COVER N. 423 - INDIA

Postmark:  Architectural Delights Sidi Saiyad's Window 24.02.2024 

Posted on the 24th February; received on the 15th March 2024

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Two years ago, I received my first cover from India. The lovely envelope I then received from Piyush, was illustrated with an image of several temples and the legend "Chadram Yatra", which designates the four holy pilgrimage sites that any Hindu should visit at least once in a lifetime.

Investigating  a bit, I found out that the  images on the envelope and on the two stamps  on it  were not of the four temples of the Chardham Yatra in particualr, but of the 4 temples of the  Chota Chardam,  the four small abodes, a shorter pilgrimage circuit, but also one of deep meaning in Hinduist  tradition, which must be linked to the Chadram Yatra in some way, I presume, given that Badrinah is a relevant site for both circuits.

Now Piyush has again sent me a cover and he kindly and thoughtfully used the remaining two stamps on the set, namely those with images of the temples of Badrinath and Gangotri.

Thanks you so much Piyush, for making sure I have the complete set in two beautiful covers.

In order to complete postage  Piyush used another two different stamps, on the back of the cover

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, (1924 - 2108) was a politician who was the country's Prime-Minister on Three different occasions. (1996; 1998-99 and 1999-2004). On his passing away, he was honoured with the 200 Rupee stamp on the cover, issued on 25DEC2018.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920) was an Indian scholar and nationalist who fought for independence by promoting passive resistance to British rule, a strategy that would later be used to good effect by Gandhi, himself. His effigy graces the 100 Rupee stamp issued on MAR2016 included in a definitive set dedicated to the creators of India.

Of note also is the pictorial postmark, highlighting one "Architectural delight" as stated on it. The featured landmark is one of the marble windows of the Sidi Saiyad Mosque, in Ahmedabad, famous for their intricate laticework.