Memorial Stamps -TB Cunha and Wendell Rodricks
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Special Mario Miranda Cover
Special GI Cover -Goan Khaje
Special GI Cover -Cashew Feni
Just as cuisine reveals cultural identity, our faith reflects the wealth of belief. In 1974, a Special First Day cover was launched to honour the Expositions of St. Francis Xavier, along with a UNESCO Heritage Site stamp of the Bom Jesus Basilica.
1974 Exposition of St.Francis Xavier Cover
Following that, a special cover was released in 2014 to applaud a landmark initiative in which pilgrims the world over were given an opportunity to participate in the Holy Eucharist at Old Goa, in foreign and Indian languages for the first time.
2014 Special Cover
From a pilgrimage that drew the faithful, Goa next welcomed leaders from across the Commonwealth. When India hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) with a retreat in Goa, the Indian Government marked this honour with a special logo cover and commemorative stamps, depicting a 19th-century Goan couple. This emphasised a cultural view of Goa, instead of the popular touristic one.
1983 CHOGM Cover
Beyond diplomatic gatherings lies a Goa rooted in centuries of sacred memory. On the occasion of the Pope’s visit, the release of the Mahadeva Temple cover spotlighted the Shaivite temple of the Kadamba period.
Mahadeva Temple Cover
From moments of faith, Goa’s postal journey crossed bridges that physically and symbolically connected Goa, with the cover release on the Conde de Linhares Bridge. Built in 1633-34 under the direction of the then Viceroy of Portuguese India, Miguel de Noronha, 4th Count of Linhares, the causeway runs along the flood plains of the Mandovi, connecting Ribandar to Panaji. With tide control ducts, it was said to have been the longest in the world at the time of completion.
1995 Conde de Linhares Cover
Journeying across land and river, Goa’s postage next turns to the seas in 2015 by marking the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Golden Jubilee. Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Dona Paula, the NIO was instituted with the aim of undertaking oceanographic scientific research. A commemorative cover was released to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.
2015 NIO Golden Jubilee Cover
From the vast oceanic depths, we resurface to the shores of Panjim for the 2018 release of the cover by the City Corporation of Panjim. In March 1843, ‘Nova Goa’ was raised to the category of a city with status equaling its counterparts in Portugal. To celebrate 175 years of this elevated status, a special cover was released in 2018.
2018 City Corporation of Panjim Celebration Cover
Finally, beyond the city gates we meet the sentinels that have watched over Goa for centuries. A2019 cover on the Forts of Goa portrays our unique architectural heritage through the Alorna, Aguada, Santa Estevem and Corjuem Forts.
2019 Forts of Goa Cover
When asked which Goan icons still await philatelic recognition, Dr.Ramesh Kumar pointed to beloved Konkani poet Manohar Rai Sardesai and eminent freedom fighter Dr. Juliao Menezes. Until then, Dr.Ramesh Kumar, with his compact archive, continues cataloguing Goa's history devotedly for our future generations.
