchal Island.
The island, once a relatively unknown location, became a symbol of a new beginning and remains an important geographical and historical landmark in India.
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