COVER N. 486 - INDIA

Postmark: Illegible

Posted ? Received on the 10th July 2024

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A great many thanks, Sayantan, for the  nice cover with stamps illustrated with traditional bridal costumes from India.

Coincidentally, the cover  arrived in my letter box at the time when news on TV has it that the wedding of the son of the wealthiest man in India is under way. The equivalent to a  meagre 121 to 143 million Euros, according to the BBC, has already been spent on the festivities which will have more than 1000 guests and have been going for four months... in India...

Reason, common sense, respect,... these are probably words that have different meanings according to the universe they gravitate in. Yes, it is but one world, but full of parallel universes...

The beautiful traditional bridal costumes of several regions of India, are the subject of an eight x 25 rupee stamp set, issued on 12FEB2023. Two of these interesting stamps are featured on the cover.  From left to right:

Bridal costume of West Bengal.

The Benarasi, a red and gold silk saree - a six meter long single piece of fabric - is the choice of Bengali brides, who complement it with gold jewellery and a mukut on the head, which symbolises prosperity and happiness.

Bridal costume of  Manipur

The distinctive element in the bridal dress of Manipur brides is the potloi, a bamboo and fabric skirt which is stitched into the bride's gown. According to the references I consulted in the internet, this is such an expensive element that they are usually loaned by the bride for the ceremony.

Unfortunately the postmark is totally illegible, so I have no clue as to where the letter was mailed from.