World HERITAGE DAY (18th April'2026) Special Cancellation by India Post (DOP),Odisha Circle at Bhubaneswar

Special Cancellation Name: World HERITAGE DAY 

Issue Date: 18th April'2026

Details:

On 18 April 2026, the world observed World Heritage Day (International Day for Monuments and Sites) under the theme set by ICOMOS: “Emergency Response for Living Heritage in Contexts of Conflicts and Disasters.”

This year’s theme emphasizes not only the protection of physical monuments and sites but also the safeguarding of living heritage—rituals, crafts, and community traditions—especially in times of climate change, disasters, and war. Key focus areas include:

• Protection during Emergencies: Strategies to safeguard cultural sites during crises.

• Living Heritage Focus: Preserving intangible heritage such as community knowledge and practices.

• Proactive Preparedness: Moving from reactive damage control to proactive disaster risk reduction.

• Resilience and Community: Empowering local communities to protect heritage as part of their identity.

My heartfelt thanks to my friend Shakil Ahmed for sending a striking cover with special cancellation on the issue date by Speed Post (Top Cover). I also extend sincere appreciation to Ajit Kumar Rout, the designer of the special cancellation, for kindly sending another cover by Speed Post on the same day.

About the Special Cancellation

The cancellation, executed in black ink, was specially designed for this occasion. Its elements are deeply symbolic:

• A wheel from the Sun Temple, Konark – representing Odisha’s architectural grandeur.

• A Buddha head referencing Dhauli – evoking the spirit of peace and heritage.

• Inscription: “WORLD HERITAGE DAY, BHUBANESWAR 751001, 18.04.2026”

This thoughtful design beautifully captures Odisha’s cultural and historical richness, making the covers a prized addition to any philatelist’s collection.

Such covers are valuable not only for their design but also for their postal history significance

Birthday Postmark Treasures: Covers from Macau & Hong Kong

Remark:

This year’s birthday brought me a delightful philatelic surprise—two beautifully crafted covers from Macau and Hong Kong, both carrying the special postmark date of 23rd March 2026.

• Macau Cover:
  The top cover features a 5.50 MOP postage stamp issued to commemorate the Macao 2018 – 35th Asian International Stamp Exhibition. A fitting tribute to philately, this cover was posted on my birthday date, making it even more memorable.

• Hong Kong Cover:
  The bottom cover bears multiple stamps and a striking special postmark from Sheung Wan, dated 23rd March 2026. This postmark is associated with the Hong Kong Museums Collection special stamp issue and its hand-back date-stamping service, adding historical and thematic depth to the piece.

Together, these covers symbolize not just postal artistry but also the warmth of friendship. I am deeply grateful to my friend for sending such thoughtful additions to my collection—perfectly timed with my birthday postmark.

Word Aids Day Special cancellation by India Post from Balangir, Odisha on 1st December 2025

Remark: Thanks to Ajit Kumar Raut the designer of the special cancellation for sending this cover to me by Speed Post on 1st DEC'2025 from Balangir,Odisha. 

INDIA Wins ICC Women's Cricket Word Cup'2025 Special Cancellation by India Post (DOP),Odisha Circle at Bhubaneswar

Special Cancellation Name: Celebrating Indian's Maiden Victory of ICC Women's Cricket Word Cup.

Issue Date: 10th NOV'2025(10.11.2025)

Details:

The 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup was the 13th edition of Women's Cricket World Cup. India hosted the World Cup for the fourth time, after the 1978, 1997 and 2013 editions, with the tournament held from 30 September to 2 November 2025. This was the last time the tournament had eight teams. India became champions after defeating South Africa in the final, securing their maiden World Cup title. Australia where the defending champions, but were knocked out in the Semi-final by eventual champions India. 

Remark: I received this beautifully designed cancellation created by Ajit Kumar Raut, a talented artist & a Philatelist from Odisha, for the Department of Posts. The cover, complete with a clear and attractive special cancellation, was sent to me as a registered letter on the day of issue—something I truly appreciate.

On the same day, a friend from Odisha also posted another special cover to me. This one, too, stood out for its excellent design by him. Receiving both covers on their issue date made the experience even more special, and the artistic quality of each piece deserves recognition.

2025 - "World Post Day" on 9th October 2025, Special cancellation by India Post (DOP),Odisha Circle at Bhubaneswar.

Special Cancellation Name: World post Day

Issue Date: 9th October 2025

Details:

World Post Day is an international day that occurs each year on October 9, the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union, which started in 1874 in Switzerland. The UPU was the start of the global communications revolution, introducing the ability to write letter to others all over the world.

World Post Day 2025 🌍 "This year's theme – “Post for People: Local service. Global reach” – honours the people behind the service, and reminds us that when individuals work together, their impact can become truly global.

Remark: Excellent design by the artist Ajit Kumar Raut for DOP. Thanks for sending such a beautiful cover with cancellation & posted by registered letter on the issue date.

2025 - "Tourism Day" on 27th September 2025, Special cancellation by India Post (DOP),Odisha Circle at Bhubaneswar.

 

Special Cancellation Name: Tourism Day

Issue Date: 27th September 2025

Details:

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism.

As the world celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” India reflect on the evolving role of tourism in shaping economies, communities, and ecosystems

Remark: Excellent design by the artist Ajit Kumar Raut for DOP. Thanks for sending such a beautiful cover with cancellation & posted by registered letter on the issue date.The below cover was sent by a veteran philatelist.

 

2025 - International Tiger Day 29th July'2025 Special Cover by India Post from Odisha Circle

  

Special Cover Name:International Tiger Day 29th July'2025

Issue Date: 29th July'2025

Details: International Tiger Day-2025 themes with 'Finding Harmonious Ways to Co-Exist with Tigers' as we celebrate the Majestic Tigers who are a keystone species in the Forest Ecosystem.

July 29 has been identified as the day to commemorate the Global Tiger Day in 2010. It was on this day, at the 2010 International Tiger Summit in St. Petersburg, Governments of the 13 tiger range countries came together to endorse Tx2 – the global goal to double the number of wild tigers by the year 2022.

As of 2025, there are 58 tiger reserves in India.These reserves are established under the Project Tiger initiative, which was launched in 1973 to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and their habitats. The latest addition to the list is Madhav Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh 

Let the tiger live, and forests will thrive. Roar for the tiger before it's silenced forever. Save tigers, save nature's balance.

Remark: Many thanks to Shakil Ahmedji renowned philatelist from Odisha for sending the special cover to me by registered post on the issue date. Total 2000 covers was issued with each cover numbered.

My suggestion to the DOP for issuing better design special covers rather than repeating the designs.

"World Turtle Day" Special Cancellation on 23rd May'2025 by India Post from Kendrapara, Odisha.

Special Cancellation Name: World Turtle Day

Issue Date: 23rd May'2025

Details:

The day was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world

The theme for World Turtle Day 2025 is "Dancing Turtles Rocks. This theme celebrates the 25th anniversary of World Turtle Day, highlighting the importance of turtle conservation and encouraging everyone to take action to protect these ancient creatures.

Remark: Excellent design by the artist Ajit Kumar Rout for DOP. Thanks for sending such a beautiful cover with cancellation & posted by registered letter on the issue date.

International Yoga Day "Special Cancellation" on 21st June'2025 by India Post from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Special Cancellation Name: International Day of YOGA '2025

Issue Date: 21st June'2025 by Department of Post (DOP), India

Details:

International Yoga Day 2025 marked the 11th anniversary of this global celebration, held on June 21. This year’s theme was “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, emphasizing the deep connection between personal well-being and planetary health.

India led the celebrations with massive participation across 1,300 cities, and the flagship event took place in Visakhapatnam, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined nearly 500,000 people along a 26-kilometre stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram. The event aimed to set new world records and promote yoga as a unifying force in a world facing climate change, pandemics, and mental health challenges.

Signature events like Yoga Sangam, Yoga Bandhan, and Harit Yoga were held nationwide, and yoga was even introduced into school curricula in some states. Globally, countries from Russia to the U.S. joined in, showcasing yoga’s universal appeal.

It’s amazing how a practice rooted in ancient Indian tradition continues to inspire millions around the world.

Remark: Beautiful cancellation design by Ajit Kumar Rout. Nice, registered cover sent to me on the issue date by a philatelist from the venue on 21st June'2025

World Environment Day 5th JUNE'2025 "special cancelation" by India Post

Special Cancellation Name: World Environment Day'2025

Issue Date: 5th JUNE'2025 by Department of post (DOP), India

Details:The theme for World Environment Day 2025 is "Ending Global Plastic Pollution". This theme focuses on the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, which impacts ecosystems, human health, and the climate. 

World Environment Day 2025 will be hosted by the Republic of Korea. The goal is to mobilize commitment and action to end plastic pollution through various initiatives and campaigns. The campaign will emphasize real-world solutions and encourage individuals, organizations, and governments to adopt sustainable practices. 

The campaign will highlight the pervasiveness of plastic pollution, including microplastics found in various environments and even within living organisms. It will also explore the connection between plastic pollution and other environmental issues, such as climate change

Remark: Beautiful special cancellation released by Department of Post (DOP) , Govt of India in Bhawanipatna ,Odisha.The cancellation was designed by Artist Ajit Kumar Raut.

2nd International Tiger Fourm FDC fom INDIA

FDC Name:2nd International Tiger Forum
Issue Date: 01-09-2022 

Details: Differing attitudes and beliefs regarding the relationship of humankind to other creatures has been a topic of interest for civilizations. India, the land of eastern religions of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, strongly lays emphasis on non injury to animals. The doctrine of non-violence or non-killing he doctrine of non-violence or non-killing is taken from these eastern philosophies. In Sanatan Dharma, animals are carriers of gods and goddesses and hence considered integral part of human lifestyle. Tiger, is the carrier of Goddess Durga, the source of unlimited power and abundance

The Government of India took a pioneering initiative for conserving its national animal, the tiger, by launching the “Project Tiger” in 1973. “Project Tiger”, now ongoing as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, was launched in 09 tiger reserves of different States (Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) over an area of approximately 14,000 km.Since then, the project coverage has expanded considerably to 52 tiger reserves (TR), encompassing an area of around 74,725.07 km 2 in 18 tiger States with 41,022.9 km 2 of notified core/ critical tiger habitats and 33,602.12 km2 of buffer / peripheral areas in 18 tiger states

Due to ongoing conservation efforts under the Project Tiger in designated tiger reserves, India supports almost 70% of wild tigers amongst the 13 tiger range countries in the world. Project Tiger has put the endangered tiger on an assured path of recovery, as revealed in the country level assessment of tiger, co- predators, prey and habitat.

In November, 2010, the Russian Federation had organized an International Forum on issues related to preservation of tiger in St Petersburg. The forum had adopted a declaration of the Heads of Governments on Tiger Conservation and the Global Tiger Recovery Program. One of the important decisions taken in the Forum was doubling of tiger population in the natural habitat of tiger by 2022.
It is heartening to note that India has achieved the goal of doubling the tigers well ahead of the schedule and India is one of the leading Tiger Range Countries in the world in tiger conservation. As per the agreement reached in 2010 in St Petersburg, 2nd International Tiger Forum is being held. This 2nd International Forum has the main objectives of reviewing the results of Global Program and determine new priorities for further joint work of interested parties. The 2nd International Tiger Forum is an important international event in creating awareness in stakeholders and India’s achievement of doubling of tiger numbers.
To commemorate the 2nd International Forum, the Russian Federation is issuing a postage stamp dedicated
to this event. India being the global leader in tiger conservation is reciprocating the gesture by releasing a
Commemorative Postage Stamp to celebrate this important global event.
The Commemorative Postage Stamp also pays tribute to ‘Collarwali’ the famous tigress of Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, which passed away in January, 2022. This Super MOM, tigress had given birth to 29 tiger cubs in her life time and an astonishing 25 cubs had survived into adulthood.(Source India Post)

Stamp/FDC/Brochure Designer : Shri Brahm Prakash

Cancellation Cachet Designer: Smt. Nenu Gupta

Remark: Beautiful FDC & Stamps for the 2nd International Tiger Forum. Thanks to our Young philatelist for sending such beautiful FDC.

XIV Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 cover with special cancellation

Cover Name: XIV Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

Date: 09-02-2022

From:Alan,HONG KONG

Memories.....of Gold Medal in CHICAGOPEX-2019 for my exhibit titled "BEYOND THE STRIPES" TIGER-A critically endangered species.

1st Frame on Display

The CPS is APS Chapter No.1 Philatelic Society,formally established on 8th October1886 though it was started on December 1884. It was the USA's one of the oldest Philatelic Society. They conduct an International philatelic exhibition every year.

 

 

 

CHICAGO PHILATELIC SOCIETY(CPS)

A Floral Motif with Personalized Coupon FDC from Slovakia

FDC Name:A Floral Motif with Personalized Coupon
Issue Date: 1st JUNE'2018
Details:

Remark:Many Thanks to Kredatus Josef ,my CCCC member from Slovakia for sending such a wonderful FDC with information.

Wild Orchids of Taiwan(Series-III) FDC from Taiwan

FDC Name:Wild Orchids of Taiwan(Series-III)

Issue Date:22/08/2018

Details:
Wild Orchids of Taiwan postage stamps was issued in November 2017 and in January and February 2018, Chunghwa Post is again issued a set of four stamps featuring the Phalaenopsis equestris, Odontochilus nanlingensis, Bulbophyllum retusiusculum, and Bulbophyllum griffithii. The stamps are as follows
1. Phalaenopsis equestris (NT$7): This species is parasitic. Its pale purple flowers are 3 cm across. The sepal is oval, the petals rhomboid. It flowers in summer and is only found in Taiwan in small patches on the forested craggy slopes of Little Orchid Island.

2. Odontochilus nanlingensis (NT$9): This orchid grows on the ground, generally with 2 or 3 flowers. The white petals have a reddish hue with reddish-brown stripes and marks. It flowers in spring and is found at heights of 500 to 1,000 meters in damp broadleaved forest from Wulai to Nanao. 

3. Bulbophyllum retusiusculum (NT$10): A miniature parasitic orchid with colorful petals. Its upper lip is dark red, while the sides are yellow and 1.5 cm long. The flowers are generally arranged in a fan-shape, like a small circular comb, so it is also called Yellow Comb Orchid. It flowers in autumn and winter and is common in cool damp evergreen broadleaved forest in the mid to low altitude mountains of Taiwan. 

4. Bulbophyllum griffithii (NT$20): A parasitic orchid with single flower, 0.8 to 1.2 cm across, whose petals are parchment white densely flecked with purple. It flowers in autumn, and is found in cool damp forest in Xitou (Nantou County), Fenchihu (Chiayi) and Caoling (Yunlin).( Source- Chunghwa Post)

Stamp Designer-Chi-jen Lai

FDC Designer-Jheng Yi-lang

Stamp Printer- Central Engraving and Printing Plant.

Remark: Beautiful two Types of post mark,posted on the issue date to me.Thanks Chen for such a lovely real posted FDC.