Splendors of India- Happy New Year

New Year Mixed Sheetlet – Celebrating India’s Timeless Heritage

The New Year celebrations are believed to replenish all the joys of life and keep the human spirit glowing and undaunted. The arrival of a New Year brings not only the opportunity to reflect on the past with warm memories and wisdom, but also to embrace resolutions that make life more meaningful and positively impactful.

Continuing its annual tradition, the Department of Posts conveys festive greetings through unique philatelic issues — either as New Year stamps or Season’s Greetings releases. This year, the Department celebrates the rich cultural and artistic heritage of India with a set of 12 exquisite stamps, presented together in a Mixed Sheetlet. Each stamp has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect the glory, diversity, and magnificence of Indian art, architecture, and craftsmanship — evoking a deep sense of pride in every Indian.

The 12 Stamps of India’s Cultural Legacy

1. Ganesh Pol – Amber Fort, Rajasthan

The first stamp depicts the Ganesh Pol, located within the main palace of Amber Fort. Once reserved for royal access to private chambers, the gate represents a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, renowned for its ornamental archways and fine latticework.

2. Pashmina – Kashmir’s Diamond Fibre

The second stamp features Pashmina, the world’s finest grade of Cashmere wool, often called the “diamond among fibres.” The stamp depicts a hand-spun Pashmina shawl woven in Kashmir, showcasing its intricate artistry and delicate warmth.

3. Chhau Mask – Tradition and Mythology

The third stamp presents a traditional Chhau mask, integral to the Chhau dance — a classical Indian performing art celebrated during Chaitra Parva festivals. Each mask represents mythological characters from the Epics and Puranas, believed to ward off evil and uphold righteousness.

4. Worship of Bodhi Tree – Sanchi Stupa Complex, Madhya Pradesh

The fourth stamp portrays the Worship of the Bodhi Tree, a sandstone relief from the Sanchi Stupa Complex. The Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa) symbolizes the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, serving as a powerful emblem of wisdom and awakening.

5. Sarota – The Traditional Betel Nut Cutter

The fifth stamp features the Sarota, a scissor-like metal cutter used to slice areca nuts for betel preparation. Found in ornate designs across India, the Sarota reflects the refined domestic artistry of a bygone era.

6. Peacock Gate – City Palace, Jaipur

The sixth stamp showcases the Peacock Gate of City Palace, Jaipur — one of four ornate entrances to Chandra Mahal. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the gate is adorned with magnificent peacock motifs representing the autumn season.

7. Chaitya Hall – Karle, Maharashtra

The seventh stamp features the Chaitya Hall of Karle, one of the largest rock-cut Buddhist halls in India, dating back to the 1st century BCE. Its intricately carved columns depict scenes from the life of Buddha, exemplifying India’s ancient monastic architecture.

8. Thanjavur Painting – Tamil Nadu’s Artistic Splendour

The eighth stamp depicts a Thanjavur painting, celebrated for its vibrant colours, surface richness, and three-dimensional relief work. These panel paintings, embellished with semi-precious stones, pearls, and glass, are masterpieces of devotional art.

9. Blue Pottery – Jaipur Craftsmanship

The ninth stamp honors Jaipur’s Blue Pottery, named after its characteristic blue glaze and Persian floral motifs. This craft blends traditional Indian aesthetics with Persian artistry, making it one of Rajasthan’s most treasured handicrafts.

10. Glass Window – Bagore-Ki-Haveli, Udaipur

The tenth stamp depicts an 18th-century stained glass window from Bagore-Ki-Haveli, Udaipur. The mansion’s intricate glasswork captures the splendour and craftsmanship of Rajasthan’s royal architecture.

11. Pietra Dura – Inlay Art of Agra

The eleventh stamp displays a tabletop crafted in Pietra Dura, an inlay art technique using precious and semi-precious stones on marble to create intricate floral and geometric patterns. This art form, perfected in Agra, embodies Mughal refinement.

12. Zardozi Carpet – Agra’s Regal Embroidery

The twelfth stamp presents a Zardozi carpet from Agra, featuring metallic embroidery with gold and silver threads, pearls, and precious stones. This art form epitomizes India’s royal legacy and craftsmanship excellence.

A Tribute to India’s Heritage through Philately

The New Year Mixed Sheetlet by the Department of Posts beautifully captures India’s cultural tapestry — from architecture and sculpture to textiles and performing arts. Each miniature work of art on a stamp reflects a facet of India’s timeless beauty and artistic ingenuity, serving as a reminder of the nation’s enduring legacy.