2010 XIX COMMONWEALTH GAMES [18-Oct-2008]

Theme: Games
Title: 2010 XIX COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Date Of Issue: 18-Oct-2008
Denomination: 500(Ps)
No/Issue Sheet: 40
Printing Process: Photogravure
Printed: 3 Million
Printer: India Security Press, Nasik


The Commonwealth Games is a multinational, multi-sport event. Held every four years, it involves the elite athlets of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Comonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games. The firsts such event, then known as the British Empire Games, was held in 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The name changed to British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954, to British Commonwealth Games in 1970 and assumed the current name of the Commonwealth Games in 1974. There are currently 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, and 71 teams participate in the Games. The four constituent countries of the United Kingdom-England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland-send separate teams to the Commonwealth Games(unlike at the Olympic Games, where the United Kingdom sends a single team), and individual teams are also sent from the British Crown dependencies-Guernsey, jersey and the Isle of Man-and manyn of the British overseas territories. As "Jigrr" the mascot of Commonwealth Youth Games Pune, 2008, hands over the baton of the game to "Shera" his elder brother, the run up for Commonwealthgames Delhi 2010 begin with flame of enthusiasm and joy. Shera welcomes you all to Delhi for Commonwealth Games 2010 with open arms and fabled Indian hospitality. We in India believe in " Atithi Devo Bhava", our guest is like God. Let us meet in Delhi in the true spirit of the Commonwelath games. India Post is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp on Mascot or Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010.

Festivals of India [17-Oct-2008]

Theme: Festivals
Title: Festivals of India
Date Of Issue: 17-Oct-2008
Denomination: 500(Ps)
No/Issue Sheet: 30
Printing Process: Photogravure
Nos. Printed: 3 Million
Printer: India Security Press, Nasik

STAMP 1: DUSSEHRA KOLKATTA- The festival of Dussehra, also known as "Vijayadashmi" is one of the facinating festivals of India and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm for ten continuous days. Dussehra, or the tenth day, as it literally means, marks the end of the nine days of Navaratri. The first nine nights are spent in the worship of Goddess Durga. This festival falls in the month of Aswin(Sep-Oct). The legend underlying the celebration, as also its mode of conduct, vary vastly by region:however, all festivities celebrate the vistory of the forces of Good over Evil.

STAMP 2: DUSSEHRA,MYSORE - The festival of Dussehra, also known as "Vijayadashmi" is one of the facinating festivals of India and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm for ten continuous days. Dussehra, or the tenth day, as it literally means, marks the end of the nine days of Navaratri. The first nine nights are spent in the worship of Goddess Durga. This festival falls in the month of Aswin(Sep-Oct). The legend underlying the celebration, as also its mode of conduct, vary vastly by region:however, all festivities celebrate the vistory of the forces of Good over Evil.

STAMP 3: DEEPAVALI - Of the festivals of India, Diwali is one of the most significant, grand and auspicious occasions not only celebrated in India but other parts of the world too. 'Diwali' or "Deepavali" is a festival of lights. In sanskrit word Deepavali derives as -'Deep' meaning diya or light and 'Avali' meaning a row-a row of lamps. Diwali, celebrates the abundance of autumn harvest and is dedicated to various gods and godesses. The festival, according to legends, marks the home coming of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Laxman to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. The tradition of lighting diyas and candles dates back to history when the people of Ayodhya lighted lamps through out the kingdom to welcome them. Diwali also celebrates the power of three goddesses, Lakshmi, Kali and saraswathi.