A Treasure for Philatelists: A Compendium of Articles on the Half Anna Lithograph Stamps

 

It was a delightful surprise to receive a copy of “A Compendium of Articles on the Half Anna Lithograph Stamps” by Mr. Dinesh Kanabar — a name well respected in philatelic circles. This book isn’t just a collection of articles; it's a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most iconic classic stamps, the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph.

Right from the first page, it’s evident how much passion, precision, and perseverance has gone into this work. The book compiles some of the finest articles ever published on the Half Anna Lithograph, drawing from a wide array of respected philatelic journals and magazines, most of which were published before 1970. These include stalwarts like the Philatelic Journal of India, India Stamp Journal, India Post, London Philatelist, Calcutta Philatelist, and more.

🔍 What’s Inside?

The book spans ten rich chapters and a prologue, each shedding light on different aspects of the Half Anna stamp — from its lithographic stone and production flaws to color variations, die types, errors, and even lesser-known varieties that have rarely been catalogued. One of the standout features is Chapter 8, which offers valuable insight into the sources consulted. Chapter 9 serves as a handy index of articles, making it easy to trace the origin and authorship of each piece included.

🖨️ Quality That Matches the Content

Printed on glossy, high-quality paper across approximately 280 pages, the book is beautifully presented. Despite the age of the original articles, the reproduction quality is commendable, with only minimal limitations in a few images — something that is understandable given the historical nature of the content.

📌 Why This Book Matters

It is an essential reference work for anyone passionate about classic Indian philately. Mr. Kanabar has masterfully brought together decades of expert analysis and writing, pairing it with his own insightful commentary. The result is a one-stop resource for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts of the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph.

🌱 A Must-Have for Every Serious Collector

Philately, by its very nature, is never complete — there is always something new to discover or reinterpret. That’s why books like this are so important. They inspire new research, spark curiosity, and preserve the legacy of our postal heritage.

If you're serious about Indian classic stamps, especially the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph, this book deserves a proud spot in your library.

28 July - Drukpa Tsheshi festival

 

Drukpa Tsheshi is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Bhutan, commemorating the First Sermon of Lord Buddha at Sarnath, India. It is observed on the fourth day of the sixth month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, which usually falls in July or August in the Gregorian calendar.

Significance

• Historical Importance: The festival marks the day when Buddha first taught the Four Noble Truths to his initial five disciples. This sermon is considered one of the most important events in the history of Buddhism as it laid the foundation of the Buddhist teachings.
• Cultural Importance: In Bhutan, Drukpa Tsheshi is not only a religious event but also a cultural one, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions of the country.

Celebrations

• Religious Activities: Devotees visit monasteries and temples to offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies. Special rituals and chanting sessions are held to honor the teachings of Buddha.
• Monastic Dances: Monks perform traditional dances and rituals in monasteries, which are significant parts of the celebration.
• Public Participation: People often gather in large numbers at sacred sites, such as the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu and other prominent temples across Bhutan. They engage in prayer, meditation, and other spiritual activities.
• Offerings: It is common for devotees to make offerings of food, flowers, and incense at temples and monasteries.

Locations of Celebration

• Thimphu: The capital city, where the National Memorial Chorten becomes a focal point for celebrations.
• Other Monasteries: Key monasteries across Bhutan also hold special ceremonies and attract many devotees.

Observance

• Public Holiday: Drukpa Tsheshi is often a public holiday in Bhutan, allowing people to participate in the religious and cultural activities.
• Family Gatherings: Families come together to visit temples and engage in prayer and reflection.

Drukpa Tsheshi is a time for Bhutanese people to reaffirm their commitment to Buddhist teachings and reflect on the core principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The festival not only honors the historical event of Buddha’s First Sermon but also strengthens the spiritual and cultural fabric of Bhutanese society.