India and Portugal Joint Issue

Celebrating Folk Dances Across Cultures

India and Portugal share a deep and enduring bond built on centuries of interaction, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. Today, their relationship flourishes through strong political, cultural, and people-to-people connections. Both nations actively cooperate in multilateral forums, supporting each other’s initiatives and global engagements.

Strengthening these historic ties further, the Department of Posts, India, and Correios de Portugal have come together to release a Joint Commemorative Stamp Issue celebrating the Folk Dances of India and Portugal. The stamps beautifully depict Dandiya Dance from India and Pauliteiros Dance from Portugal — two vibrant traditions that embody rhythm, unity, and heritage.

Dandiya Dance – The Rhythm of Navratri

The Dandiya Dance is one of the most iconic folk traditions of India, especially celebrated during the Navratri festival in the state of Gujarat. Rooted in devotion, it originated as a ritual dance performed in honor of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The colorful sticks used by dancers represent the goddess’s swords in her battle against the demon Mahishasura.

Dancers, adorned in dazzling costumes rich with mirror work and embroidery, form lively circles as they sway, twirl, and strike their sticks in rhythmic harmony. The music of dhol, dholak, tabla, and bongos fills the air, transforming the night into a celebration of joy, energy, and togetherness.

Once confined to Gujarat, the Dandiya has now become a pan-Indian cultural phenomenon, performed across states and communities. It continues to unite people in shared celebration — a symbol of India’s vibrant spirit and living traditions.

Pauliteiros Dance – The Pride of Terras de Miranda

From the picturesque region of Terras de Miranda in northeastern Portugal, the Pauliteiros Dance is an ancient folk tradition performed by groups of eight men accompanied by three musicians. Their attire — embroidered skirts, linen shirts, woolen socks, leather boots, and hats decorated with flowers — reflects Portugal’s rural charm and artisanal legacy.

Performing with wooden sticks to the rhythm of the bagpipe, snare drum, and brass drum, the Pauliteiros create a dynamic display of synchronized movement, strength, and sound. The accompanying songs, called Lhacos, are sung in Mirandese, the region’s traditional language, preserving Portugal’s linguistic and cultural identity.

The origins of the Pauliteiros dance trace back centuries — possibly to ancient sword dances of Central Europe that evolved into fertility and harvest rituals. By the 10th century, these dances were embraced by the Christian Church and performed during festivals in honor of saints. To this day, the Pauliteiros travel from village to village, keeping this living heritage alive.

A Cultural Bridge Through Stamps

The India-Portugal Joint Stamp Issue on Folk Dances beautifully captures the essence of two nations connected by history and shared values. Through Dandiya and Pauliteiros, both India and Portugal celebrate the harmony of movement, music, and community that transcends borders.

Issued by the Department of Posts, India, this philatelic collaboration is not just a tribute to dance but also a symbolic gesture of friendship — a rhythmic bridge linking East and West through art and tradition.