Himalayan Peaks: Kanchenjunga

Commemorative Stamp Set: The Himalayan Peaks

Design Elements:

• The stamp set features depictions of four iconic Himalayan peaks: K-2 (Godwin Austen), Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi, and Broad Peak.
• Artistic representations include:
• K-2 and Broad Peak based on paintings by Shri R.N. Pasricha.
• Kanchenjunga based on a painting by Nicholas Roerich, received from Shri Rajeshwar Dayal.
• Nanda Devi based on a photograph by Mandip Singh Soin.
• The first day cover features introductory lines from Kalidasa’s ‘Kumarasambhavam’ and a line drawing of a peak by Smt. Nenu Gupta.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• The Himalayas, called “Manadanda” by Kalidasa, have profoundly influenced the movement and destinies of races in Asia.
• These mountains are the sources of four major rivers of the subcontinent: the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Sutluj, and Indus.
• They embody spiritual ascent and divinity, symbolizing the abode of deities like Shiva and Parvati.
• The architectural styles of Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas mirror the grandeur of the Himalayas, seen in structures like the Ellora temples and the Kailashnath temple in Kanchipuram.
• E.B. Havell’s book explores the deep psychological and primordial attachment to the Himalayas in Indian art.

Usage:

• These stamps serve as a tribute to the cultural, spiritual, and natural significance of the Himalayas.
• They can be used for postage and collected by philatelists, highlighting the rich heritage of the Himalayan region.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:

• This stamp set celebrates the Himalayas’ role in shaping cultural, spiritual, and adventurous endeavors.
• It honors the mountains’ influence on art, architecture, and the spiritual quests of people across the subcontinent and beyond.

Example of the Stamp Design:

• Each stamp intricately portrays one of the majestic Himalayan peaks, capturing their beauty and cultural symbolism.
• The designs are visually stunning, reflecting the awe-inspiring nature and spiritual essence of the Himalayas.

The commemorative stamp set might include:

• K-2 (Godwin Austen): The second-highest peak in the world, depicted through a painting by Shri R.N. Pasricha.
• Kanchenjunga: The third-highest peak, illustrated by Nicholas Roerich’s painting.
• Nanda Devi: Shown through a photograph by Mandip Singh Soin.
• Broad Peak: Another significant peak in the Karakorams, depicted through a painting by Shri R.N. Pasricha.

Significance:

• This commemorative stamp set acknowledges the Himalayas as more than just physical landmarks; they are symbols of divinity, spiritual journey, and natural wonder.
• The set honors the legacy of these mountains in shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape of India and the surrounding regions.

Description of Designs:

• K-2 (Godwin Austen): Known for its formidable height and beauty, the second highest peak in the world.
• Kanchenjunga: The world’s third highest peak, respected for its spiritual significance and natural grandeur.
• Nanda Devi: Celebrated for its beauty and status as a part of a Biosphere Reserve.
• Broad Peak: Another remarkable peak in the Karakorams, known for its challenging climb.

The first day cover and cancellation further enhance the set’s appeal, with Kalidasa’s poetic lines and a line drawing of a peak by Smt. Nenu Gupta, encapsulating the essence of the Himalayas.